Porsche and Audi EV Owners Gain Access to Tesla's Extensive Supercharger Network Across North America

Porsche and Audi's EVs Can Now Recharge on Any Tesla Supercharger in North America In a significant expansion of electric vehicle charging options, Porsche and Audi have announced that their vehicles can now recharge at any Tesla Supercharger station across North America. This development marks the latest step in the growing trend of automakers collaborating to create a more seamless and convenient charging experience for EV owners. According to an announcement by Porsche, starting September 9, some of its owners will be eligible to receive adapters that enable them to charge their vehicles via the NACS (North American Charging Standard) port. This technology, developed by Tesla, allows other automakers to access the Supercharger network. The rollout follows a December 2023 announcement by Volkswagen Group, which owns both Porsche and Audi, stating that it would implement NACS compatibility for its brands. Porsche is kicking off its NACS adoption with a "soft launch," where existing owners of Taycan and Macan Electric models must reserve a free NACS to DC adapter through the My Porsche app. During this initial phase, drivers will need to use the Tesla app at Superchargers, but they will eventually be able to charge using the My Porsche app in the coming months. "We're excited to bring our customers one step closer to seamless charging," said Porsche spokesperson Ashton Stan. "This collaboration with Tesla is a significant milestone for electric vehicle adoption and demonstrates our commitment to making EV ownership more convenient and accessible." Audi is also introducing its own branded adapter, which will be included with newer 2025 model year options such as the Q6 e-tron, A6 Sportback e-tron, and e-tron GT. However, Audi's Q4 e-tron will not currently have access to Tesla Superchargers. This expansion of charging options is expected to benefit thousands of EV owners across North America, particularly those who frequently travel long distances or live in areas with limited charging infrastructure. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, this development highlights the importance of collaboration and innovation among automakers to create a more comprehensive and user-friendly charging ecosystem. The addition of Porsche and Audi's EVs to the Tesla Supercharger network is a significant step forward in creating a standardized charging system that can accommodate various vehicle types. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this development impacts consumer behavior and adoption rates for electric vehicles. Background: In recent years, there has been a growing trend of automakers collaborating on electric vehicle technology, including charging infrastructure. Tesla's NACS port was developed as an open standard, allowing other manufacturers to access the Supercharger network. Volkswagen Group's announcement in December 2023 marked a significant milestone in this effort. Implications: This development is expected to have several implications for EV owners and the industry as a whole: Increased convenience: With more charging options available, EV owners will be able to charge their vehicles more easily, particularly when traveling long distances. Improved adoption rates: The expansion of charging infrastructure is likely to contribute to increased adoption rates for electric vehicles. Collaboration and innovation: This development highlights the importance of collaboration among automakers in creating a comprehensive and user-friendly charging ecosystem. Current Status and Next Developments: As of September 9, Porsche owners with eligible models can reserve their free NACS to DC adapter through the My Porsche app. Audi's branded adapter will be included with newer model year options starting in 2025. As more automakers collaborate on electric vehicle technology, it is likely that we will see further expansion of charging infrastructure and increased convenience for EV owners. *Reporting by Engadget.*