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Volvo and Polestar EVs Now Access Tesla Superchargers: Here’s What It Means

October 31, 2024

Volvo and Polestar EVs can now access over 17,800 Tesla Superchargers across the U.S. and Canada, starting with 2025 models.
Volvo’s NACS adapters are available for existing EV owners and can be ordered now, with shipments beginning on November 18, 2024, at $230 (CA$310) through Volvo dealerships.
Standardized EV charging infrastructure, like the Tesla Supercharger network, is key to accelerating EV adoption, addressing a major barrier of limited and inconsistent charging access across brands.

We’re finally on the edge of a real change in EV charging. Volvo and Polestar just announced that their fully electric cars will soon have access to more than 17,800 Tesla Superchargers across the U.S. and Canada.

For years, EV drivers have dealt with a confusing mix of exclusive charging networks, some had access to Tesla Superchargers, others didn’t, and most had to juggle multiple apps, memberships, and adapters just to find a charge.

But now, with big brands adopting the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and opening up Tesla’s fast-charging network to non-Tesla drivers, it feels like the EV world is finally moving toward a simpler, more connected future.

EV Drivers “deserve” options. Options that don’t limit them to specific charging stations just because of their car’s brand. Now, if you’re driving Volvo’s flagship EX90 or any Polestar EV, you can tap into the extensive Tesla Supercharger network, joining a powerful movement toward open EV infrastructure.

Mike Cottone, President of Volvo Car USA and Canada, describes this as a “major step” forward for EV adoption, stating, “We want to make life with an electric car, including our new flagship EX90, as seamless as possible.”

Starting with the 2025 models, Volvo is including NACS adapters as standard for its EX90, EX40, and EC40 EVs. If you already own a Volvo EV, you can get your own NACS adapter by ordering it from any Volvo dealership in the U.S. or Canada for $230 (or CA$310). Shipments kick off on November 18, 2024.

Volvo and Polestar to open access to more than 17,800 NACS charging points through Tesla Supercharger Network

The logic behind this is obvious. By opening up Tesla Superchargers to more brands, more people are likely to feel confident making the switch to EVs.

Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller highlights the importance of global accessibility, saying, “Our access to global charging infrastructure is a key differentiator for Polestar. Through our partnerships with charging providers, we offer our customers a convenient and unique charging experience: accessible, fast, easy to use and at a competitive price.”

In North America, Polestar plans to install the NACS inlet as standard in future models, and while waiting, current Polestar drivers can obtain NACS adapters through local Polestar Service Centers.

Timing couldn’t be more important. One of the biggest roadblocks to going electric is the hit-or-miss charging network, which often leaves drivers stranded or stressed about finding a reliable spot to plug in. This frustration is real. Many drivers worry about whether they’ll find a compatible station or if the chargers will even be working once they get there.

Investing in a nationwide charging infrastructure system creates a system that anyone can count on, no matter what brand of EV they drive.

This partnership with Tesla shows that the future of EVs depends on working together, not competing. With more EVs hitting the road, the charging network has to keep up. Simply adding more charging stations isn’t enough. We need a reliable, easy-to-use network that every EV driver can count on, no matter what they drive.

Volvo and Polestar EVs Now Access Tesla Superchargers

Standardizing charging protocols and reducing the dependency on adapters or multiple memberships is key to getting people on board. Tesla’s Supercharger network already leads the way in terms of speed and accessibility; opening this up to Volvo and Polestar drivers can only help build confidence among hesitant consumers.

This is a step forward, but it’s not the final destination. The EV market is growing faster than our infrastructure, and if we don’t double down on building out accessible, reliable charging networks, we risk stalling EV adoption altogether. Industry players must prioritize partnerships that make charging universally accessible, no exceptions.