Or pay-to-charge, although that seems like more of a hassle to implement.
I really don't think it is. The car already communicates with Tesla when you plug in, what's stopping them from implementing a pay per charge model? People scream "privacy!!!!" but honestly if you want to pay & charge, privacy won't be an option, simple as that. Problem? Use the other manufacturers massive Tesla compatible charging network. Oh wait, there really isn't another one.
Honestly if you value your privacy you probably aren't driving a Tesla considering how "connected" it is.
How the billing would be set up is a whole different matter. Per charge, per Watt/hr, per miles gained, flat time at charger, or "unlimited for day/week/month" option. I'd say they go with unlimited weekly charging for some undetermined rate.
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Why?
Because the vast majority of people are not yet comfortable with electric cars. For those of us here, we understand the tradeoffs and the type of thinking and planning required to own a Tesla.
But the Model 3 is different. It's going to be Tesla's first real attempt at a mass market, wider audience. The Model 3 is essentially the do-or-die move for Tesla and they can't afford to present any weakness or shortcomings to this new wider audience. The Supercharger network is necessary for the mass market to be comfortable with such a drastic change in their vehicle ownership. A Tesla without Supercharger access is essentially a 2nd vehicle "urban commuting" car. Tesla can't afford that perception with this major introduction. We here are the early adopters. We are not the market Tesla is going after.
That's my opinion.
WRT to the gas station/mini mart comment. In our area we have the Wawa chain. Most of their new installations are HUGE. Wide spaced gas/diesel pumps. Large convenience store with loads of parking. Wawa would be an excellent match for Tesla because they are a very forward looking, innovative company. I'm sure there are others.
Point one: If you live anywhere where there is zero supercharger access, why should you pay for it? Tesla apparently likes options over streamlined. The continued, and recently expanded existence of the RWD models shows this, so why not have supercharging be a paid option (or pay-per use option) on the 3?
Honestly, it just dawned on me the opportunity 500,000 cars a year has for this. Suddenly Tesla not only sells the cars, but owns (and can bill for) the gas stations for these cars. Sure you can charge at home, or at any of the gazillion free public charging (J1772) type stations out there, but if you want a quick charge on the road at a Supercharger, you pay Tesla. They would own the cars and the gas! Profits galore! Half kidding, but if the user cost to charge the car is more then the cost to Tesla for the electricity, then that's a potential revenue stream. I pay $5 for 250 miles on my 3, Tesla pays the local electric provider $4, no money goes to oil companies. Everyone wins except oil investors!
Also remember the 3 is, at a minimum, 4 years away from being on the road. Maybe 3, but probably 4. So there is a lot of time for the public to become more and more adjusted to electric vehicles and their charging issues.
Finally, Wawa is also super regional. I grew up in New England and hadn't heard of them until I was like 20. Every region has a specific dense chain (Wawa, Cumberland Farms, Stewarts Shops, Maverick, etc...) so the point is still stands. I'd expect something more national though, like Pilot, or Flying J.
/edit Think of those huge truckstop style gas stations off interstates. Those are the places perfect for a collaboration with Telsa. Not the tiny corner gas station inside the urban area.
