This is most likely a bug and not a new feature specific to Tesla’s Superchargers.
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Electric vehicle owners will be happy to learn that they can currently use Tesla’s V3 Superchargers for free… without having Tesla. In recent days, the electrical installations seem to be opening up to vehicles other than those of the American manufacturer, to the delight of some. The case concerns the latest V3 devices which have appeared in Europe for a few months and whose deployment began when the Model 3 was launched in the territory.
Several motorists as well as car rental companies had the opportunity to test Tesla’s Superchargers with vehicles from other brands, such as the company Nextmove which tested the charger on a BMW i3, a Porsche Taycan as well as several Renault Zoe and Hyundai Ionic in their 100% electric configuration.
What do these models have in common? All are equipped with a Combo Type connector, a standard adopted by the latest Superchargers of the American manufacturer and a socket also called CCS which appears as the evolution of the “old” Type 2 and 3 connectors. This new model of socket for the fast charging becomes a European standard, and will be compatible with the next fast bordes reaching a power of 250 kWh.
An opportunity to revive the discussion between Tesla and the other brands?
However, this novelty does not seem to be intended to last. It would probably be a bug on the side of Tesla’s Superchargers rather than a new surprise feature unveiled by the brand. However, this has the merit of showing that the manufacturer is largely able to open its equipment to other brands.
In recent years, Tesla seemed moreover rather ready to open its network of Superchargers to other competing brands in the future. Rumors suggest the automaker is in talks with other companies, but no deal has likely been reached yet. It is also necessary that the entities concerned manage to agree on the sharing of costs and the prices that will have to be paid by each.
This bug could be an opportunity to bring up the subject again, even if some manufacturers have already positioned themselves differently. BMW, Mercedes, Ford and Volkswagen launched the Ionity network in 2016 — before being joined by Hyundai, to offer fast charging stations across Europe. A year ago, Europe had a hundred of these chargers for a target of 400 in 2020. Partner brands are currently banking on this network to promote their new electric models (such as the Mercedes EQC and Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback).
UPDATE 09/14 – 2:41 p.m . : According to information from Tesla, it is no longer possible to charge (for free or not) a vehicle other than a Tesla on the Superchargers concerned. Some electric vehicle owners brought up the subject in videos shared yesterday, such as specialist YouTuber Bjørn Nyland.
