G. David Felt
Staff Writer Alternative Energy - www.CheersandGears.com
Tesla Ends Free Charging Jan 1st 2017
Tesla has announced the end of their free supercharging for all new auto's starting January 1st 2017. CNBC has reported that Tesla has informed them that all auto's sold starting Jan 1st 2017 will only come with a free yearly use of 400KWh or equal to about 1000 miles of driving. After this users of their Supercharging stations will have to pay local electrical rate fee's up to a certain point. This is to allow Tesla to grow their north american network from the current 734 stations with 4600 superchargers. Their superchargers charge a 170 mile range in 30 min. Tesla also has stated that the cost to charge can and will fluctuate over time depending on the time of year and regional area due to the costs of electricity in that area. With Tesla planning to product annually 500,000 cars a year starting in 2018, many think this is necessary to grow. Others feel differently and further yet some wonder if they sell their existing Tesla S, does the life time of free charging transfer with the car to the new owner? This in itself could enhance resale of older tesla's built before January 1st 2017.
Tesla has stated that more defined details will be released by the end of 2016. At this time, if you want lifetime free charging, buy your Tesla S or X now and take delivery by April 17th 2017.
CNBC story