Tesla has opened its ultra-fast charging technology to other companies. Now, supermarkets, hotels, and gas stations can purchase its stations to install charging points with their own brand and price. For the citizen, this means more places to charge an electric car, although each business will set its own rate per kWh. The offering grows, but the cost will depend on the location.
How the new charging business model works ⚡
The system allows third parties to purchase Tesla's V3 and V4 chargers, along with the management software. These businesses integrate the equipment into their facilities, setting the price per kWh that the user will pay. Tesla does not intervene in the final rate, only provides the hardware and maintenance. This removes the technical barrier for companies that want to offer fast charging without investing in their own development. The network expands, but the user experience will vary depending on the operator.
Charging the car like buying a gas station coffee ☕
Soon you will see a Supercharger at the supermarket with liquid gold prices and another at the roadside hotel with a laughable rate. Each business will put its own label on it, so charging the car will be like looking for cheap gas: an adventure. At least you will have more options, although your wallet will miss the fixed prices of before. The freedom to choose, they say.