Tesla Supercharger
A Tesla Supercharger is a 480-volt DC fast-charging technology built by American vehicle manufacturer Tesla, Inc. for their all-electric cars. The Tesla Supercharger network of fast-charging stations was introduced beginning in 2012., Tesla operates 16,103 Superchargers in 1,826 stations worldwide ; these include 908 stations in the U.S., 98 in Canada, 16 in Mexico, 520 in Europe, and 398 in the Asia/Pacific region. Each Supercharger stall has a connector to supply electrical power at up to 250 kW via a direct current connection to the 400-volt car battery pack.
Tesla Model S was the first car to be able to use the network, followed by the Tesla Model X, Tesla Model 3, and Tesla Model Y. Some Tesla cars have free supercharging for life, some have 100-400 kWh per year, some have a single 100-400 kWh credit, and some have a monetary credit. If the car doesn't have any credit, you pay with a credit card on file for the electricity used. An idle fee may be charged for continuing to be plugged into the Supercharger after charging has been completed.
Tesla has taken steps to focus use of the Superchargers on making longer journeys. In late 2017, Tesla disallowed commercial, peer-to-peer ridesharing, taxi, and government usage of the public Supercharger network.
Independent of the Superchargers, Tesla also has Tesla destination chargers., Tesla has distributed 23,963 destination chargers to locations worldwide. These chargers are slower than Superchargers, and are intended to charge cars over several hours. These chargers are typically free to Tesla drivers who are customers of the business at the location.
Supercharger technology
The original V1 and V2 Tesla supercharging stations charge with up to 150 kW of power distributed between two cars with a maximum of 150 kW per car, depending on version. They take about 20 minutes to charge to 50%, 40 minutes to charge to 80%, and 75 minutes to 100% on the original 85kWh Model S. The charging stations provide high-power direct-current charging power directly to the battery, bypassing the internal charging power supply.In September 2017, Tesla announced the availability of urban Superchargers. The urban Superchargers are more compact than the standard Supercharger stalls as they will be primarily deployed in urban areas such as mall parking lots and garages. Compared to the standard Superchargers, Urban Superchargers have a maximum power delivery of 72kW. Instead of 150kW distributed between two vehicles at a Supercharger A/B stall pair, each Urban Supercharger stall provides dedicated 72kW capacity.
A few of the Tesla supercharging stations use solar panels to offset energy use and provide shade. Tesla plans to install additional solar power generation at Superchargers.
As of March 2020, the network is exclusive to Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y cars. Supercharging hardware is standard on all Model X, Model 3, and Model Y cars, and is available on Model S cars equipped with a battery of 70kWh or greater, and optional on Model S vehicles equipped with a 60kWh battery. The original Roadster is not equipped to charge from the Superchargers, but all other future Tesla cars will include the ability.
Tesla makes V3 superchargers at Giga New York. Tesla opened "V3" stations in 2019, providing up to 15 miles per minute. A 1 MW charge box supplies 4 stalls at 250 kW each.
In the European market, Tesla has been using the standardized IEC 62196 Type 2 connector for Model S and Model X cars and Superchargers. Tesla announced in November 2018 that it was updating all Superchargers in the EU to add CCS/Combo2 connectors, as an additional connector to the existing DC Type 2 connector. In the same announcement it was stated that this CCS/Combo2 connector will be the connector used for the Model 3 due the following year. This brings complete compatibility with the legislated charging standard for EU public charging. Existing Model S and X cars will be given the option of an adapter for CCS/Combo2 that allows those cars to use the EU standard public infrastructure as well. There will remain an incompatibility with imported US Tesla cars. As of 2017, Tesla is the only automobile manufacturer which offers direct current charging based on the IEC 62196-2 specification. Other manufacturers use the IEC 62196-3 Combined Charging System charging standard.
Tesla has indicated on multiple occasions that they were interested in having discussions with other auto manufacturers about sharing the Supercharger network, however no agreements have been completed or made public to date.
In late 2019, on a busy Thanksgiving weekend in San Luis Obispo, California, Tesla deployed a mobile Supercharger set-up on a flatbed trailer, offering additional charging capacity powered by a Tesla Megapack energy storage system.
Controversy
In 2016, the Advertising Standards Authority ruled that it was accurate to state that Tesla Superchargers are the highest-power chargers available in the UK, turning down a complaint by Ecotricity. Although the Superchargers are technically capable of 150kW, Tesla cars restricted the power to 120kW, but boosted that to up to 150 kW for the Model 3 Long Range and the 100 kWh versions of Models S and X in 2019. The Chinese GB/T standard has a theoretical maximum of 180kW, but as of 2018, no car had a 500600V battery required for the 180kW charging speed.Supercharging network
Tesla Supercharger stations allow Tesla vehicles to be fast-charged at the network within roughly an hour, and are often located near restaurants with restrooms.The average number of Tesla cars per Supercharger stall was 34 in 2016. Cost estimates per station range from US$100,000 in 2013 to US$270,000 in 2015, depending on the number of stalls and other circumstances. Tesla estimates that station equipment lasts 12 years.
Most car charging occurs at home or work, a situation that Tesla has compared to cell phone charging., less than 10% of charging came from Superchargers. In the month of July 2019, Tesla delivered 72 GWh through Superchargers.
Most Supercharger stations are owned by Tesla, but some are owned by fleet operators to charge their Tesla cars, such as taxis. These charger stalls are limited to 60 kW. In December 2017, Tesla changed its terms of service so that any vehicles being used as taxis or for commercial, ride-share, or government purposes were effectively banned from using Superchargers. This ban only applies to vehicles bought after December 15, 2017. Other charging options would be provided for these vehicles.
Fees for using Superchargers
Unlimited supercharging for life is free for all Model S and Model X cars that were ordered before January 15, 2017, or between August 2, 2019, and May 26, 2020, or for vehicles that were purchased using a referral code during certain periods.Model S and Model X cars that were ordered between January 15, 2017 and November 2, 2018, received 400 kWh of free Supercharging credits per year. Once those credits are used, supercharging will have a fee, but that fee is lower than filling up a gas-powered car.
Between May 2017 and September 18, 2018, Tesla allowed existing Tesla owners to give free unlimited supercharging for life to up to five friends if the friend purchased a new Tesla and used their referral code. Tesla also offered all existing Tesla owners who purchase a new Model S, Model X or Performance Model 3 for themselves will receive free unlimited supercharging for life on those cars.
From time to time, Tesla has offered 1,000 or 2,000 miles of free supercharging as an incentive to purchase a new Tesla car.
Other than the above caveats, Tesla Model S and Model X cars purchased between November 2, 2018 and August 2, 2019, and all Model 3 and Model Y cars purchased at any time do not receive any supercharging credits.
Fees for remaining connected after being fully charged
Since December 16, 2016, any car that remains connected to a Supercharger after being fully charged may be fined. In the United States, there is no fine if the Supercharger station is less than half full, a fine of $0.50 per minute if the station is at least 50% full, and a fine of $1.00 per minute when the station is 100% full. This fee is waived if the car is removed in five minutes. Any incurred fees must be paid by the time of the next service visit.Change over time
In October 2014, there were 119 standard Tesla Supercharger stations operating in the United States, 76 in Europe, and 26 in Asia. On 31 March 2016, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that the number of Supercharger stations would be doubled by 2017.The number of Supercharger stations worldwide grew to 280 by the end of 2014; 584 by the end of 2015; and 1,045 by the end of 2017. By December 2014, two stations were solar powered. A solar-assisted Supercharger was opened in Belgium in 2017., Tesla had plans to expand the network to 15,000 stalls., Tesla operates 16,103 Superchargers in 1,826 stations worldwide; these include 908 stations in the U.S., 98 in Canada, 16 in Mexico, 520 in Europe, and 398 in the Asia/Pacific region.
North America
2012 saw eight initial Supercharger stations around the United States, located at strategic points on the Boston-to-Washington and Los Angeles-to-San Francisco highway corridors. By mid-July 2013, 15 stations were open across the United States, with the number expected to nearly double by the end of the summer. The stations were developed and mass constructed in cooperation with Black & Veatch. Supercharging stations were available in Canada along the Highway 401 corridor between Toronto and Montreal by 2014.The initial network was built in high-traffic corridors across North America, followed by networks in Europe and Asia in the second half of 2013. The first Supercharger corridor in the US opened with free access in October 2012. This corridor included six stations placed along routes connecting San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. A second corridor was opened in December 2012 along the Northeast megalopolis, connecting Washington, DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City and Boston. This corridor includes three stations in highway rest areas, one in Delaware and two adjacent ones in Connecticut. At some stations, the electricity is paid by local business to attract customers.
The electricity used by the Supercharger in the West Coast corridor comes partly from a solar carport system provided by SolarCity. Eventually, all Supercharger stations are to be supplied by solar power.
According to Musk, "...we expect all of the United States to be covered by the end of next year ". He also said that early Tesla owners' use of the network would be free forever.
, North Dakota, Alaska, and Hawaii are the remaining states without Superchargers. Supercharging stations are planned to be opened in 2020 in all three states. Most of the southern Trans-Canada Highway was covered at the end of 2019.
Europe
In early 2015, the first European Supercharger was upgraded with a 'solar canopy' in Køge, Denmark. According to the person responsible for Tesla's Superchargers in the Nordic countries, Christian Marcus, the 12-stall Supercharger in Køge has solar cells with a projected annual production of about 40 MWh and is equipped with its own battery bank for temporary storage of excess production. Unlike other European Supercharger stations, Tesla has bought the land on which the Køge Supercharger stands. On April 26, 2016, Kostomłoty became the first charger to open in Poland. Tesla opened a grid-connected 2-stall Supercharger at Nürburgring in 2019. There are a few privately operated Supercharger stations such as the one opened on April 27, 2016, in Zarechye, Russia, with 3 stalls.The European Supercharger network is planned to allow a Model S to drive from the North Cape in Norway to Istanbul or Lisbon., the Supercharger closest to Istanbul is the one in Vrgorac, and the one nearest to Lisbon is Alcacer do Sal. The map of current and planned sites includes every European Union country except Malta and Cyprus, and represents all of the countries in the world in the top 10 of electric vehicle adoption rates.
Asia-Pacific
, Hong Kong had the highest density of Tesla Superchargers in the world, with eight stations with a total of 54 Supercharger stalls, allowing most Model S owners to have a Supercharger within 20 minutes' drive. Other Superchargers can also be found in People's Republic of China, Australia, Japan, Macau, New Zealand, South Korea, and Taiwan. Tesla contracts Infigen Energy to supply electricity for its Australian Superchargers.In 2016, Tesla also announced plans to deploy a nationwide network of Superchargers in India. No deployments as of 2020.
Large Supercharger stations
| Stalls | Country | Location | Amenities | Opened | Notes |
| 24 | US | monorail station | solar canopy | 13 Destination Chargers also available | |
| 10 | Norway | ||||
| 8 | UK | in Park Royal, London | 8 V2 chargers also available | ||
| 8 | Canada |
| Stalls | Country | Location | Amenities | Opened | Notes |
| 50 | China | 2017-10-23 | |||
| 50 | China | 2018-01-04 | |||
| 50 | China | 2017-09-18 | |||
| 44 | Norway | 2016-08-31 | One of first European S/Cs with CCS Combo 2 plugs | ||
| 42 | Norway | ||||
| 40 | United States | 24-hour Tesla Customer Lounge | 2017-11-14 | Solar canopy | |
| 40 | United States | 2017-11-15 | Solar canopy | ||
| 32 | Netherlands | Free Wifi | 2018-11-21 | ||
| 28 | Netherlands | Free Wifi | 2018-05-15 | ||
| 26 | Denmark | 2015-02-04 | Solar canopy | ||
| 24 | Netherlands | 2015-11-20 | |||
| 24 | Norway | ||||
| 24 | Switzerland | 24-hour Tesla Customer Lounge | 2019-05-09 | ||
| 20 | France | Free WiFi | 2018-06-20 | ||
| 20 | Sweden | Free WiFi | 2019-06-30 |
| Stalls | Country | Location | Amenities | Opened | Notes |
| 40 | United States | ||||
| 36 | United States | 25 Destination Chargers also available | |||
| 35 | United States | ||||
| 24 | United States |
Battery-swap proposal
A "Tesla station" was a planned second version of the Supercharger that, as of 2013, would provide Tesla owners with extremely-fast battery pack swaps as well as fast-recharge for Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles. However, the company's plans changed and battery swapping is no longer a significant part of Tesla's charging infrastructure plans.By December 2014, 18 months after the announcement, no battery swapping stations had yet opened to the public. That same month, the company announced a revision to their much-delayed plans. A single battery-swap station would be opened in California as a pilot project, where only invited Model S owners could do battery swaps by appointment, to assess technical and economic aspects of the service. Demand for the priced service—which was expected to take three minutes —would be used to determine whether the company would fully commercialize battery swapping stations more generally. The original plan in the June 2013 company announcement explicitly indicated that the company would eventually upgrade all existing Tesla Supercharger stations to become Tesla stations, which would offer the battery-pack swap for the Model S in addition to the fast recharge capability that each facility initially opened with.
By June 2015, the company had indicated that battery swapping capabilities was no longer a significant part of Tesla's plans for on-road energy replacement for their vehicles.
History
In June 2013, Tesla announced the goal to deploy a battery swapping station in each of its existing supercharging stations, to be renamed Tesla stations. At an event at Tesla's design studio in Los Angeles, CEO Elon Musk demonstrated a battery swap operation with the Tesla Model S, which took just over 90 seconds each for the two cars participating in the demo. The swapping operation took less than half the time needed to refill a gasoline-powered car used for comparison purposes during the event.The Tesla Model S was designed from the beginning to support fast battery swapping, with Tesla publicly discussing the capability as early as March 2009.
By December 2014, no battery-swapping stations had been opened to the public. On 19 December, Tesla announced revised plans. They would now build only a single battery-swapping station, and institute a "Battery Swap Pilot Program" at that selected station in Harris Ranch, California in order to "assess demand." Only invited Model S owners would be able to participate in the pilot battery swaps. The company stated they would "evaluate relative demand from customers... to assess whether it merits the engineering resources and investment necessary" for the upgrade of additional first-generation Supercharger stations.
In June 2015, Tesla announced that of 200 invitations sent out to try the pilot pack swap station, only approximately five tried it. Tesla then invited all California Model S owners to try it out, but expected a low usage rate. A survey showed that most users were not interested.
Deployment
The first Tesla Station with battery-swapping capability was planned to be piloted in California late in 2013, but this was subsequently delayed. Elon Musk said at an event in February 2014 that a few battery swap stations will open in the next few months along the route between Los Angeles and San Francisco, and that the initial stations will be studied before deciding to build any more. In mid-2013 each swapping station was projected to cost and have approximately 50 batteries available without requiring reservations.Elon Musk said the battery swapping service would be offered for the price of about of gasoline at the current local rate, around to at June 2013 prices. Owners may pick up their own battery pack fully charged on the return trip for no extra payment. Tesla will also offer the option to keep the pack received on the swap and pay the price difference if the battery received is newer; or to receive the original pack back from Tesla for a transport fee. The billing will be handled via customer credit card on file with Tesla. Pricing had not been determined.