Supercharging no longer Free

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DucRider

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An Update to Our Supercharging Program

The Tesla Team November 7, 2016

Tesla Supercharger
Tesla Supercharger
Four years ago, Tesla introduced the Supercharger Network – the world’s fastest charging solution – to enable convenient long distance travel. Today, more than 4,600 Superchargers allow over 160,000 Tesla owners to drive across the continental U.S., from the Arctic Circle to the south of Spain, and across all of the population centers in China and Japan, among many other places. Supercharging has even helped owners drive their Teslas around the world.

We’ve designed our network so that all customers have access to a seamless and convenient charging experience when they’re away from home, as our intention has always been for Supercharging to enable long distance travel. That’s why today we’re announcing a change to the economics of Supercharging – one that allows us to reinvest in the network, accelerate its growth and bring all owners, current and future, the best Supercharging experience.

Ensuring Use for Long-Distance Travel

For Teslas ordered after January 1, 2017, 400 kWh of free Supercharging credits (roughly 1,000 miles) will be included annually so that all owners can continue to enjoy free Supercharging during travel. Beyond that, there will be a small fee to Supercharge which will be charged incrementally and cost less than the price of filling up a comparable gas car. All cars will continue to come standard with the onboard hardware required for Supercharging.

We will release the details of the program later this year, and while prices may fluctuate over time and vary regionally based on the cost of electricity, our Supercharger Network will never be a profit center.

These changes will not impact current owners or any new Teslas ordered before January 1, 2017, as long as delivery is taken before April 1, 2017.

The Road Ahead

Just as you would charge your cell phone, we believe the best way to charge your car is either at home or at work, during the hours you’re not using it. For travelers, the Supercharger Network has become a powerful, unique benefit of Tesla ownership. As we approach the launch of Model 3, this update will enable us to greatly expand our Supercharger Network, providing customers with the best possible user experience and bringing sustainable transport to even more people.
 
They should consider retroactively changing the program. Not only does this not solve the problem of the existing owners who needlessly use the superchargers because "it's free", but it also gives the older cars an economic advantage over cars made after the cutoff date.

Note also that ALL models 3 will be under the new program...so much for free supercharging for life for model 3 owners....
 
It is very difficult to change the details of a service contract that has already been sold. When you sell something that specifically includes free, unlimited service 'for life', you can't just go back and change your mind. They would get sued, which would end up costing much, much more than whatever Tesla would 'save' by restricting access.

And I never expected Tesla to provide free supercharging for model 3 buyers (and I made fun of those who did).
 
On a practical level we knew that free battery charging offer couldn't last forever as the goal would be to sell as many vehicles as you can and therefore the sustainability of offering free charging would at some point defeat the purpose of specific areas of a business plan. It was a good incentive while it lasted
 
I never understood "free, forever" to be part of a formal service contract. I understood it to be advertising talk. Was it formal?
 
I was trying to find an explanation on why Tesla gave up the free charging. I didn't find anything but came across this article where I found this quote interesting

To that end, there could be another benefit: More customers may choose to order Tesla cars this month and next to avoid the charging fees. If so, that could boost Tesla's sales in the holiday quarter and make it easier to raise capital if needed.

http://www.krdo.com/lifestyle/automotive/tesla-phases-out-unlimited-free-charging/145778950
 
splitmitten said:
I was trying to find an explanation on why Tesla gave up the free charging. I didn't find anything but came across this article where I found this quote interesting

To that end, there could be another benefit: More customers may choose to order Tesla cars this month and next to avoid the charging fees. If so, that could boost Tesla's sales in the holiday quarter and make it easier to raise capital if needed.

http://www.krdo.com/lifestyle/automotive/tesla-phases-out-unlimited-free-charging/145778950

I guess, business is business and that is one angle to consider
 
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