In the five years Tesla first started building its Supercharger network, it has amassed more than 1,000 charging stations across the globe with nearly 7,500 chargers. Supercharging allows Tesla owners to drive freely cross-country. Drivers can rapidly charge their vehicle in a matter of minutes. For example, the Model S can travel up to 170 miles from a 30-minute charge thanks to the Supercharger’s 120 kWh delivery. It is an efficient way to quickly get back on the road, which is why there is no surprise of misuse.
Tesla knows that Uber, Lyft, and other commercial drivers have been leeching off its Superchargers, according to Bloomberg. Because these drivers remain local, they are not using the Superchargers as Tesla had originally intended. Their solution to the problem comes in the form of a warning, which is backed by serious ramifications. In its updated Supercharger Fair Use Policy, the electric car manufacturer says it will limit or block an offending vehicle’s ability to use Supercharger stations. The company is known to push software updates over the air. Modifying a particular car’s access by its Vehicle Identification Number could be done with ease.
Superchargers are meant for private use and reserved for drivers who are passing through. If the stations are constantly clogged by local customers, then those drivers will be unable to make use of them. Demand for Superchargers is expected to surge with the release of the Model 3. Tesla is working on expanding the network to meet customer needs.
