Tesla describes its Supercharger network as “the world’s largest fast charging network” with over 3,000 locations globally. While there is an ongoing trial allowing other EVs to use the Supercharger network in the Netherlands, the network is currently limited to Tesla vehicles only in the UK.
There have been several different iterations of the Tesla supercharge design, with the latest version being V3 which allows charging of up to 250kW per vehicle, and does not split the charging current between adjacent vehicles. Tesla states that this allows drivers to recover “up to 75 miles of charge in 5 minutes,” representing one of the fastest publicly available charging rates.
While this new architecture is highly impressive, it is important to remember that older versions of the Tesla Supercharger are capable of lower maximum charging rates, and charging rates may be limited where there are a large number of vehicles charging simultaneously at the same location.
The Supercharger network is generally considered to be one of the most consistent and reliable of the UK’s nationwide fast charging networks.
Our EV charger types guide provides lots of information on the various types of charger currently in use in the UK.
How do I use the Tesla Supercharger network?
Provided you have a Tesla vehicle and the Tesla app, the Supercharger network is very easy to use. All you need to do is pull up and plug your Tesla into the Supercharger, and it will start charging automatically. You can monitor the charging progress both on the Tesla app and on your instrument panel.
Live information about the Supercharger network is integrated into the built-in Tesla trip planner, meaning that your vehicle can automatically determine the optimal route including any required Supercharger stops.
Optimising charging speed
When charging at a V2 Supercharger, you can increase your charging speed by ensuring that you select a Supercharger with a unique number that is not connected to another vehicle. Supercharging stations are labelled 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B… etc. The Supercharger splits the charging power between identically numbered chargers (e.g. 1A and 1B) so if, for example, a vehicle was connected to charger 1A, you would achieve the highest charging power by selecting any charger other than 1B.
You do not need to do this at V3 Superchargers.
How much does Supercharging cost?
Access to the Supercharger network was historically free for Tesla owners, however this promotion has unfortunately now ended. Tesla owners were also able to earn free Supercharger miles via a referral programme, however this promotion has also been discontinued. Tesla does occasionally open up new promotions, so owners would be well served to keep their eyes peeled for these.
The pricing structure for Supercharging is fairly complex – although as a rule of thumb it is at least double the cost of charging at home. Thankfully, individual pricing for charging stations should be available from the within the built-in Tesla trip planner.
The cost of each Supercharging session is invoiced immediately afterwards via your Tesla account.
While the Tesla Supercharger network is a compelling and very convenient proposition for Tesla owners, there are a number of other public fast charging networks with their own advantages. We will be covering these in the coming weeks.
