Volkswagen said it is facing technical challenges in enabling access to Tesla’s Supercharger network for its electric vehicles in North America, leaving the German automaker behind rivals in adopting the widely used fast-charging system.
Tesla began opening its Supercharger network to non-Tesla vehicles in 2021, striking agreements that led most automakers in the region to adopt the company’s North American Charging Standard (NACS). Industry-wide integration accelerated this year after earlier delays caused by internal restructuring at Tesla, which included the dismissal and partial rehiring of its charging team.
Volkswagen remains the last major brand without Supercharger access for its vehicles, notably the ID.4 and ID. Buzz models. Earlier this month, Porsche and Audi, both part of the Volkswagen Group, confirmed their customers could now use Tesla’s chargers in the United States and Canada.
According to PCMag, Volkswagen acknowledged the delay and asked its customers to be patient. “Volkswagen looks forward to making it possible for ID. Buzz and ID.4 vehicle owners to gain access to the Tesla NACS Partner Superchargers. The timeline has been delayed by technical challenges, and we ask for customers’ patience. We still expect to deliver access this year,” the company said.
While Volkswagen has not specified the nature of the difficulties, the automaker has long contended with software integration issues. In June, it announced a partnership with U.S. startup Rivian to strengthen its software development as it expands its EV lineup.