Image: Volvo CarsThe Swedish carmaker aims to make public charging in Europe more convenient by simplifying access to Tesla Superchargers for its customers. Volvo Cars plans to integrate the functionality into its app, allowing drivers to locate and start charging sessions at Tesla Superchargers from the fourth quarter of this year. The move will add access to more than 20,000 charging points across Europe. The offer will apply to drivers of the EX30, EX40, EC40, EX60, EX90 and ES90.Volvo is known for relying on its own charging service, the Volvo Public Charging Service (VPCS), in collaboration with Digital Charging Solutions (DCS). This service is connected to over 1.2 million charging points across Europe. However, Volvo does not operate as a charge point operator itself.This contrasts with several other manufacturers that are actively involved in building charging networks through the Ionity joint venture. For Volvo, this makes it easier to integrate the Tesla charging network, as there is no competitive situation with its own chargers.The situation differs for Ionity’s shareholders, which include BMW, Ford, Hyundai Motor Group, Mercedes-Benz, and the Volkswagen Group with Audi and Porsche. Additionally, the financial investor Global Infrastructure Partners is involved.Volvo has stated that the newly accessible Tesla Superchargers are located in 29 European countries, ‘with the majority located in key markets such as Germany, France, Norway, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Spain.’In parallel, Volvo plans to leverage the advantages of Tesla’s well-established charging network in key Asia-Pacific markets. Specifically, ‘selected models’ in Japan and South Korea will transition to the North American Charging System (NACS) by 2029. Volvo signalled its openness to Tesla’s NACS charging system as early as 2023, when it announced plans to incorporate this charging connector in its US models.Volvo has indicated that it will provide more precise timelines, vehicle models, and markets for NACS adoption in the Asia-Pacific region at a later date. What is clear is that Volvo Cars aims to standardise public charging globally to make it more reliable. “This includes supporting market drivers toward charging standardisation and interoperability, particularly in markets where joint efforts can make public charging simpler for more drivers,” the carmaker stated.Volvo describes Tesla and NACS as a guarantee for standardisation and interoperability.“Volvo drivers already have access to over three million charging points globally through the Volvo app,” said Alejandro Castro Pérez, Head of Energy Solutions at Volvo Cars. “Adding Tesla Superchargers in Europe means they now have even easier access to one of the most recognised fast charging networks. As we accelerate towards full electrification, our goal is to make charging simple and effortless, through a seamless ecosystem.”volvocars.com
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