For the first time, Tesla is allowing third-party electric vehicles to recharge at the company’s Supercharger stations.
The pilot project involves 10 Supercharger stations in the Netherlands that have been outfitted to serve a variety of CCV-capable electric vehicles. Owners of non-Tesla electric vehicles will be able to refuel at the stations after signing up with the Tesla app, version 4.2.3 or higher.
“Access to an extensive, convenient and reliable fast-charging network is critical for large-scale EV adoption,” Tesla said in Monday’s announcement.
Tesla currently has more than 25,000 Supercharger stations across the globe. So once the company decides to expand the pilot, it should make refueling many electric vehicles more convenient. (In July, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said his company was preparing to make the Superchargers available to third-party vehicles sometime this year.)
“It’s always been our ambition to open the Supercharger network to Non-Tesla EVs, and by doing so, encourage more drivers to go electric,” the company added. “This move directly supports our mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.”
The company is also signaling it could generate additional revenue by serving non-Tesla vehicles at the company’s Supercharger stations. The additional funding could then be used to build out the Supercharger network. Third-party vehicles that use the stations will also pay more, although Tesla's announcement didn't offer any specific rates. "Rates vary by site, and you can view charging prices in the Tesla app," the company said.
Of course, the pilot may cause concerns about traffic piling up at Supercharger stations, which would risk annoying existing Tesla car owners. In response,Tesla notes: “We’re starting with a select number of sites so that we can review the experience, monitor congestion and assess feedback before expanding. Future sites will only be opened to Non-Tesla vehicles if there is available capacity.
“Our goal is to learn and iterate quickly, while continuing to aggressively expand the network, so we can eventually welcome both Tesla and Non-Tesla drivers at every Supercharger worldwide,” the company added.