Opening SuperChargers to other EVs

[bwilson4web]

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1417593502351826946?s=20

This is one tweet I hope is implemented using 'Elon Time.' The reason is so many non-Tesla EVs have lethargic charging rates closer to 50 kW.

Bob Wilson

 

[ericy]

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1417593502351826946?s=20
This is one tweet I hope is implemented using 'Elon Time.' The reason is so many non-Tesla EVs have lethargic charging rates closer to 50 kW.

In Europe, Tesla uses the same CCS2 connector as everyone else, so any such opening is likely to only be in Europe.

The only U.S. car currently in production with a 50kW max rate is the Bolt. Even the Kona had about 75kW peak, but even that was designed about 4 years ago. Any newer car is well over 100kW.

 

[bwilson4web]

Owner of the slowest charging, Std Rng Plus Model 3, it has a peak charge rate of 170 kW:

We also have a 2014 BMW i3-REx and its charging curve is limited to <50 kW:

So no, I don't want to charge our BMW i3-REx at a SuperCharger. We'll go to the more expensive CCS-1 chargers. Alternatively, a couple of gallons of gas and not worry about it.

Bob Wilson

 

[ericy]

Another thought comes to mind. There is the possibility of an infrastructure bill that includes government grants to build out an EV charging infrastructure. But charging infrastructure that is only usable by Tesla could well be ineligible.

As is often the case, the devil is in the details. Might they take the grants and use it to build new SC that also includes CCS plug(s), and leave existing SC as they are? If so, how many CCS plugs - all chargers at the station, or just one? Would they only support cars that have plug-and-charge? If they do include a CCS plug, would they also be obligated to include a CHAdeMO plug (with no plug-and-charge capability)? Or just install one EVgo cabinet at new SC sites? It may well depend on what the requirements are to get a grant.

Or does he have something else in mind? Only Elon knows for sure.