Tesla Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Superchargers with Free Charging for All Electric Cars
Tesla is marking the 10th anniversary of its Supercharger network in Europe by offering free charging to electric car drivers in the UK. This promotion is open to owners of all electric vehicles, not just Teslas, and will be available from 08:00 to 23:59 BST on Tuesday, August 29th. However, the last charging sessions must begin by 22:59 at the latest.
The Supercharger network made its debut in Europe on August 19, 2013, in Norway. Since then, it has expanded to include 36 countries in Europe and boasts 13,000 individual chargers. Tesla’s Summer Celebrations initiative aims to show appreciation to Tesla owners who have supported the company since its inception and contributed to the growth of the Supercharger network, which now comprises 9,200 devices across Europe.
In November 2021, Tesla started accepting electric vehicles from other brands at select locations in the UK as part of a pilot scheme. This move allows all EVs to use the Supercharger network.
Last week, Tesla launched its latest-generation V4 supercharger in the UK. This new charger will eventually open up Tesla chargers across the country to electric cars of all brands and introduces contactless payment. The V4 charger features a three-meter-long cable that can supply power at rates of up to 250kW for EVs with a CCS connection. Users can activate the charger through contactless card payment or via the Tesla smartphone app, with prices set at 50p per kWh.
While other charging firms have introduced faster chargers, Tesla’s V4 charger is considered “future-proof” due to over-the-air updates. This means that faster charging rates could be possible in the future. The V4 charger also features a more discreet design compared to Tesla’s previous-generation V3 charger. The large aperture design, which was a Tesla staple for three generations of chargers, has been replaced by a solid box. The V4 charger now includes a digital screen for card payment and displays a digital receipt that can be downloaded through a scannable QR code.
Currently, the fastest-charging EVs on sale in the UK max out at 350kW. However, the introduction of 800V charging hardware is expected to significantly reduce top-up times in the near future.
The first V4 chargers are available at Tesla’s dealership in Tottenham, north London, but will eventually be rolled out to Tesla charging sites across the UK. Autocar tested one of the new V4 chargers and recorded a charging speed of 76kW on a BMW iX1, which claims a maximum charging speed of 130kW.
Tesla’s Supercharger network has played a crucial role in promoting electric vehicle adoption and addressing range anxiety. By offering free charging to all electric car drivers in the UK on its 10th anniversary, Tesla is further demonstrating its commitment to sustainable transportation and supporting the wider EV community.
In conclusion, Tesla’s Supercharger network has reached a significant milestone with its 10th anniversary in Europe. To celebrate, Tesla is providing free charging to all electric car drivers in the UK. With the introduction of the latest-generation V4 supercharger, Tesla aims to make charging more accessible and convenient for electric vehicle owners of all brands. This move highlights Tesla’s dedication to promoting sustainable transportation and fostering the growth of the EV market.