Demystifying Supercharger Credit Usage Calculation: How it Works for Tesla Owners
Understanding Supercharger Credit Usage Calculation
As electric vehicles become more popular, many people are curious about how charging credits work and how they are calculated. In this blog post, we will explore the calculation of Supercharger (SC) credit usage for Tesla vehicles based on a conversation among Tesla owners.
It is essential to understand that SC credit usage calculations may vary depending on factors such as the vehicle model and location. However, it has been observed that when awarded 1000 miles of SC credit, it is roughly calculated as the average rated 1000 miles for a Model S driver. This means that Model 3/Y owners can potentially get close to 1500 miles with their 1000-mile credit.
Factors Affecting Supercharger Credit Calculations
One factor affecting SC credit usage calculation is the vehicle's efficiency. For example, if you charged your car from 9% up to 97%, resulting in an 88% increase, Tesla might calculate that as 180 miles used out of your remaining SC balance. The current efficiency of your vehicle could be used to determine this number.
Another factor affecting the calculation is the energy pulled during charging. It has been observed that Tesla assumes around 400 watt-hours per mile (Wh/mi) for calculating mileage off the lowest common denominator. This means that if you pulled in approximately 70 kWh of energy, Tesla would assume you're driving at around 388 Wh/mi.
Billing Methods and Referral Miles Redemption
Depending on the state or country where you charge your Tesla, billing methods for Superchargers may differ. Some locations bill by energy (per kWh), while others bill by time (per minute). This difference in billing methods also affects how referral miles are redeemed.
For instance, referral miles can be redeemed at either 2.5 miles per kWh or 2.5 miles per minute, depending on the SC billing method. However, the per-minute redemption rate might also depend upon being above or below the 60 kW charging tier like it does when paying.
In some states where Tesla is required to bill by the minute rather than by energy, credits are still billed by energy. This means that even if you are charged per minute for your charging session, your referral credits will be used based on kWh charged.
Conclusion
Understanding how Supercharger credit usage is calculated can help Tesla owners make the most of their referral credits and better plan their trips. While there may be variations in calculations depending on factors such as vehicle model and location, it's essential to keep track of your charging sessions and monitor how your credits are being used. By staying informed about these details, you can ensure that you're getting the maximum value from your Supercharger credits.