The gas station of the future. Tesla is making significant strides in the energy sector, not just with electric vehicles but also with their charging infrastructure. They have been expanding their Supercharger network, which is designed to provide Tesla owners with a convenient and fast charging solution, reducing the cost per mile and eliminating the need for gasoline.
Moreover, Tesla has been partnering with traditional gas station operators to expand the reach of its Superchargers. For instance, they have struck deals with major gas station operators like the EG Group, allowing them to sell Tesla’s Supercharger hardware under the ‘evpoint’ brand. This move is set to make Tesla’s charging solutions more accessible to a broader range of electric vehicle drivers, not just Tesla owners.
These partnerships are part of Tesla’s vision to create a ‘gas station’ of the future, where electric vehicle charging stations are as ubiquitous and convenient as traditional gas stations. With over 50,000 Superchargers globally, Tesla is well on its way to creating an infrastructure that could rival that of established oil companies like Exxon.
Tesla’s approach to the charging infrastructure is not only about expanding its network but also about integrating with existing gas stations, thereby transforming the landscape of refueling for the next generation of vehicles. This strategy could significantly disrupt the traditional fueling industry and cement Tesla’s position as a major player in both the automotive and energy sectors.
Several major automobile manufacturers are transitioning to Tesla’s Supercharger network by adopting the North American Charging Standard (NACS). Here’s a list of manufacturers making the switch:
Ford: Announced a partnership with Tesla to license out NACS ports for their vehicles starting in 2025.
General Motors: Also joining the move to adopt NACS ports for their vehicles in 2025.
BMW Group: Including BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce, confirmed that by 2025 its electric vehicles will begin transitioning to NACS charging ports.
Audi: Part of the VW Group, Audi will start implementing NACS ports in 2025, allowing future and current models like the 2024 Q8 E-Tron Sportback to use Tesla Superchargers with an adapter.
Stellantis: While they have switched to the NACS charging port, there is no deal with Tesla for Supercharger access, meaning EVs from Dodge, Ram, Alfa Romeo, and other brands under Stellantis will not be able to charge at Supercharger locations.
Other brands like Volvo and Polestar will also get access to the Supercharger network. This move towards a unified charging standard is expected to simplify the charging experience for EV drivers and enhance the infrastructure for mass EV adoption.
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