Automotive and Battery Industry Updates: Volvo, Polestar, Monta, Robostreet, GreenPower, Blink, and RAM in Focus
In a significant move towards interoperability in the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry, Tesla's Supercharger network is becoming a key standard for fast-charging solutions. This shift is largely due to major automakers adopting Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug and offering adapters for their EV models.
Tesla's Supercharger network is opening up to non-Tesla EVs. BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, Ford, Rivian, GM, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, and Volvo owners are already utilizing or planning to use adapters or built-in NACS plugs to charge their vehicles at Tesla Superchargers [1][2].
Several automakers are integrating NACS plugs into their EV models. Brands like Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Rivian have plans to include built-in NACS outlets in their future EVs [1].
Tesla is also deploying a new V4 Supercharger power electronics cabinet, which supports up to 500 kW, starting Q3 2025. This upgrade is expected to expand charging capacity and reduce infrastructure costs [4].
While Tesla leads in overall customer satisfaction in public EV charging according to J.D. Power's 2025 study, competitors like Ford, Mercedes-Benz, and Rivian are matching Tesla’s fast-charging reliability scores in their own DC fast-charging networks [3].
EV charging service companies like Monta and Blink remain active players in the industry, but as of mid-2025, no exclusive partnerships with Tesla have been publicly announced [1][2][3][5].
Meanwhile, companies are making strides in other areas of EV innovation. Blink Charging Co. has received a grant of nearly $2 million from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to expand EV charging infrastructure in Illinois [6]. InductEV, a leader in wireless vehicle charging, has been recognised as a TIME Best Invention for 2024 [7].
In the realm of battery technology, the U.S. Department of Energy, Stellantis, and Argonne National Laboratory have collaborated on the Battery Workforce Challenge, providing participants with 12 new 2024 Ram ProMaster electric vans for designing, building, testing, and integrating advanced battery packs [8].
The EV landscape is also seeing advancements in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Hyzon has successfully conducted a trial of its Class 8 200kW FCEV with TALKE, a logistics provider for the chemical industry [9].
As for battery-powered school buses, GreenPower Motor Company Inc. has received an order for 50 electric school buses from seven county school districts in West Virginia, funded by the EPA Clean School Bus Program [10].
In the world of mobility solutions, Nature's Miracle Holding Inc. has entered into an agreement with Robostreet Inc. to order a total of 150 LS450 electric trucks, which will be converted into mobile vertical farms [11].
Lastly, Volvo Cars and Polestar are providing access to over 17,800 Tesla Supercharger stations in the U.S. and Canada for their electric vehicle drivers. Polestar owners can currently order a NACS adapter through their local Polestar Service Center [12].
These developments underscore the ongoing evolution of the EV industry, with a focus on interoperability, innovation, and sustainability.
Technology is playing a crucial role in this evolution, as Tesla is deploying a V4 Supercharger power electronics cabinet, supporting up to 500 kW, starting Q3 2025 [4]. Moreover, lifestyle changes are evident with various automakers integrating NACS plugs into their EV models, such as Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Rivian [1], allowing electric-vehicle owners to charge their cars at Tesla Superchargers. For instance, Volvo Cars and Polestar are providing access to Tesla's Supercharger network for their electric vehicle drivers [12].
