Photo: Tesla Motors
Even though Daimler AG is pretty much in bed with Tesla Motors after more or less rescuing the American electric vehicle manufacturer from near bankruptcy, it seems that they are not exactly OK with some of their business decisions.
For example, the Tesla “Supercharger” network of charging stations can only be used by Tesla cars, even though they are far from being the only electric vehicle providers right now.
“The future [of an electric charging infrastructure] lies in standardization. As with gas stations, we need a charging system for all manufacturers, not least because it reduces the cost of the infrastructure, but it is also more convenient for customers.” Thomas Webber, Daimler's head of research and development, told Automobilwoche recently.
Dr. Webber therefore joins automotive parts supplier and developer Robert Bosch in not necessarily agreeing with Tesla Motor's decision to increase its “Supercharger” network in Europe without taking into account other electric cars out there.
Back in January, German train operator Deutsche Bahn and Tesla Motors opened four “Supercharger” stations in Germany, therefore increasing the number of European Tesla charging stations to 14. Compared with the 63 available so far in the United States, the number is low but continuously increasing.
A Tesla “Supercharger” charging station can fast charge a Model S's battery in around half an hour, therefore providing the car with a an official range of around 500 kilometers (310 miles) in European driving.
Daimler AG is currently cooperating with Tesla Motors for their upcoming B-Class Electric Drive, which will first be launched in the US and then in Europe. Despite the collaboration, the model will not have access to the Tesla “Supercharger” network as far as we know.
“The future [of an electric charging infrastructure] lies in standardization. As with gas stations, we need a charging system for all manufacturers, not least because it reduces the cost of the infrastructure, but it is also more convenient for customers.” Thomas Webber, Daimler's head of research and development, told Automobilwoche recently.
Dr. Webber therefore joins automotive parts supplier and developer Robert Bosch in not necessarily agreeing with Tesla Motor's decision to increase its “Supercharger” network in Europe without taking into account other electric cars out there.
Back in January, German train operator Deutsche Bahn and Tesla Motors opened four “Supercharger” stations in Germany, therefore increasing the number of European Tesla charging stations to 14. Compared with the 63 available so far in the United States, the number is low but continuously increasing.
A Tesla “Supercharger” charging station can fast charge a Model S's battery in around half an hour, therefore providing the car with a an official range of around 500 kilometers (310 miles) in European driving.
Daimler AG is currently cooperating with Tesla Motors for their upcoming B-Class Electric Drive, which will first be launched in the US and then in Europe. Despite the collaboration, the model will not have access to the Tesla “Supercharger” network as far as we know.
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