Jason71
Well-Known Member
As I understand it when they do block it it blocks ALL DC fast charging. In the US SuC is generally the only option for DC fast charging so its pretty much one and the same. The fact that they do it by an update to your car does seem dodgy but the net effect is the same either way.It's about reputation.
If a non Tesla car goes up in flames while supercharging (on an open SuC) the media won't be having a field day saying "Tesla car goes up in smoke". The word Tesla would be substituted for another brand. So, they are protecting their brand reputation by blocking salvage cars from SuCs. It's an interesting legal point: does their right to protect their brand supersede the owner's right or expectation to use the car as it was intended to be used (ie, with superchgargers)? Secondly, does the owner have any contractual right to use a supercharger? I'm guessing not, if Tesla says they don't (as is the case for these salvaged cars).
I'm surprised this hasn't been tested in court (at least, in the US).
Not sure what the situation is in Europe. If Tesla don't want to let you use their network then that is entirely up to them. Its not public but if they block you from other DC chargers, of which there are many of course, then that seems like legally it would be a bit issue. Also blocking from the ones that have been made public would seem like a bit of a grey area. If they get funding / access etc through providing a "public" network then block some of the public. Is that OK?