Tesla Supercharger Network to be opened to other EVs

Non-Tesla EVs can now use the Tesla Supercharger Network.

Can other EVs use Tesla’s Supercharger Network? Yes, finally.

In a push to boost EV adoption (ahead of the 2030 petrol/diesel ban), Tesla has been gradually opening up its Superchargers to other electric cars.

Until 2022, the only cars that could access the Tesla Supercharger network were Teslas. In May 2023, Tesla opened 15 sites around the UK for all compatible cars to trial the expansion.

What is Tesla’s Supercharger Network?

The Tesla Supercharger Network is the world’s fastest charging network. Until now, it's been exclusive to Tesla owners.

But non-Tesla drivers can finally get in on the action too

How fast are they?

Current-gen Tesla Superchargers hit 250kW, while most rivals max out at 100kW. But Tesla are looking to increase this even further.

The Model Y can recoup up to 150 miles in as little as 15 minutes via a Supercharger – a feat that no other manufacturer has managed to compete with.

These impressive chargers have previously been reserved exclusively for Tesla vehicles, but that’ll no longer be the case.

Rivals like the Polestar 2 can recharge up to 80% in 40 minutes via a Fast Charging Station, while the Audi E-Tron can recover approximately 68 miles in around 10 minutes or 80% in 50 minutes. 

While both figures are impressive in their own right, they both remain some distance off Tesla's capabilities.

The red and white chargers are instantly recognisable, and that exclusive access has been one of the biggest perks that come with a Tesla lease in recent years.

This is fantastic news for anyone considering an electric car lease deal, as they’ll now be able to benefit from some of the best technology that’s previously been unavailable to them.

Who can use the Tesla Supercharger Network?

Now that the Network has been opened up, you might be wondering if you’re one of the lucky ones who can use it.

All you need is for your EV to have a CCS connector, which most do.

However, there are only a select few places which have the capability to charge non-Tesla’s in the UK.

Tesla Supercharger sites in the UK and Ireland open to all EVs:

• England: Manchester, Wokingham, London, Banbury, Merry Hill, Newmarket, Birmingham, Thetford, Folkestone, Trentham, Harrogate, Reading, Kettering, Frankley, Reading, Ipswich, Lifton, Exeter, Penhale, Camborne, Portsmouth, Guildford, Trumpington, Dorking, Bristol, Solihull, Grays, Adderstone, Heartlands.
• Scotland: Fort William, Aviemore, Dundee, Inverness, Larkhall, Eurocentral, Aberdeen, Porthleven, Perth.
• Wales: Aberystwyth, Carmarthen, Newport, Bridgend, Flint Mountain, Cardiff.
• Ireland: Enfield, Athenry, Cork, Tralee, Dublin, Dungannon.

(This list isn’t exhaustive, as the network expands, more places will be available to other EVs)

For a live picture of the network in the UK, you can use Tesla's Supercharger map. Just make sure you filter it for 'Superchargers open to other EVs'. 

What are the fees for non-Tesla users?

For non-Tesla users accessing Tesla’s Supercharger network, the costs can vary based on several factors:

1. Pay-as-you-go or subscribe – Subscriptions mean cheaper rates.
2. Pricing – Higher than Tesla owners, around £0.30–£0.50 per kWh.
3. Idle fees – Don’t overstay, or you’ll pay extra.
4. Payment – Use the Tesla app (account + payment method needed).

Simple, right?

FAQs about the Tesla Supercharger Network

How does it work?

Charging your non-Tesla at a Tesla Supercharger is straightforward. Here's how to do it:

1. Download the Tesla app (version 4.2.3 or higher) and create a Tesla account.
2. Find a Supercharger station: Open the app, tap "Charge Your EV," and locate a Supercharger nearby.
3. Park, plug in, and choose your stall: Once you arrive at the station, connect your vehicle to the charger and select the stall in the app.
4. Start charging: Tap "Start Charging" in the app to begin.
5. Stop charging: When your session is finished, tap "Stop Charging" to complete the process.

Remember, only CCS-enabled vehicles are compatible with Tesla Superchargers.

Payment is processed through the Tesla app, and pricing can vary based on location and subscription options.

Do other countries have access to the Supercharger Network?

Yes. Tesla has opened Superchargers to non-Tesla EVs in several countries, including:

• Sweden – the first country to open all Superchargers to non-Tesla EVs.
• The Netherlands – the first country to pilot the initiative in 2022.
• South Korea and the U.S. – select Superchargers have been opened to non-Tesla vehicles.

Tesla aims to eventually open its entire network worldwide.

Where in the UK can I access the Supercharger Network as a non-Tesla EV driver?

Several Tesla Supercharger sites in the UK and Ireland are open to non-Tesla EVs, including locations in:

• England: Manchester, Wokingham, London, Banbury, Merry Hill, Newmarket, Birmingham, Thetford, Folkestone, Trentham, Harrogate, Reading, Kettering, Frankley, Reading, Ipswich, Lifton, Exeter, Penhale, Camborne, Portsmouth, Guildford, Trumpington, Dorking, Bristol, Solihull, Grays, Adderstone, Heartlands.
• Scotland: Fort William, Aviemore, Dundee, Inverness, Larkhall, Eurocentral, Aberdeen, Porthleven, Perth.
• Wales: Aberystwyth, Carmarthen, Newport, Bridgend, Flint Mountain, Cardiff.
• Ireland: Enfield, Athenry, Cork, Tralee, Dublin, Dungannon.

(This list isn’t exhaustive, as the network expands, more places will be available to other EVs)

For a live picture of the network in the UK, you can use Tesla's Supercharger map. Just make sure you filter it for 'Superchargers open to other EVs'. 

What is the impact on the EV industry and consumer choice?

Opening the Supercharger Network to other brands benefits both the industry and consumers:

• For the EV industry: Encourages standardisation, improves charging infrastructure, and accelerates EV adoption.
• For consumers: Expands charging options, making EV ownership more convenient and practical.
• For competition: Other charging networks may lower prices and improve services to compete.

Do Supercharger posts support all connector types?

No, Tesla Superchargers only support CCS-enabled vehicles.

If a Supercharger has two cables, only the CCS connector is available for non-Tesla EVs. Vehicles without CCS compatibility cannot use the Supercharger network.

However, most new electric vehicles have the CCS connector.