Finally! Volkswagen Tesla Supercharger access has opened up for VW EV owners, allowing them to utilize the widespread, reliable, and fast charging network.

Volkswagen just announced that ID.4 and ID.Buzz owners can tap into Tesla’s Supercharger network starting November 18, which would be great news if they hadn’t been promising this since January. The original timeline said March, then got pushed to June or July, and now here we are, nearly in Thanksgiving week, finally getting what was supposed to happen months ago. But hey, it’s better late than never when you’re talking about access to 25,000 charging stalls compared to the 5,000 you get with Electrify America.

Delayed Volkswagen EV charging options are on par for Tesla

Most of the Tesla charging network partners have been patient with the brand and have been gaining access to its Supercharger network. This VW Supercharger delay is pretty much on-brand for Tesla. Nearly every product they have created has had delays with various timelines promised and then pushed back, so why not access to the Supercharger network as well? Patience is a virtue, and most automakers don’t have much of a choice but to give Tesla the time required to create software that allows their vehicles to create Tesla Supercharger compatibility for VW and other automotive brands.

What do owners need to enable Volkswagen Tesla Supercharger access?

The catch is you’ll need to buy a $200 adapter to make it work since VW EVs have CCS charging ports and Superchargers use Tesla’s NACS connector. If you own a 2025 model, you can get a $100 rebate, and 2026 models will just come with the adapter in the box.

The e-Golf isn’t mentioned as part of the access group, so if you’re still driving one of those, you might be stuck with what you’ve got. Some 2024 and 2025 owners will also get notified about a software update that’s supposedly needed for optimal charging behavior, whatever that means.

Expanding Electrify America alternatives that VW drivers need

Adding access to Tesla’s network creates a massive electric vehicle charging expansion for VW owners. The VW ID.4 charging network has been small, and now that the ID.Buzz is part of the mix; it’s time for VW models to have NACS adapters and utilize a network that is five times larger than what was previously available.

How do you enable the Volkswagen Tesla Supercharger access?

You’ll use the Tesla app to find compatible Superchargers and pay for your charging sessions, which is pretty standard for all the non-Tesla brands that have gotten access this year. Ford jumped on this back in 2023, so VW is coming to the game fashionably late. The timing works out for people planning Thanksgiving road trips, assuming the adapter actually shows up when you order it. Canadian owners get the same deal but have to pay $304 CAD for the adapter instead of $200 USD. VW’s sales in the US have been struggling, especially the ID.Buzz, which only moved 2,469 units last quarter, so maybe easier charging access will help move some metal off dealer lots.

A larger support network for many owners

The number of Volkswagen-branded electric vehicles isn’t a huge percentage of the overall population, but it still represents more than 114,000 drivers that sit behind the wheel of the ID.4 and nearly 5,000 owners of the ID.Buzz. For now, we’ll leave out the 19,000 owners of the e-Golf, which might not be capable of accessing the Tesla Supercharging network. This added support and compatibility means more customers purchasing EV charging time at Tesla Supercharger stations and much greater access to charging for these drivers. That seems like a pretty simple win-win for all involved.

Strangely, other Volkswagen Group brands have already been capable of accessing this large network before now. Both Porsche and Audi have had access for the past two months, but it’s certainly better late than never, especially for drivers looking forward to holiday road trips who want to enjoy driving their EVs instead of gas-powered vehicles.

Volkswagen Tesla Supercharger access is the next step

The NACS adapter and Tesla Supercharger network are quickly becoming an industry standard that could ensure all EVs have access to a large network of public fast-charging stations across the country. It won’t be long before all EVs have an NACS adapter or port to ensure they can connect to the network and charge up.

Now that VW EVs have this access, will you consider driving the ID.4 or ID.Buzz?