What wasn't said.

[sandpiper]

A few interesting things that weren't said:

1. Elon said that supercharging is standard. But he never said that it would be free. As-in, the door is open for some sort of pay-per-use system. This makes sense, because when the cars get less expensive, I can see it attracting more people who will look at the SCs as a way to save money on power at home, rather than as a means for doing long distance travel.

2. Same with AP. He said, specifically, that the AP hardware is standard. He did not say that there would not be an optional cost to turn it on. I suspect this is a bit of "keeping the options open".

 

[Az_Rael]

He did say that autopilot "safety" features would be standard as well. That indicates to me that the convenience features of autopilot will be an option. So I am guessing emergency braking type stuff will be standard, but the whole on ramp to exit auto driving might not be.

The supercharging wording was interesting. I think if it's not free, it will be a pay per use system. The way he worded it indicates to me that it's not going to be a up front cost like the 60kW

 

[sandpiper]

He did say that autopilot "safety" features would be standard as well. That indicates to me that the convenience features of autopilot will be an option. So I am guessing emergency braking type stuff will be standard, but the whole on ramp to exit auto driving might not be.

The supercharging wording was interesting. I think if it's not free, it will be a pay per use system. The way he worded it indicates to me that it's not going to be a up front cost like the 60kW

I agree re: the AP. By that time, emergency braking will be standard in most cars anyway. I expect that you'll have some basic functionality, but that the full deal will be an $XK software enable.

 

[JanoSicek]

What I heard:

Autopilot hardware is standard.
Safety features (software) are standard.

He said nothing more.
Autopilot software will be an option.

 

[eSpiritIV]

Cnet/roadshow just posted an article that stated superchargers are free. Another confirmation.

 

[pinski]

Cnet/roadshow just posted an article that stated superchargers are free. Another confirmation.

I hope that's accurate, but I would like to hear it from Tesla or Elon before feeling content. He's already confirmed Autopilot will be an option like S/X, but I haven't seen any official communication regarding Supercharging at all.

 

[igotzzoom]

A LOT was left unsaid. I'm sure that's by design. Looking forward to the next big installment.

 

[Ryan H]

I've also seen articles state that Autopilot will be included in the base price, referencing auto-steer and auto lane change.

 

[Az_Rael]

OH! The model 3 info page has been updated. It now says "Supercharger Capable"

Model 3 | Tesla Motors

 

[brkaus]

Model 3 | Tesla Motors

Autopilot SAFTEY features.

Supercharging CAPABLE


I swear earlier today it said Supercharging without capable.

 

[Az_Rael]

I swear earlier today it said Supercharging without capable.

It did - it said something about Long Distance Supercharging or similar. Don't know if anyone got a screen shot or not.

 

[ucmndd]

I think you people are reading way too much into the supercharging thing.

A perceived bait-and-switch dishonesty would be far worse than having said nothing at all.

Supercharging is a feature that gives Tesla a competitive advantage and exists for them to sell more cars. The cost is a pittance if it sells more cars. Charging for it would be stupid - being dishonest (or coy, or whatever you want to call it) about charging people for it would be stupider.

 

[Az_Rael]

Well, there is this, supposedly from the Tesla PR team:

The quote I got from Tesla PR is: "All Model 3 will have the capability for Supercharging. We haven't specified (and aren't right now) whether supercharging will be free."

Ouch. Guess I will need to update my article and "stay tuned for more."

 

[MP3Mike]

It did - it said something about Long Distance Supercharging or similar. Don't know if anyone got a screen shot or not.

Yes I did:
View media item 114596
So it does appear like it will be a extra cost option now.

 

[timk225]

Wow, we got a bunch of lawyers here, micro-analyzing every word. Reminds me of when Bill Clinton was getting impeached and he said "It depends on what the definition of "is" is."

I wouldn't mind paying $1 or $2 to use a supercharger, I think that's only fair if we are getting supercharging ability for free, and it is still FAR cheaper then buying 15 to 20 gallons of gas and paying federal and state TAXES on the gas. Over time it will pay for itself and offset the cost of the electricity.

 

[Ven Rala]

I prefer pay for use only because as it has been stated before, the superchargers will get clogged and I don't want them to become parking spots for hours as I hear sometimes occurs now. I don't mind if Tesla charges for Model S/X if they stay past being fully charged.

 

[keydiver]

IMO, SC use should be a per minute charge, with a sliding scale. Haven't thought about it much, but .10 a minute for the first 25 minutes, with it increasing at 10 minute increments after that would discourage people from hogging an SC space for several hours while they shop or dine. They could even have an automated system that calls/texts your cellphone to warn you of the increasing rates. The rates might have to be even higher than that, to discourage the livery/taxi people and the locals from abusing it.

 

[MrBoylan]

Well, there is this, supposedly from the Tesla PR team:

Not supposedly. Directly from the PR team. And I also pointed out to them the wording on the page that implied that supercharging was included in the base model. I didn't think they'd act upon it this fast though. Maybe they are trying to improve their communications.

My personal speculation? Musk wants to make it free and so he chose his words carefully: "all Model 3's will come with supercharging, standard". But the bean counters are running after him with a stick saying "We'll never make money on this thing. Do you realize how difficult it is to make a car like this for only $35,000!!!???"

I think they will charge a flat $2K for SC access with the base battery and include it free with the upgraded battery. Simple. And it matches the model they used for the 60 and 85 Model S.

But I think they also may have to clarify acceptable use in the buyer's agreement for S, X and 3 to try to minimize over-crowding. Maybe it's a simple as a sign on each bay that says "Long Distance Use Only" on 4 of the bays, and "Local/Long Distance" on the other 4 (assuming an 8 bay SC station). That way those who want/need to use them locally might have to wait, but it would be more likely that there would be stalls available for long distance travelers.

But that's probably too simplistic a solution.

 

[bonnie]

I think you're all overthinking this. Supercharging as 'standard' means each car will be part of the network, for free. Elon has stated in the past that every Tesla will charge free for long distance travel. It's not changing. What is great though, about his wording, is that it's clear there is no fee for supercharging hardware.

Free for long-distance travel. Standard for all cars.

 

[hoang51]

...

I think they will charge a flat $2K for SC access with the base battery and include it free with the upgraded battery. Simple. And it matches the model they used for the 60 and 85 Model S.

But I think they also may have to clarify acceptable use in the buyer's agreement for S, X and 3 to try to minimize over-crowding. Maybe it's a simple as a sign on each bay that says "Long Distance Use Only" on 4 of the bays, and "Local/Long Distance" on the other 4 (assuming an 8 bay SC station). That way those who want/need to use them locally might have to wait, but it would be more likely that there would be stalls available for long distance travelers.

But that's probably too simplistic a solution.

I also think the very basic Model 3 will be charged for access, higher end will have complimentary access to the Supercharger network. The Supercharger network as of right now cannot handle the enormous amount of Model 3 in a few years, even if Tesla doubles the number of Supercharger stations. As for a sign to compel people to exercise good judgement to allow others with higher priorities, that's not going to happen with great efficiency. There's bound to be greedy people who are going to use an excuse like, "my time is more valuable than the other person" or "who gives a $hit".