The Future of Fast Charging at Tesla: New Plans and Rates
We all agree that electric driving is the future. And Tesla, the pioneer in the electric car industry, gladly welcomes electric vehicles from all brands to charge at its fast-charging stations. However, there are changes on the horizon that we all need to keep an eye on.
Welcome, but don't stay too long
Tesla has always been in favor of sharing its charging infrastructure with other car brands. It's a commendable gesture toward a greener future. However, don't linger too long because soon an additional fee will be applied to those who leave their vehicle plugged in longer than necessary.
Avoid Peak Hours
Furthermore, it's wise to avoid peak hours, as during these times, charging at Tesla may cost more. This means that planning your charging session outside of peak hours can save you money.
Congestion Fees on the Way
But that's not all. Recently, a well-known Tesla hacker, known as "Green," shared information about an upcoming software update. This update is expected to introduce what is called "congestion fees" or peak-hour rates. The exact implementation date and rates are not yet known, but it's something to keep in mind.
Why Extra Costs for the Last 20%?
You may be wondering why Tesla wants to impose an additional fee for charging the remaining 20% of your battery. The answer is actually quite logical. Charging the last 20% is always slower than the first 80%. Tesla's Superchargers are designed for fast charging, not for extended use. Thus, the company aims to prevent people from occupying the charging station for that final, slower charging phase.
Improving Traffic Flow
The new rate is intended to deter people and improve traffic flow at the charging stations. The goal is to make charging at Tesla as efficient as possible and to prevent charging stations from needlessly remaining occupied.
Current Rates
For now, the extra fees only apply if you continue to occupy the charging station after reaching a full battery. In the Netherlands and Belgium, you will pay 0.50 euros per minute of occupancy. If all charging spots are taken, this rate doubles per minute. The good news is that if you return to your vehicle within five minutes, you won't have to pay extra fees at the Tesla Supercharger.
The future of electric driving is exciting and ever-changing. It's important to stay informed about the latest developments to plan your electric car journeys as smoothly as possible, all while contributing to a cleaner planet. We will keep you updated on new developments regarding Tesla's charging policy and rates. Stay tuned and drive safely!
