There may be disappointing news for anybody who has ordered a new Tesla Model 3, as owners of the new electric saloon won’t be allowed free access to Tesla’s supercharger network.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk explained at a shareholder meeting earlier this week that it can’t afford to sell the less expensive Model 3, which starts from around £25,000, and also offer free electricity.
Currently, Model S and Model X owners can use the extensive network of supercharger stations, which can charge the cars’ batteries to 80 per cent capacity in just 40 minutes, for free.
Extensive supercharger network
Model 3 owners will therefore have to pay to charge their cars at a supercharger, but alternatively will be able to purchase optional contract packages to allow free charging for a set amount of time.
Musk said: “If the company adds a charge for something extra, like supercharging, a higher trim level or special technology, it’s because we can’t figure out how to make it less expensive.”
He also stressed that the company wasn’t trying to “gouge” Model 3 owners, but stated that the Model S and Model X are allowed free charging due to the cars’ much higher list prices.
Optional contract packages for free charging
However, even current Tesla owners aren’t immune to trouble with the superchargers, as last April several Model S owners in the US received letters scolding them for using them too often.
The letters stated: “As a frequent user of local Superchargers, we ask that you decrease your local Supercharging and promptly move your Model S once charging is complete.”
