[srf058]

If you have trouble reading this message, view it in a browser. ​ ​ ​ Tesla says it will open Superchargers to other automakers—which others it didn't yet say. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in a tweet a few days ago that Tesla would open the Supercharger network to other automakers by the end of the year. He didn't specify just which automakers he had in mind—all or only some—or how the move would be implemented. Tesla uses proprietary connectors in the U.S. and a number of other regions, so at the very least other EVs would need connector adapters to use existing Supercharger stations. A more difficult part of the equation would be the software needed to talk to the Superchargers. This is where it gets tricky, because non-Tesla EV makers have their own systems to communicate with non-brand-specific charging stations. ​ ​ Tesla's move could open up about 1000 stations in the US alone to other automakers' EVs, but progress on this issue hasn't been forthcoming in past years. The good news (for owners of other EVs) is that Tesla has over 2700 stations around the globe, with some 25,000 Superchargers, so the expansion to other EVs would mean a significant gain in compatible station count. It's also worth noting that Tesla has some 1000 stations in the U.S. alone, so the move could be a lucrative source of revenue for the automaker as well. This proposal is also something that had been mentioned in past years, but had not materialized. So it will be interesting to see just how this push for compatibility will be enacted, and how inclusive it will be.

 

[Stephen Cerruti]

This actually shouldn't be as difficult as the article implies. Tesla can open itself up to other vehicles by using ISO 15118 for Plug & Charge. This is how Electrify America is implementing Plug & Charge. Since Super Chargers in Europe already sport a dual cable version with a CCS/Combo2 and Tesla is delivering cars into that market with the same port I would expect that the long term plan would be to gradually shift in that direction. That is, all new Super Chargers support CCS/Combo2 and the hardware and software for Plug & Charge.

Tesla needs to be careful here though. If they open up their network to paying customers they are going to be accused by people who have free Super Charging of not delivering on that promise when stations are busy. They are already being sued over idle fees.

Plug & Charge is a feature I am waiting for. Volvo has made commitments to advancing the standard. Consortium | eCharge4Drivers

This whole thing about Tesla opening up their network was from a single @elon tweet. There is no Tesla provided timeline or roadmap for this to happen. A big factor will be how the infrastructure plan is written. With 79% of the registered EVs in the US Teslas, it will be hard to mandate that government funds don't also go to build new Tesla chargers. However, it may be possible to financially incentivize Tesla to open the network up to other vehicles as well.

 

[Cuelaw57]

Tesla will likely start opening its Supercharger network in Europe first. It is getting pressure from Germany to do so and Tesla already uses the CCS combo 2 plug connection for vehicles sold in Europe. Germany sees getting Tesla to open up its charging network as a way to increase the public charging infrastructure significantly without spending capital. It will be interesting to see the details of such a deal. It will also be interesting how such a deal is communicated because Tesla has no corporate media department and does not advertise. Perhaps it leaves the communications to whom ever it partners with.