Photo: evdan91 on forums.tesla.com
In a classic example of "this is why we can't have nice things," people (and by that, we mean Tesla owners) are starting to take advantage of the Supercharger network in ways that irritate fellow Palo Alto EV drivers.
Having unlimited free access to a a nation-wide network of fast-chargers has been an excellent perk for Tesla users. However, the company tried to make it very clear from the start that Superchargers aren't supposed to be viewed as a means for zero-cost transportation, but a solution to eliminate one of the biggest drawbacks of electric cars: long-distance travel.
That means the Superchargers were there to be used primarily on road trips, and not as a way to reduce the home electricity bill. Of course, not everybody got the memo, so a little over a year ago, Tesla sent letters to all those it deemed were misusing its Superchargers.
Now, though, a new problem seems to be emerging - people who leave their cars in the charging spot long after their batteries have been replenished. Imagine going for a 600-mile trip only to reach your mid-way stop and find all chargers occupied by the cars of those who were too lazy to remove them after finishing topping-up.
Well, Loic Le Meur did not have to imagine any of that as he experienced it firsthand. He then voiced his frutstration on Twitter, tagging Elon Musk as he did so. Tesla's CEO took notice and agreed with Le Meur, saying that this practice is indeed becoming an issue. He finished his message by saying he - or, rather, Tesla - "will take action."
With the Model 3 looming over the horizon and the number of Tesla cars on the road looking to double in just a little over a year, the Supercharged network will indeed come under a lot of stress. Tesla has already announced that people buying their cars after December 31, 2016, will not have the same privilege as all other Tesla ownes so far regarding the access to its charging network, but will have to pay for it instead.
A similar method will likely be employed to discourage using the charging spots as parking spots - forcing those who abandon their vehicles there for too long to pay a certain fee. If this turns out to be the case, we expect it to grow over time, so if you only leave it half an hour after recharge is finished you pay a reasonable amount, but if you go over two hours, let's say, then the cost might actually sting.
Elon Musk did not clarify what he intends to do, but it will probably become apparent over the next month or so. Whatever it is, the growth of the Tesla family means a lot more rules are going to have to be employed. Some people might not like it, but Tesla can't really expand otherwise.
That means the Superchargers were there to be used primarily on road trips, and not as a way to reduce the home electricity bill. Of course, not everybody got the memo, so a little over a year ago, Tesla sent letters to all those it deemed were misusing its Superchargers.
Now, though, a new problem seems to be emerging - people who leave their cars in the charging spot long after their batteries have been replenished. Imagine going for a 600-mile trip only to reach your mid-way stop and find all chargers occupied by the cars of those who were too lazy to remove them after finishing topping-up.
Well, Loic Le Meur did not have to imagine any of that as he experienced it firsthand. He then voiced his frutstration on Twitter, tagging Elon Musk as he did so. Tesla's CEO took notice and agreed with Le Meur, saying that this practice is indeed becoming an issue. He finished his message by saying he - or, rather, Tesla - "will take action."
With the Model 3 looming over the horizon and the number of Tesla cars on the road looking to double in just a little over a year, the Supercharged network will indeed come under a lot of stress. Tesla has already announced that people buying their cars after December 31, 2016, will not have the same privilege as all other Tesla ownes so far regarding the access to its charging network, but will have to pay for it instead.
A similar method will likely be employed to discourage using the charging spots as parking spots - forcing those who abandon their vehicles there for too long to pay a certain fee. If this turns out to be the case, we expect it to grow over time, so if you only leave it half an hour after recharge is finished you pay a reasonable amount, but if you go over two hours, let's say, then the cost might actually sting.
Elon Musk did not clarify what he intends to do, but it will probably become apparent over the next month or so. Whatever it is, the growth of the Tesla family means a lot more rules are going to have to be employed. Some people might not like it, but Tesla can't really expand otherwise.
@loic You're right, this is becoming an issue. Supercharger spots are meant for charging, not parking. Will take action.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 11, 2016
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