Volkswagen, a major global automaker with renowned brands like Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Porsche, and Lamborghini, has revealed that it is in discussions with Tesla regarding the installation of ports in its electric vehicles (EVs) that are compatible with Tesla’s charging connectors. This announcement comes on the heels of Electrify America, Volkswagen’s EV charging station operator, announcing its plans to incorporate Tesla charging plugs, also known as the North American Charging Standard (NACS). Michael Steiner, a member of VW’s extended executive board, responsible for development at the Volkswagen Group, expressed Volkswagen’s commitment to enhancing the charging experience for their North American customers through open standards and seamless interoperability.
Implications for Tesla and the EV Market
The inclusion of Volkswagen in the expanding NACS coalition would be a significant achievement for Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Currently, Tesla is the fourth largest seller of EVs in North America, trailing behind Ford, GM, and Volkswagen. Moreover, Volkswagen is the leading car company in Europe, so if they were to adopt NACS, it is highly likely that other European brands such as BMW and Mercedes would follow suit. This development signifies a positive outlook for Tesla’s presence in Europe.
Toyota’s Stance on Tesla’s Charging Standard
While Tesla’s prospects in Europe appear promising, the situation in Asia remains uncertain. Toyota, a competitor to Volkswagen in terms of annual sales, has not yet commented on the industry’s shift towards Tesla’s charging standard. Despite multiple requests for comment from The Verge, Toyota representatives have remained silent on the matter. Elon Musk himself has expressed his belief that Toyota should embrace the NACS coalition, urging them to join through a tweet.
Other Automakers Considering Tesla’s Charging Plug
Nissan, another major player in the automotive industry, has not confirmed whether it plans to adopt the NACS for its future EVs. Currently, the Nissan Leaf still utilizes the first-generation CHAdeMO chargers, while the rest of the industry has transitioned to the Combined Charging System (CCS). However, the upcoming Nissan Ariya EV will employ CCS.
Hyundai, on the other hand, has revealed that it is presently evaluating the possibility of adopting Tesla’s charging plug. The main concern for Hyundai and its subsidiary Kia is the compatibility of Tesla Superchargers with their 800-volt charging systems. The companies have identified this as a potential obstacle.
Lastly, Stellantis, the parent company of renowned brands like Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Fiat, Peugeot, Maserati, and Ram, has expressed its consideration of incorporating Tesla’s NACS outlets into its future vehicles. Although no official agreement has been announced, this indicates that Tesla’s charging connectors are gaining traction among major automakers.
Tesla has recently experienced a string of victories in terms of EV charging adoption by various automakers. While Volkswagen’s involvement represents a significant accomplishment, there are still notable holdouts in the industry. Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, and Stellantis are all currently deliberating the adoption of Tesla’s charging standard for their EVs. The ultimate decision of these major players will have a substantial impact on the future of EV charging infrastructure and Tesla’s position in the market.
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