Automotive News Europe — 2023-12-19
Automotive Industry
Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche and Scout are the latest automakers to adopt Tesla's North American Charging Standard.
Volkswagen Group of America said Tuesday that starting in 2025, Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche electric vehicles will be equipped with the port, allowing access to Tesla's Supercharger network. The three German brands have waves of EVs set to arrive in 2024 and 2025.
Scout Motors, an EV startup backed by Volkswagen Group, also plans to use the standard. Production of Scout's upcoming SUV and pickup is slated to begin around late 2026, with sales to begin soon after.
The four brands join a growing list of automakers, such as Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia and Toyota, that have announced such plans in 2023.
The VW Group brands said they are also exploring adapter solutions for EVs with the Combined Charging System charging port to access Tesla's network.
Volkswagen said the move will provide customers with access to more than 15,000 Superchargers as well as around 3,800 Electrify America and Electrify Canada charging outlets.
In June, Electrify America, the charging company majority-owned by Volkswagen Group, said it would offer North American Charging Standard connectors across the US and Canada by 2025.
"Today, with the VW Group's commitment, almost every major automotive manufacturer is onboard, rallying behind a shared vision of improving charging experiences for all EV drivers," Rebecca Tinucci, Tesla's senior director of charging infrastructure, said in a statement.