More automakers plug into Tesla's EV charging network

November 6, 20231:22 PM PSTUpdated 18 hours ago

A Tesla vehicle is charged at a Tesla supercharging station in Kettleman City, California, U.S., January 25, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File photo Acquire Licensing Rights

Nov 6 (Reuters) - More automakers signed up to access Tesla's electric-vehicle charging infrastructure across the United States, taking the Elon Musk-led company's superchargers closer to becoming the industry standard.

Texas has approved a plan to require EV charging companies to include Tesla's plug if they want to be eligible for federal funds.

Tesla's North American Charging Standard is more widely available and reliable than rival charging network CCS, which is backed by automakers such as Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) and Hyundai Motor (005380.KS).

Here is a list of the companies adopting NACS:

List of U.S. states that have either mandated Tesla's charging tech or plan to:

VW group moves to Tesla charging network

The Province

Feb 01, 2024

Volk­swa­gen, Audi and Porsche elec­tric ve­hi­cles will all use NACS to power up

The automotive industry, with the current notable exception of Stellantis, has now almost completely aligned itself with the North American Charging Standard (NACS), first introduced by Tesla, for electric-vehicle (EV) charging in the U.S. and Canada. On Dec. 19, Volkswagen Group — which encompasses Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche and Scout Motors — announced its future EVs would also be NACS-compatible, a significant move that marks a crucial step toward uniformity and convenience in EV charging across the continent.

The move demonstrates the industry's collaborative spirit, and marks, too, efforts from Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche to explore adapter solutions to allow vehicles with CCS charging ports to connect to the expansive NACS-based Tesla Supercharger network. This initiative, expected to start in 2025, will potentially grant customers access to over 15,000 Superchargers, significantly widening the charging landscape. For VW's upcoming Scout Motors EV truck brand, the use of NACS will be a foundational part of its vehicles' tech as they hit the market, ensuring immediate integration with the Tesla network.

It's not just VW Group cars going NACS, either: the Volkswagen-owned Electrify America and Electrify Canada networks are a pivotal part of the automaker's strategy to enhance its customers' access to charging infrastructures, and by 2025, both of them will also aim to offer NACS connectors across their North American stations, while continuing support for CCS. This dual approach will effectively cater to existing EV owners while serving future EV drivers and their NACS-compliant vehicles.

Pablo Di Si, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, highlighted the expanded charging network as a significant boon for customers, particularly for popular models like the Volkswagen ID.4.

“This potentially provides with access to more than 15,000 additional charging points, as well as the current near-4,000 DC fast-charging outlets operated by Electrify America,” he was quoted in a release.

This expansion is seen as a crucial element in enhancing the overall EV ownership experience.

In the same press release, Tesla's senior director of charging, Rebecca Tinucci, also recognized the rapid progress NACS has made, moving from concept to commitment. She emphasized the collective effort in the automotive industry to improve charging experiences for all EV drivers, marking a collective stride toward sustainable energy.

As 2025 approaches, details on the integration of the Tesla North American Charging Standard into specific Volkswagen Group models are anticipated. As well, if we were the betting type, some form of announcement from the last major holdout, Stellantis — parent of the Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo brands — and its plans to adopt the NACS should be forthcoming.