Tesla’s Free Supercharger Gravy Train Comes to a Halt Jan. 2, 2017

2016 Tesla Model S (Credit: Tesla Motors)

With the announcement of the Supercharger network of charging stations across the nation, Tesla solved one of the major issues with long-distance EV travel. Then, with the announcement that it would be free with certain versions of the Model S and X, Tesla carved itself a nice little niche of buyers. Well, that niche is soon to disappear, as Tesla has announced it is discontinuing the unlimited free charging at its Supercharger stations.

You read that right: starting Jan. 2, 2017, every Tesla ordered will no longer have unlimited charging as an option or standard feature. Instead, Tesla will offer up to 400 kW (roughly 1,000 miles of driving) worth of free charging.

This is clearly an attempt to curtail the abuse of the Supercharger stations by folks living near them. What’s happening is that owners are using these stations for their daily charging instead of the way they are intended, which is for folks driving long distances.

So, what happens if you go over the 400 kW limit? According to Tesla, those who exceed the limit will incur a “small fee” that is “less than the price of filling up a comparable gas car.” The exact figure is not available, but I would suspect it’ll hit somewhere in the $25 to $30 range. Tesla also made it clear that these prices could vary, depending on the cost of electricity at any given time.

For folks who previously purchased a Model S or X and are wondering what about their free Supercharging? You’re safe, as the restrictions only affect cars bought after Jan. 2, 2016 and delivered after April 1, 2017.

This also answers the question of whether the Model 3 will have unlimited charging capabilities or not.