Audi Expands Size of EV Charging Network with NACS Adapter and Tesla Supercharger Access

[Source: Audi]

Audi has announced that beginning this month select Audi e-tron model owners will have access to an additional 23,500 compatible Tesla NACS Partner Superchargers across North America using a manufacturer-approved adapter.

Those of a certain age may remember the VHS versus Betamax format war in the 1970s and 1980s. They both offered the ability to play video cassettes at home, but the cassettes were incompatible and required different machines to play. VHS eventually won out as the home video cassette standard. We have seen a similar battle in recent years with electric vehicle charging connector types.

EV Charging Standard

Having one connector type versus another can limit where you can charge your EV. In North America, Audi e-tron models are equipped with SAE Combined Charging System sockets (CCS). However, much like VHS tapes of old, the Tesla North American Charging System (NACS) is becoming the industry standard.

To make Audi e-tron charging more convenient a UL2252 certified Audi NACS DC Charging Adapter will begin to arrive as a port-installed accessory for most 2025 model year new vehicle e-tron purchases in September. This will more than quadruple the number of fast charger stations available to Audi owners.

Fast Charger Access

Combined with the 5,000 Electrify America DC fast chargers, Audi owners will now have access to more than 28,000 total fast charger stations across North America. The new Audi NACS DC Charging Adapters are only for use with compatible DC fast chargers and cannot be used to charge on NACS-equipped AC Level 1 or Level 2 chargers, including home chargers and Tesla Destination Chargers.

Once access to the NACS platform becomes official the charging stations will become visible as POI in myAudi app and Audi MMI navigation. Audi e-tron model owners will need to utilize the Tesla app to initiate and pay for a charging session once they have arrived at a Tesla Supercharger.

New and Current Owners

Starting in September 2025, the Audi Q6 e-tron, Audi A6 Sportback e-tron and Audi e-tron GT model lines will arrive at dealerships with the Audi NACS DC Charging Adapter as a port installed accessory.

The Audi Q4 e-tron is not currently able to utilize the Audi NACS DC Charging Adapter, an announcement about that model will be made at a future date. Existing e-tron owners should also expect a future announcement regarding adapter availability.