Tesla to open its charger network to non-Tesla EVs

The Biden administration announce several initiatives to help make this $7.5 billion plan a reality, including commitments from companies that can build and operate charging networks, such as Tesla, Ford and ChargePoint.

The companies are set to reap the benefits of federal funding if their planned charging infrastructure projects meet new federal standards, also revealed earlier this week. Those rules require some components to be American-made.

President Biden praised a commitment from Tesla to open 7,500 of its 17,700 Tesla Superchargers to electric vehicles made by other manufacturers. Until now, Tesla charging stations have been accessible primarily to Tesla owners.

President Biden took to Twitter: “In building our EV charging network, we have to ensure that as many chargers work for as many drivers as possible. To that end, @elonmusk will open a big part of @Tesla’s network up to all drivers. That’s a big deal, and it’ll make a big difference.”

Tesla agreed to make at least 7,500 of its publicly accessibly chargers in the US available by any compatible EV by the end of 2024.

That total will include at least 3,500 of Tesla’s 250-kilowatt Superchargers located along key highways, as well as the slower Level 2 destination chargers that it provides at locations like hotels and restaurants.

It can be argued that Tesla’s Supercharger network is the world’s largest and most reliable, considered a key competitive advantage for the company. However, by opening up its network to others, Tesla is positioned to boost its charging revenue and profit margins.

Tesla has also agreed to triple the number of Superchargers in its US network, with 28,000 current charging points in the Supercharger network in the US alone.

The White House has also applauded other automakers and companies, including a separate deal between General Motors and EVGo to install 2,000 fast chargers at Pilot and Flying J centres along US highways.

Ford has committed to installing DC Fast chargers at 1,920 of the company’s dealerships by January 2024.

The departments of Energy and Transportation also revealed new charging standards that “ensure everyone can use the network – no matter what car you drive or what state you charge in.”

There are also new rules to ensure drivers don’t have to use multiple apps to find and user chargers.

EV charging in the US

There are two common standards for EV charging in the US: Tesla’s and the industry standard, CCS. The key reason for incompatibility is the nature of the charger plug that fits into an electric car’s charging port. CCS is larger than Tesla’s version with a different plug-end configuration.

How Tesla will equip its chargers for open access has not yet been explained.

What can the UK learn?

The US has invested billions into electric vehicle charging, and there could be a lesson or two for the UK to learn.

Such an initiative could be useful in the UK at a time where the cost of electric charging services are soaring. Research has shown that EV charging can be almost £10 more expensive than filling up a traditional petrol car.

As of 2022 in the UK there are 967 Tesla chargers at more than 90 locations, which could prove a useful opportunity to make EV charging more accessible for the 680,994 battery-electric cars registered in the UK.