So, can any other EVs use the Tesla Supercharger network, or will the Tesla Supercharger network remain exclusive?
Here’s everything you need to know about Tesla Supercharger compatibility with your electric vehicle.
Why Use Tesla Superchargers?
Tesla has stated that it’s installed over 30,000 Superchargers worldwide, so they’re widely available in several countries. Tesla wants every EV driver to be able to use its chargers to encourage more and more drivers to go electric. Along with techniques that help improve your EV’s range, Tesla explains that “access to an extensive, convenient and reliable fast-charging network is critical for large-scale EV adoption.”
Tesla Superchargers are also incredibly fast. Their speeds range from 150kW and 250kW depending on the location, so you can charge your EV as quickly as possible.
Depending on where you live, you may now be able to try them out. Tesla has unveiled its project to expand its network to non-Tesla drivers called the “Non-Tesla Supercharger Pilot.” Let’s see if your EV is compatible with Tesla Superchargers.
Which Non-Tesla EVs Can Use the Supercharger Network?
In November 2021, Tesla revealed up-to-date information regarding the Non-Tesla Supercharger Pilot. Tesla’s Superchargers are only available in a select few countries, which include:
France The Netherlands Norway UK Spain Sweden Belgium Austria
To avoid congestion at Superchargers, Tesla has stated that only residents of these countries may use the Superchargers with their non-Teslas. Your EV must also use a CCS charge port, which is on every Tesla model and is becoming the universal charging port.
Before expanding the Non-Tesla Supercharger Pilot to other locations, Tesla wants to monitor the experience of both Tesla and non-Tesla users at these locations. This includes issues such as wait times for charging, technical issues, and reaching the charge port on non-Tesla electric vehicles.
To use a Supercharger as a non-Tesla owner, you must download the Tesla app for Android or iOS, create an account, and follow the steps to find a compatible supercharger for your EV. For non-Tesla owners, there are several other great apps to find EV charging stations as well.
Tesla owners will be charged the same price as usual. However, non-Tesla owners will incur additional fees due to the costs related to the expansion of the program and will be charged more per kWh than Tesla owners, though pricing varies per location. Unfortunately, there is no global list for this information.
Expanding the Non-Tesla Supercharger Pilot
Only time will tell if the non-Tesla Supercharger Pilot program will make it to the United States. Tesla wants to monitor issues that come along with non-Teslas using its Superchargers that were specifically designed to be used exclusively by Teslas. There are already issues popping up of non-Teslas blocking other chargers to fit the charging cable into their port, as well as taking much longer to charge.
Superchargers can give Teslas 200 miles of range in 15 minutes, but this is not the same for non-Tesla EVs with larger batteries that may present other technical issues. Nevertheless, allowing non-Tesla EVs to use Superchargers is a fantastic first step in reducing range anxiety for all electric vehicle owners, but we’ll have to be patient and see if this expansion will reach even more countries around the world.
Until that time, make sure to plan your EV routes accordingly, making sure to account for the range of your EV.
