Tesla earns a lot of bad press for its semi-autonomous driving features and misbehaving drivers, but the automaker’s charging network is rarely a target of criticism. Other companies have jumped on board with Tesla’s Superchargers, vowing to adopt the standard for new EVs, and now Tesla has a handful of new automakers joining the fray. Audi, Porsche, Scout, and Volkswagen will all move to Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) starting in 2025.
The automaker announced that its vehicles would start carrying the port, along with Scout, which is expected to begin selling vehicles in the next few years. VW has a slate of new EVs coming, and its subsidiaries have exciting models like the Porsche Macan EV on the way. Interestingly, the company holds a majority stake in Electrify America, a separate network with thousands of chargers across the country. VW also said that it was exploring adapter options for existing vehicles with non-compatible charging ports.
Volkswagen joins Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, and others in moving to Tesla’s standard. The charging experience is so variable and unreliable at times that automakers are looking at the charging experience as a significant obstacle to widespread EV adoption and sales. Tesla’s Superchargers, while often very crowded, tend to be more reliable and offer an easier experience.
[Image: Tesla]
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