Summary
- Polestar and Volvo are adopting Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) to give customers access to Tesla Supercharger DC fast-charging stations.
- Current Polestar owners can order a $230 NACS adapter, with deliveries planned for mid-November, while Volvo will offer adapters to existing customers for the same price.
- Future EVs from both brands will come standard with the NACS port.
- Most major EV brands have committed to NACS but are adopting the Tesla charge port at varying speeds.
- Hyundai skipped the Tesla adapter phase and announced that the 2025 Ioniq 5 would be built with an NACS port, offering adapters for the Combined Charging Standard (CCS) port instead.
Article
Polestar and Volvo have announced their partnership to adopt the Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS), giving customers access to over 17,800 Tesla Supercharger DC fast-charging stations. Current Polestar owners can order a $230 NACS adapter through their local service center, with deliveries expected in mid-November. Volvo will also offer adapters to existing customers for the same price, with free adapters included for new EX90, EX40, and EC40 purchases or leases. Adapters for the China-made Volvo EX30 will be announced later due to tariffs on EVs imported from that country.
Future EVs from both Polestar and Volvo will come standard with the NACS port. Although they previously announced Supercharger access in 2023, the transition to the NACS port will officially begin in 2025. Other major EV brands have committed to NACS, but adoption of the Tesla charge port varies. Ford was the first to announce in May 2023 and began shipping free adapters in February, followed by Rivian in March and General Motors in September – however, GM charges $225 for them. Hyundai, on the other hand, will skip the Tesla adapter phase and built the 2025 Ioniq 5 with an NACS port, offering adapters for the Combined Charging Standard (CCS) port instead.
Polestar originated as a racing team closely linked with Volvo, eventually becoming a performance brand for Volvo before being established as a standalone brand by Geely, Volvo’s parent company, in 2017. While the two brands collaborate on resources and vehicle platforms, Polestar is branching out to develop its own motors and components while Volvo reduced its funding commitment to Polestar earlier this year. The decision to adopt the NACS port for future EVs aligns with the overall trend within the EV industry, with many major brands transitioning to the standard and providing access to Tesla Supercharger stations.
The availability of NACS adapters for Polestar and Volvo customers demonstrates a commitment to expanding charging infrastructure and providing convenient access to a vast network of Tesla Supercharger stations. This move also reflects the growing importance of interoperability within the EV market, enabling customers to easily charge their vehicles regardless of brand or charge port type. The decision to offer free adapters with new purchases or leases of certain Volvo models further incentivizes customers to make the switch to electric vehicles and take advantage of the rapidly expanding charging network.
As the EV market continues to evolve, the adoption of common charging standards such as the NACS port will play a crucial role in facilitating widespread adoption of electric vehicles. By providing access to Tesla Supercharger stations, Polestar and Volvo are addressing a key concern for EV owners and reducing barriers to entry for potential buyers. This strategic partnership highlights the collaborative efforts of automakers to create a seamless charging experience for customers, ultimately driving the growth of the EV market and transitioning towards a more sustainable future in transportation.
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