Volkswagen EVs Set to Connect to Tesla’s Supercharger Network by 2025

 

Volkswagen has announced that starting in June 2025, its electric vehicles (EVs) will be able to access Tesla’s vast Supercharger network, marking a significant step in the growing alignment of the automotive industry with Tesla’s charging standard.

Adapters for Current Volkswagen EVs

According to PC Magazine, Mark Gillies, the Director of Public Relations at Volkswagen Group of America, made the announcement at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. He stated, “We will gain access to the network in June or July, once we have an official VW adapter.”

The integration will kick off with the release of official Volkswagen adapters, which will enable existing Volkswagen EV models—including the ID.4 crossover SUV and the newly introduced ID. Buzz minivan—to use Tesla’s charging stations. 

 

Volkswagen's Late Commitment to NACS

Volkswagen was notably one of the last major automakers to commit to the North American Charging Standard (NACS), doing so in December 2023. The delay was partly due to the company’s significant investment in the competing Electrify America network. Additionally, Volkswagen chose to wait for the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to officially certify the NACS standard before making its decision, contributing to the timing of the announcement.

This integration into Tesla’s charging network places Volkswagen among a growing list of automakers that now have access, including Ford, General Motors (GM), Rivian, Volvo, Polestar, and Nissan. Mercedes-Benz is expected to be the next brand to join, though the exact timeline remains uncertain.

Adapters for Volkswagen EVs Until 2026

For current Volkswagen EV owners, this transition will require the use of adapters until around 2026, when new Volkswagen models are expected to come with built-in NACS ports. While third-party adapters from manufacturers like A2Z are already available in the market, Volkswagen is collaborating with suppliers to develop and approve official adapters. Pricing for these official adapters has not yet been revealed.

The integration process could face some challenges, as seen with other automakers. For example, Ford experienced delays with its adapter rollout and had to replace some units, illustrating the complexities involved in such transitions.

  

Expansion of Tesla’s Charging Network

The expansion of Tesla’s charging network to include other manufacturers began in 2022 when Tesla announced plans to open its charging infrastructure to other brands, partly motivated by federal EV charging grants under the Biden administration. What initially seemed like an ambitious goal gained significant momentum in 2023 when Ford became the first major automaker to adopt Tesla’s connector.

Questions remain regarding how this integration will affect other brands within the Volkswagen Group, such as Audi and Porsche. While these brands were included in the joint announcement committing to NACS in December 2023, there are no confirmed timelines for when they will be able to access Tesla’s Supercharger network.

This development goes beyond just technical integration—it marks a significant step toward a more unified EV charging infrastructure. By improving interoperability, it could simplify the charging experience for consumers and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles across North America.