Volkswagen finds itself among the final major automakers to acknowledge the supremacy of Tesla’s charging network. With this move, Stellantis stands as one of the few remaining players yet to commit this electric shift.
Volkswagen Group, the proud owner of Audi, Porsche, and Scout Motors, is charting a new course by joining the ranks of automakers embracing Tesla’s electric vehicle charging standard.
In a recent announcement, VW expressed its commitment to providing a seamless experience for its current EV owners by “exploring adapter solutions.” This move aims to facilitate access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, with a targeted rollout expected by 2025. Additionally, Volkswagen plans to integrate Tesla’s charging port directly into its new electric vehicles hitting the roads in the same year.
Anticipated as a game-changer, this collaboration is set to open the doors to approximately 15,000 Supercharger locations across North America for Volkswagen’s growing customer base. The future of electric mobility just got a significant boost from Volkswagen’s forward-thinking approach.
Until recently, Tesla Superchargers stood as a coveted perk exclusive to Tesla owners—a key factor in the brand’s appeal, offering consistent, exclusive, and abundant EV charging. However, a notable shift began a few years back when Tesla extended access to non-Tesla EVs, starting in Europe and subsequently in the US. This change was prompted by a requirement set forth by the Biden administration, making it a prerequisite for accessing a portion of the $7.5 billion allocated for EV charging in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Tesla’s Supercharger network is hailed for its superiority over many third-party EV charging stations, often equipped with CCS plugs and the less utilized CHAdeMO charging standard. With a global count of 45,000 Superchargers, including 12,000 in the US, Tesla is reshaping the landscape of electric vehicle charging accessibility.
In a landscape where many EV charging stations grapple with software glitches and faulty chargers, Tesla stands out with its Superchargers, boasting nearly flawless reliability. According to the company, Superchargers achieved an impressive average uptime of 99.95 percent last year, only slightly down from the stellar 99.96 percent recorded in 2021. Tesla’s commitment to reliability is setting a new standard in the world of electric vehicle charging.
With VW on board, Tesla can now shift its focus entirely to the last significant holdout: Stellantis. This automotive giant encompasses brands such as Jeep, Chrysler, Ram, Dodge, Peugeot, Fiat, and many others.
