For years, the conversation around electric vehicle charging has been as much about access to charging as it has been about speed. And if we’re being honest, the one name always hanging over the discussion has been Tesla. That brand’s EV Supercharger network, particularly in North America, is simple to use, reliable and, most importantly, vast. Up until now, Audi owners unwilling to risk an aftermarket converter have been locked out of this advantage. Now, that’s all about to change.
On September 9, 2025, Audi of America will officially begin rolling out a manufacturer-approved NACS-to-CCS DC fast-charging adapter that gives Audi e-tron owners access to over 23,500 Tesla NACS partner Superchargers across the continent. Pair that with the existing charging ecosystem including 5,000 Electrify America chargers and suddenly drivers of Audi EVs will have more than 28,000 total fast-charging points at their disposal. For anyone living the EV life daily, that’s not just incremental progress—it’s transformative.
FUNDAMENTAL EV LIFE IMPROVEMENT FOR E-TRON OWNERS
Until now, e-tron owners relied primarily on CCS-based networks like Electrify America. While improving, the sheer number of EVs now added to the roads every day have caused lines to form even as charger reliability rates have much improved. The Tesla Supercharger network, meanwhile, has existed alongside – robust, expansive, and supported by Tesla’s obsessive vertical integration.
The adoption of Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) by legacy OEMs is a watershed moment. For Audi owners, it means fewer compromises on road trips, more predictability in charging stops, and a legitimate sense of charging parity with other EV brands who’ve already adopted it. It also strengthens Audi’s premium EV proposition, showing that the brand is listening to its customers and working to make the electric experience as seamless as the combustion experience once was.
PROGRAM DETAILS
The rollout begins with new 2025 model-year Audi e-trons, specifically:
- Q6 e-tron model line
- A6 Sportback e-tron model line
- e-tron GT model line
These models will begin arriving at dealerships equipped with the Audi NACS DC Charging Adapter as a port-installed accessory. The adapter itself is UL2252 certified, meaning it meets the latest safety and interoperability standards.
As for existing e-tron owners, Audi says details about adapter availability will follow in a future announcement. That’s both encouraging and a little frustrating—encouraging in that retrofits are on the table, frustrating because those who’ve been early adopters are still waiting for now.
One notable exception is bad news for owners of the Q4 e-tron. Audi says the Q4 is currently incompatible with the new adapter and the Tesla NACS Partner Supercharger network. No timeline was given for when, or if, this will change.
THE CATCH
While this is an undeniable win, there are a few caveats worth noting:
- As seen with other non-Tesla EV brands like Rivian, the adapter only works for DC fast charging. It can’t be used on Level 1 or Level 2 NACS-equipped chargers, including Tesla’s home wall chargers or Destination Chargers.
- To use a Supercharger, Audi owners will still need to log into the Tesla app to initiate and pay for a charging session. That’s a bit of a surprise because personal experience with the Rivian model has Tesla charging being billed directly to your Rivian account.
- Integration of additional charging functionality into the myAudi app is promised but not yet ready for rollout.
That said, these aren’t dealbreakers. Even with the shortcomings, the news is highly significant to owners of compatible e-tron models. Five years ago, the thought of paying Tesla for a charging session with your Audi would have seemed absurd. Now it’s a reality.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
For Audi, this isn’t just about adapters. It’s about keeping pace in a market where consumer expectations for charging flexibility are rapidly evolving. Tesla’s network is expanding, Electrify America continues to grow, and the arrival of NACS as a de facto standard means we’re moving closer to an ecosystem where charging is no longer a headache—it’s simply part of the drive.
Audi’s premium positioning hinges on reducing friction points. Luxury isn’t just about leather, screens, or horsepower anymore. It’s about confidence—the confidence that your road trip won’t be defined by charging anxiety. With this move, Audi is acknowledging that truth.
This isn’t just a convenience play; it’s a milestone in EV adoption. For Audi, it signals maturity in its electrification strategy. For drivers, it means finally pulling into a Tesla Supercharger, plugging in, and walking away knowing your Audi belongs there just as much as anyone else’s car.