Canuck
Well-Known Member
On #1 there is data that Tesla knows exactly what's going on.
They have data regarding future Supercharger use? That's amazing.
don't think there is any evidence that a Supercharging fee with Model 3 has any bearing on crowding. Maybe you could explain how you got from A to B?
Easy. We know that in order to deal with crowding, Tesla has to build more superchargers. That's what has happened with the Model S and X. Building more superchargers = greater costs. This isn't about building out the Supercharger network. That is happening regardless of the Model 3. This is about having enough available spaces for the future since Tesla is cranking out vehicles faster than ever before. But Tesla needs to keep costs down on the Model 3. If they could build in a $2,500 charge like they do on the Model S and X then there's no issue -- they'd use that money to keep adding stations. But here's Musk's own words on this issue:
“… we wanted to make it really straightforward and easy, that’s why the Superchargers are set up at -least today – for people on board the car to travel long distances for life. Obviously, that has fundamentally a cost… The obvious thing to do is decouple that from the cost of the Model 3. So it will still be very cheap, and far cheaper than gasoline, to drive long-distance with the Model 3, but it will not be free long distance for life unless you purchase that package. I wish we could [make it free], but in order to achieve the economics, it has to be something like that. What Tesla’s motivation is, to make electric transport as affordable as possible. That is what informs all of our actions. It’s not because we want to make things more expensive, it is because we can’t figure out how to make it less expensive. That’s all.”
When he says "it is because we can’t figure out how to make it less expensive" we know that the plans are for solar at the Superchargers (and likely energy storage) so we know it doesn't have to do with energy costs. They know how to make it less expensive when it comes to the costs of energy. That's Tesla's specialty, especially since its acquisition of SolarCity, and with storage given the Gigafactory.
So what costs are we dealing with? Not building out the network (happening as we speak) and not energy costs. So that leaves us with the costs of building more charging sites to avoid future overcrowding -- and those costs are substantial -- in addition to the initial hefty construction costs there are the ongoing rent payments and maintenance fees.
Want more proof? Here's J.B Straubel's words on why supercharging will not be "free" for the Model 3:
“It also pains us to see people mis-valuing their time at charging stations so often, it is far more convenient and faster for you overall to charge at home or at work. It takes one second to plug in, you don’t have to go to a separate location and wait for the car to be there. Time and time again, we see people drive to Supercharger stations, wait there for 30 minutes and drive to a different destination. And if they do their math – and they value their time – it makes no sense.”
Elon Musk On Why Supercharging Won't Be Free For Model 3
See how easy it is to get from point A to point B?
Good, because I have a not long detailed answer. See that area under your profile where it says "Location: SoCal"?
Here's the answer: Because the vast majority of the networks is...outside of SoCal.
And there's our window into the future. SoCal is just the leader of the pack. My daughter emailed me a pic the other day of truckload of new Tesla's going down the highway near my home in Canada. It's coming to a theater near you too. Just give it time. There's no putting this cat back in the bag.
1. Tesla "doesn't know if crowded Superchargers will be an issue."
2. Tesla "feels Superchargers *could* be an issue."
3. Tesla definitely "does have concerns."
You seem to have all the bases covered.
Not really. In fact, they all say the same thing. Tesla is concerned about future supercharging crowding. How it plays out remains to be seen.
Last edited: