New Tesla buyers charged for Supercharger

ANY customer buying a Tesla all-electric vehicle from now on will pay to use the emissions-free car-maker’s Supercharger network, with the first 400kWh – about 1609km of driving range – free per year, followed by a 35 cent fee for every kWh thereafter.

While customers who ordered a Model S sedan or Model X SUV before January 15, 2017, will receive free supercharger access for the life of the vehicle, new customers – including buyers of the upcoming Model 3 – will be charged to charge.

The annual credit allowance of 400kWh will not roll over to the following year if there is an unused amount, and the quota will reset on anniversary date of the vehicle delivery.

If the Tesla vehicle is sold to a new owner, the allowance reset date will apply on the date of the transfer of ownership.

A Supercharger allows Tesla customers access to 120kW charging ports, which can top up about half the Model S or Model X’s battery capacity in 20 minutes, while some stations also featuring convenience amenities for long-distance travellers.

Tesla’s Australian Supercharger network has reached 11 stations, linking Melbourne to the northern New South Wales town of Knockrow, with stations set up between the two points at towns including Euroa, Gundagai, Goulburn and Port Macquarie, as well as two in Sydney.

According to the tech startup, “Tesla is committed to ensuring that Supercharger will never be a profit centre” and that the new fees will help push for further market penetration of the incoming Model 3.

“As we approach the launch of Model 3, this update will enable us to greatly expand our supercharger network, providing customers with the best possible user experience and bringing sustainable transport to even more people,” it said.