Can federal funds open up the Tesla Supercharger network to other electric vehicles in the US?
Tesla wants part of the federal funds released to charge electric vehicles, and it’s ready to open up its Supercharger DC fast-charging network to make that happen.
The automaker made that proposal in comment (first discovered by News E&E) filed with the Federal Highway Administration how to spend $7.5 billion set aside for the national electric vehicle charging network as part of infrastructure legislation passed late last year.
Tesla has already taken steps to open up the Supercharger network for cars from other European automakers. It started a pilot program in the Netherlands by the end of 2021, activate the Combined Charging Standard (CCS) connectors it has installed at 10 Supercharger locations. In January, Tesla expanded its ability to supply vehicles from other automakers in France and Norway.
Tesla Supercharger V3 Station – Las Vegas Strip
This isn’t the first hint that Tesla plans to do the same in the US, but the automaker’s proposal appears to ask for funding in return — for existing Tesla-only Supercharger connectors. , as well as CHAdeMO connectors used by a decreasing number. of EVs, such as the Nissan Leaf, as long as they are located with the CCS connectors.
“Tesla or CHAdeMO connectors will be eligible for the discount as long as there is a CCS connector on site for each discounted Tesla or CHAdeMO connector,” the automaker said.
That could prove to be a sticking point. While Tesla sells a lot of electric vehicles, most new models are expected to use CCS. The infrastructure law also means funding new toll infrastructure, with no refunds to operators opening existing toll booths.
Tesla Supercharger V3 Station – Las Vegas Strip
It’s also easy for Tesla to develop cross-compatibility in Europe because the automaker has grow its network there around CCSthis didn’t exist when Tesla started building the US Supercharger network.
Last year, CEO Elon Musk hinted that Tesla would bill at a higher rate for electric cars charging too slow—And thus will occupy the charging stalls for a longer time.
On the other hand, a partnership between Tesla and the federal government could help accelerate the development of a national charging network for all electric vehicles. Real estate is one of the biggest obstacles to the ever-growing toll infrastructure; Tesla adding CCS and CHAdeMO connectors to its existing sites could provide a shortcut.
Tesla Supercharger
It’s also important to note that Tesla’s proprietary Supercharger standard cuts both ways. There are very few charging opportunities for Teslas outside of the Supercharger network. A few stations from EVgo is the exception.
The Biden administration earlier this month announced that it’s now up to the states to submit plans for federally funded EV infrastructure, so Tesla or not, things could look a bit disjointed for a while.
