New EV family members are coming to the Tesla Superchargers
In a Tesla earnings call in 2013, CEO Elon Musk expressed his desire to open up the company’s Supercharging network of EV fast chargers to other brands, noting that Tesla’s intent is not to create a “walled garden” regarding this technology. Though Tesla owners have enjoyed one of the most reliable and widespread charging setups on the planet for years, the garden is fairly open to much of the electric vehicle market. As per Tesla, EVs from some of its biggest rivals, including Ford, Rivian, General Motors (GM), Lucid, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia, among others, are compatible.
However, that long list is about to expand, as two of the most recognizable German performance and luxury brands, Porsche and Audi, will officially join Tesla’s Supercharger network very soon.
Porsche
Stuttgart meets the Supercharger
On September 9, owners of Taycans and the new Macan Electric will suddenly gain access to more than 23,500 Tesla Superchargers across North America as part of the brand’s “soft launch.” At first, charging will be initiated through the Tesla app, while compatibility with the My Porsche app and full plug-and-charge capability will come later this year.
Hardware-wise, the new 2026 Taycan and Macan Electric models will come with a Porsche-supplied and branded NACS (North American Charging Standard) DC adapter at no cost. Owners of 2025 models are also eligible to get a free one; however, owners of older, 2024 model year and earlier Taycans can pick one up for $185 on the Porsche Online Store or at their local Porsche center.
Porsche
In addition, Porsche is rolling out a software update that includes free navigation updates to incorporate Tesla charger locations into the car’s route planner. In a statement, Porsche Cars North America CEO Timo Resch noted that the move towards Tesla’s Superchargers is about making every aspect of Porsche ownership a seamless and frictionless experience.
‟We are continually working to make every aspect of Porsche ownership as convenient as possible for our customers – and this news represents a significant step for owners of our electrified cars,” Resch said. ‟As we launch this offering, in the coming months, we will be adding more features to make the process even more seamless.”
Audi
Audi is also joining the Tesla Supercharging parade
Like Porsche, Audi announced it’s doing the same. Beginning September 2025, select models in its electric e-tron range will also gain access to Tesla’s 23,500 Superchargers through a manufacturer-approved NACS-to-CCS adapter.
The four rings say that the new adapter is a port-installed accessory from the dealership that comes with most 2025 e-tron models, including the Q6 e-tron SUV, the A6 Sportback e-tron, and the sleek e-tron GT. Existing e-tron owners will have to wait for details on when they can grab their own adapters, and the Q4 e-tron isn’t included yet.
Despite this, the Tesla compatibility expansion is a massive addition to Audi’s charging network. Until now, Audi’s main fast-charging partner has been Electrify America, which operates around 5,000 DC high-speed charging stations across the country. With Tesla’s addition, that number has risen to over 28,000 chargers across North America.
Like Porsche, Audi drivers will also initially have to use the Tesla app to activate and pay for their charging sessions. However, Audi says that Superchargers will soon appear in the myAudi app and the car’s MMI navigation system.
Final thoughts
For years, Tesla’s network has been the poster child of high-speed EV charging, as it proved to be fast, reliable, and conveniently placed along well-traveled highways and popular destinations. However, its exclusivity became part of the Tesla allure. The slow end of Tesla’s charging exclusivity is the beginning of something bigger: a chance at a true shared charging network that makes EVs practical for everyone, no matter the badge on the hood.
