Tesla has started to offer its Supercharger network to other EV owners. Elon Musk previously promised that his company will begin the process before the end of 2021. As of now, only 10Supercharger locations are available to non-Tesla EV drivers, and all of them are in the Netherlands.
Tesla said it’s starting with a limited number of sites to “review the experience, monitor congestion, and assess feedback” from both Tesla and non-Tesla drivers. The company added that it aims to expand to other countries “shortly,” but said that additional sites will only be opened “if there is available capacity.”
New ways to generate revenue
To use a Supercharger in Netherland, non-Tesla EV drivers will be required to first download the Tesla app and create an account. Then, after selecting “charge your non-Tesla,” the app will locate the nearest Supercharger site, and all the payments will be handled within the app.
Tesla vehicles in Europe use the Combined Charging System that’s also used by other automakers; however, in the US, Tesla cars come with a proprietary connector. This made it easier for Tesla to kick off the pilot in Europe.
It also means if Tesla opens up its Supercharger network in the US, it will make more revenue by selling an adapter to non-Tesla EV drivers who want to use its Superchargers.
Offering long range in a short period
“More customers using the Supercharger network enables faster expansion,” Tesla said. “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.”
As of now, the company operates in 25,000 fast-charging Superchargers at around 2,700 stations globally. The technology offers 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes of charging. Tesla says that access to an “extensive, convenient, and reliable fast-charging network is critical for large-scale EV adoption.”
Besides, Tesla has also patented a new method to make use of lasers – like windshield wipers. The US Patent and Trademark Office has awarded the company a patent for a method to use laser beams to clean debris off a windshield. It could be useful for other glass parts of the vehicle as well.
