Tesla Superchargers open to non-Tesla EVs: how to plug-in this summer

What non-Tesla vehicles can plug into Superchargers?

Worth noting:

• The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 models are unable to charge at 250 kW Superchargers (v3). It seems that there is a communication problem between the charging station and the vehicle. An update is underway on Tesla’s side, although the brand says charging power will be limited on these models.
• As Superchargers are designed for Tesla vehicles, it is possible that the station cable is too short for your car. In fact, this only works for EVs that have the on-board charger located on the right front or left rear. Some users report having to occupy two spots while others are not able to charge at all.

To find out more, read our article on the various types of connectors available for charging an electric vehicle.

Where can I find Tesla Superchargers open to non-Tesla EVs?

European pilot scheme

Since November 2021, Tesla has been testing a project to open up its Supercharger network to all non-Tesla EV drivers. This pilot scheme is being run in 13 European countries today:

• France
• Netherlands 
• Norway 
• United Kingdom 
• Spain 
• Sweden 
• Belgium 
• Austria 
• Denmark 
• Finland 
• Germany 
• Luxembourg
• Switzerland 

As it is still in the test phase, only a small proportion of Superchargers are open to non-Tesla vehicles. The only exception is in the Netherlands where, after a 3-month pilot programme, there is open access to all Tesla charging stations in the country. If everything goes to plan, we can expect to see the same happening in France.
Please note that the pilot programme does not cover Tesla Destination Charging stations, which are reserved for Tesla EV owners.

How can I locate Superchargers open to non-Tesla EVs?

To see the updated map with Tesla charging stations open to all, you can go directly to the Tesla website or mobile app.

Prioritising the Tesla network in the Chargemap route planner

You want to benefit from the Supercharger network open to non-Tesla drivers when you travel on holiday this summer? The Chargemap route planner has integrated all Tesla Superchargers accessible to non-Tesla EVs.

You can set up your journey by prioritising the Tesla Supercharger network. The tool then suggests charging stops on this network, providing that your EV is compatible and that there are Tesla charging stations open to all along your route.

You can also select a charging stop yourself at a specific Tesla Supercharger. To do this, you simply need to activate the “Stations” button and then use the filters so that only charging stations on the Tesla Supercharger network are displayed on your itinerary. If there are any and you want to plan a stop there, tap “Charge at this charging station”. As an option, you can set the duration of your break and the battery level you want to attain.

What are the terms for accessing Superchargers open to non-Tesla EVs?

Tesla Superchargers are available 24/7 and are usually located near facilities such as restaurants, hotels and supermarkets.

You need to use the Tesla mobile app to access and pay for charging for non-Tesla vehicles. 

To do this, you simply need to create a Tesla account, select the option “Charge Your Non-Tesla” and select a charging station. You can select your payment method directly on the app. When you are at the charging station, you just need to plug in your vehicle, select the corresponding Supercharger in the app (a unique identifier given on each charging station) and tap “Start Charging”. Once you have finished charging, simple tap “Stop Charging”.

How much does it cost to charge a non-Tesla on the Supercharger network?

Cost of the charging session

The prices for charging on the Tesla Supercharger network can vary from one station to the next. In all cases, the cost is higher for non-Tesla EVs than for drivers of the Tesla brand, who benefit from an average price rate of €0.46 per kWh. 

Following the increase in electricity tariffs, the latest known price for Tesla charging points on the pilot programme stands at €0.68 per kWh on average. But it is a good idea to check out the rates on the Tesla app before plugging in. A membership is also available to benefit from lower charging rates.

Idle fees

To prevent vehicles hogging Supercharger places once charging is completed, Tesla applies hefty idle fees. These are imposed on all vehicle types, whether they are Tesla or not. 

We’re talking of a rate of €0.50 per minute, which can be hiked up to €1 per minute if all the Tesla Superchargers are occupied.

3 tips before charging on a Tesla Supercharger

1. Do not charge up more than necessary

With the rising number of electric vehicles on the road and the sparsity of rapid charging stations along the main routes, Tesla Superchargers open to non-Tesla EVs will be taken by storm this summer. 

As with any other charging station, if the waiting time is long and you need to charge urgently, don’t hesitate to explain the situation to the driver in front of you. Likewise, if you let a desperate driver take your place at the front of the queue, it will be greatly appreciated. 

Above all, to ensure a maximum number of drivers can profit from the charging facilities, don’t charge your EV more than necessary and move your vehicle off the charging spot once you have reached the level you’re aiming for.

2. Planning your charging stops at off-peak hours

If you don’t mind driving early in the morning, this is a great way of avoiding peak-hour traffic (and super-hot temperatures) at Superchargers. This advice is obviously valid for all networks.

3. Go for charging stations that match your EV’s power rating

Superchargers offer ultra-rapid charging up to 150 or 250 kW DC. If the maximum power your EV can take is just 30 or 50 kW, it is much more sensible for you to go to a less powerful charging station. In fact, topping up at a Supercharger would make you pay for a service your EV can’t fully benefit from.


 

Tell us all! Have you tested charging your non-Tesla EV at a Supercharger? Are you planning on including Superchargers on your holiday route?

Plan your journey