Tesla's SC Network Expansion to Benefit All EV Users: Plans for 3,500 Chargers by 2024
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Tesla has recently been in the news for their plans to open up part of their Supercharger (SC) network to other electric vehicles (EVs). The White House announced that Tesla will be opening at least 3,500 new and existing 250 kW chargers by the end of 2024. This move is likely to lessen pressure on other EV makers to create more consistently reliable fast chargers.
The SC network has made it easier for many people to take long road trips without worrying about charging. For example, Bob Wilson was able to drive from his home to Arlington with his mother's ashes, staying overnight in Manassas at a motel with free, overnight chargers.
Many Tesla owners were dismayed when they heard the news as they are already waiting/competing at busy SCs with other Tesla owners. However, this move could benefit Tesla financially as there will be more users who can use their services and the money generated can be used to build more chargers. It may also force competing unreliable chargers to become better taken care of or even purchased by Tesla and turned into reliable tesla maintained chargers.
The devil will be in the details with this plan. Questions remain such as how many of those 3,500 will be existing vs newly install ones? How will they physically do it? Will any EV with any charge port location be able to use it or will it require the charge port to be in the back left of the vehicle for the cable to reach? Additionally, rules require every stall to be able to supply 150kW at the same time which current “250kW”/V3 Superchargers cannot do so upgrades to the supply cabinets would be necessary.
Overall, while this move may cause some inconvenience for Tesla owners, it could potentially benefit all EV drivers if done correctly. With proper planning and implementation, this could lead to increased access and reliability for EVs across the country.
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What did the White House say about Tesla?
The White House said that Tesla will open ‘part’ of its Supercharger network to other EVs and at least 3,500 new and existing 250KW chargers to other EVs by the end of next year.
How will this affect Tesla owners?
This could lead to more competition for Superchargers, as more EVs will be able to use them. Tesla may also make more money from more users, which could be used to build more chargers.
What is the relevant part of the WH statement?
The White House statement mentions making available “at least 3,500 new and existing 250 kW Superchargers” by the end of 2024.
How many Superchargers are present in the US today?
According to one article, there are about 7,000 SCs total in the US. However, this number may be lower than actual numbers.
What type of connectors do qualifying chargers need to have?
Qualifying chargers must have permanently attached CCS connectors. Tesla may be able to meet this requirement with their “magic dock” by having it locked to the pedestal or locked to the charging cable at any given time.
What power do these chargers need to supply?
The rules require every stall to be able to supply 150kW at the same time, which current “250kW”/V3 Superchargers can’t do. So this would require upgrades to the supply cabinets to convert existing Superchargers.
What other requirements must Tesla meet?
Tesla must also make sure that the chargers are accessible to all users, regardless of their EV model. This means that they must be able to accept payments from any EV user, and not just Tesla owners.
How will this affect the EV industry?
This could lead to more competition in the EV charging market, as more EVs will be able to use Superchargers. It could also lead to lower prices for charging, as more people will be using the same infrastructure. Additionally, it could encourage more people to switch to electric vehicles, as they will have access to a larger network of chargers.