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Tesla will open its vast network of superchargers to other makes of electric cars in a landmark move expected to increase the uptake of plug-in vehicles but prove unpopular with the brand’s customers.
The American manufacturer has launched a pilot in the UK that will open 15 charging stations, with 159 superchargers, to all electric-car drivers.
Its supercharger network has grown to more than 30,000 chargers worldwide since its launch in 2012, with 800 devices in the UK.
The network is celebrated for its reliability and has become a key selling point for the brand.
The move to open the network to drivers of other electric vehicles is expected to be criticised by Tesla owners but the company insists that it will closely monitor congestion at charging stations.
The superchargers can add 60 miles of range in less than five minutes. Drivers can use the chargers after setting up an account on the Tesla app.
People can opt to become a member and pay a monthly fee of £10.99, which will grant access to cheaper kWh pricing. Non-members will pay a higher rate of about 0.60p a kWh, but prices vary by site.
Ginny Buckley, the founder of Electrifying.com, an electric vehicle marketplace, said: “There will be a large number of electric car drivers who will be overjoyed that they will be able to use the supercharger network at last.
“But it’s certain to be controversial among the fast-growing ranks of Tesla owners.
“The reliable, quick and plentiful chargers have been a major selling point but there are already complaints that the superchargers are getting busier as sales of its cars have increased rapidly.
“If Tesla were to use the money generated from charging to fund an expansion of the network, this would help to alleviate charging anxiety that we know so many consumers have, whilst also enabling the supercharger network to expand rapidly.”
More than 77,000 new electric cars have been sold in the UK this year, an increase of 88 per cent year-on-year.
Simon Williams, the RAC’s spokesman on electric vehicles, said: “The fact Tesla’s widely praised charging network will start to be opened up to other electric car drivers is great news for the wider EV community — but perhaps not such good news for Tesla drivers themselves.”
The pilot started in November last year but so far has only been active in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France and Norway. The expansion last night brings in the UK, Spain, Sweden and Austria.
“Access to an extensive, convenient and reliable fast-charging network is critical for large-scale EV adoption,” Tesla said.
“That’s why, since opening our first superchargers in 2012, we have been committed to rapid expansion of the network.
“Today, we have more than 30,000 superchargers worldwide.
“Tesla drivers can continue to use these stations as they always have, and we will be closely monitoring each site for congestion and listening to customers about their experiences.
“More customers using the supercharger network enables faster expansion. Our goal is to learn and iterate quickly, while continuing to aggressively expand the network, so we can eventually welcome both Tesla and non-Tesla drivers at every supercharger worldwide.”
Tesla’s charging network opens to all electric cars | News | The Times
The American manufacturer has launched a pilot in the UK that will open 15 charging stations, with 159 superchargers, to all electric-car drivers.
Its supercharger network has grown to more than 30,000 chargers worldwide since its launch in 2012, with 800 devices in the UK.
The network is celebrated for its reliability and has become a key selling point for the brand.
The move to open the network to drivers of other electric vehicles is expected to be criticised by Tesla owners but the company insists that it will closely monitor congestion at charging stations.
The superchargers can add 60 miles of range in less than five minutes. Drivers can use the chargers after setting up an account on the Tesla app.
People can opt to become a member and pay a monthly fee of £10.99, which will grant access to cheaper kWh pricing. Non-members will pay a higher rate of about 0.60p a kWh, but prices vary by site.
Ginny Buckley, the founder of Electrifying.com, an electric vehicle marketplace, said: “There will be a large number of electric car drivers who will be overjoyed that they will be able to use the supercharger network at last.
“But it’s certain to be controversial among the fast-growing ranks of Tesla owners.
“The reliable, quick and plentiful chargers have been a major selling point but there are already complaints that the superchargers are getting busier as sales of its cars have increased rapidly.
“If Tesla were to use the money generated from charging to fund an expansion of the network, this would help to alleviate charging anxiety that we know so many consumers have, whilst also enabling the supercharger network to expand rapidly.”
More than 77,000 new electric cars have been sold in the UK this year, an increase of 88 per cent year-on-year.
Simon Williams, the RAC’s spokesman on electric vehicles, said: “The fact Tesla’s widely praised charging network will start to be opened up to other electric car drivers is great news for the wider EV community — but perhaps not such good news for Tesla drivers themselves.”
The pilot started in November last year but so far has only been active in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France and Norway. The expansion last night brings in the UK, Spain, Sweden and Austria.
“Access to an extensive, convenient and reliable fast-charging network is critical for large-scale EV adoption,” Tesla said.
“That’s why, since opening our first superchargers in 2012, we have been committed to rapid expansion of the network.
“Today, we have more than 30,000 superchargers worldwide.
“Tesla drivers can continue to use these stations as they always have, and we will be closely monitoring each site for congestion and listening to customers about their experiences.
“More customers using the supercharger network enables faster expansion. Our goal is to learn and iterate quickly, while continuing to aggressively expand the network, so we can eventually welcome both Tesla and non-Tesla drivers at every supercharger worldwide.”
Tesla’s charging network opens to all electric cars | News | The Times
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