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Will Tesla open up its Supercharger network in Europe?
Yesterday, Tesla announced that its mass-market Model 3 will use a Combined Charging System (CCS) port for slow and rapid charging in Europe. That's different from the modified Type 2 plug that has shipped on Model 3 cars in America and both the Model S and Model X worldwide. In addition, Tesla revealed that it will be retrofitting Superchargers in Europe with "dual charge" cables that support both the Model 3 and older vehicles. This is a pretty big deal.
Free Supercharging won't come standard on the Tesla Model 3
Tesla's early adopters have been enjoying a lifetime of free charging at the company's network of Supercharger stations, but that won't be the case for owners of the forthcoming mass-market Model 3. In today's annual shareholder meeting, CEO Elon Musk explained free charging for life won't be included with the new model, but will be available as an optional package.
Tesla Superchargers now cover drives from coast to coast
Tesla's Superchargers, which can provide up to 170 miles of range with just a 30-minute charge, now cover trips between Los Angeles and New York, Elon Musk tweeted yesterday. The somewhat circuitous route brings drivers through states like New Mexico, South Dakota and Wisconsin during a journey from LA to NY, rather than the more direct I-40, I-70 or I-80 options that run farther south, so expect the cross-country adventure to take a bit longer than usual if you're setting out within the next few months. Tesla will be adding many more Superchargers throughout this year, however, eventually enabling a more direct routing. And, come 2015, the entire country will be covered, making it possible to visit all 50 states and parts of Canada without going out of your way for a charge.
NYT says Tesla Model S review the result of shaky judgment, Musk calls it even
The dust-up over the New York Times' Tesla Model S review may have left no real winners, but that doesn't preclude at least trying to reach the truth. According to the newspaper's Public Editor, Margaret Sullivan, the final answer rests where it often does: in between the two extremes. Following interviews with driver John Broder, Tesla staff and others involved in the tale, the scrutineer believes the review was conducted honestly, but that improper decisions and less-than-precise notes led to the charging woes and accusations of deception that characterized the drive. Broder should have topped up the way the company recommends, but wasn't planning on dragging anyone through the mud, Sullivan says. Whatever you think of her verdict, it's enough for Tesla founder Elon Musk to relax -- he's already saying that the inspection "restored" his trust in the Old Gray Lady's integrity. About the only demand we have left is to get enough Supercharger stations that there's never a repeat incident.
Tesla's Supercharger network goes live in six California towns, encourages EV road trips
Time to go on that great California road trip, Tesla owners; the EV maker has just launched new Superchargers in six Golden State locations: Folsom Premium Outlets, Harris Ranch in Coalinga, Gilroy Premium Outlets, Barstow, Tejon Ranch in Lebec and Hawthorne. They appear to be strategically placed to ease journeys between San Francisco, Los Angeles, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas, NV. The solar powered stations from SolarCity are designed just for Tesla vehicles, with Model S sedans being able to charge for free. According to Tesla, a Model S can be charged in about 30 minutes if you want to get around three hours of 60mph driving out of it, so you'll have plenty of time to grab an In-N-Out Double Double on your way to Sin City.
Tesla's Supercharger not compatible with competitor's EVs, keeps electricity within the family
Planning on juicing up your Chevy Volt, Mitsubishi i-MiEV or Nissan Leaf with Tesla's Supercharger? Hold your horses, vaquero. The nighttime unveiling stressed that the quick-charge solution was Model S-friendly, but we should also note that it's only compatible with the firm's automobile. Vehicles from other automakers won't be able to jack into the station thanks to a 20-kilowatt hour converter, which would zap other batteries with too much electricity, and a proprietary plug. Unless something changes, those planning cross-country trips using EVs from other manufacturers will just have to find an alternative to Musk and Co.'s white obelisk.
Watch Tesla's 'Supercharger Network' unveiling tonight at 11PM ET
What is Tesla Motors' Elon Musk hiding up his sleeve? "Alien spaceships landed at highway rest stops," we're told, but all will be unveiled tonight at Tesla's Supercharger Network debut stream. All we know about Tesla's Supercharger Network thus far is it'll offer charging and battery swaps for the company's electric cars -- presumably "at highway rest stops" -- but tonight promises far more information. Will the stations be solar-powered, as some speculate? Will they introduce us to actual aliens in actual spaceships? Tune in to the company's stream to find out! Update: It's alive! We've embedded the video steam for your convenience. You'll find all the action right after the break.
Tesla's 'Supercharger Network' of electric vehicle power stations will be revealed September 24th
For Tesla owners looking at taking their electric vehicles out for some long haul driving, a plan to line the highways and/or byways with fast chargers should be welcome news. After mentioning the Supercharger Network as early as January, company founder Elon Musk tweeted tonight that it would officially be unveiled September 24th. So, what will it actually look like? Musk claims it will "feel like alien spaceships landed at highway rest stops," where owners may be able to enjoy amenities like charging that takes their batteries from ten to 90 percent in just 45 minutes or fast battery swaps. We've marked our calendars, check out AutoblogGreen for more speculation on just what Supercharging may entail, including the potential that the stations themselves will be solar powered.
