Fast charging for everyone
Tesla releases selected superchargers for non-customers – German drivers can also benefit
Tesla releases its supercharger offer to drivers of other electric car brands (symbolic photo)
© Philipp Schulze / Picture Alliance
For a long time, drivers of other electric car brands had to do without Tesla’s fast charging points. But now the US company is also allowing non-Tesla customers to use certain superchargers. German motorists can benefit from this.
By offering its superchargers, Tesla began developing the charging infrastructure for electric cars from its own production early on. Until recently, however, the fast charging stations were only intended for Tesla customers. That is about to change – even if not across the board at first.
After Tesla opened ten superchargers in the Netherlands for drivers of other car brands as part of a pilot project last November, the car manufacturer is now expanding its charging range. The US carmaker has released selected superchargers in France, the Netherlands and Norway for non-Tesla customers, as it announced on Monday.
This means that not only French, Dutch and Norwegian drivers can use the intended superchargers, but also those from Germany and Belgium. To do this, you need an account in the Tesla app. Electricity charging prices vary by location. According to “Teslamag“In Norway they are between 55 and 61 cents, in the Netherlands between 57 and 58 cents and in France between 54 and 57 cents per kilowatt hour. If non-Tesla customers take out a subscription for 12.99 euros per month, they pay the same Prices like Tesla customers, namely 24 cents per kilowatt hour.
The company releases a total of 40 locations. However, the prerequisite is that the vehicle has a CCS fast charging connection. In addition, Tesla points out that the cable length may not be suitable for every type of electric car. As a result, drivers of certain vehicles may not be able to use the supercharger.
Over 30,000 Superchargers available worldwide
Tesla opened its first supercharger in 2012. For almost ten years, the company has expanded its global charging network, which currently consists of 3000 Supercharger stations with more than 30,000 Superchargers. It has made a crucial contribution to Tesla’s pioneering role. Although there are now various providers, which means that the number of public charging stations is growing – currently in Germany it is around 27,700 – but these do not work according to a uniform system. Drivers of other electric car brands not only have to reckon with varying fees, but also have to conclude a contract for use with each provider individually.
Tesla aims to unlock the entire Supercharger network
Although Tesla promises to “monitor each location closely for bottlenecks and (to) take feedback from our customers into account for any adjustments”, the release of the superchargers could also lead to congestion at the charging stations. It could also deter potential Tesla customers from buying a vehicle, who could no longer see any advantage in buying a Tesla in the supercharger network that is now also available to non-Tesla customers.
Nevertheless, the US automaker is sticking to its plan and states that it has always been its goal to open the supercharger network to electric vehicles from other brands and thus encourage more drivers to switch to electromobility. The ulterior motive is the growing demand that Tesla expects, but probably the promise of more profit. Because: “The more customers use the Supercharger network, the faster it can be expanded.” The ultimate goal is for the superchargers to be used worldwide by both Tesla customers and non-Tesla customers.
Sources: Tesla, Businessinsider, Teslamag