No Free Supercharging for Tesla Model 3 Buyers

Tesla Motors Inc. has been giving owners of its $76,500 Model S and $83,000 Model X electric cars unlimited free access to its Supercharger quick-charge stations. But the service will be an extra-cost option for buyers of the company’s $35,000 Model S, says CEO Elon Musk.

Tesla has built more thn 600 Supercharger facilities worldwide, mainly to enable customers to drive cross-country with relatively little inconvenience. The recharging systems can pump enough electricity into a Tesla EV's battery in 30 minutes to propel the vehicle 170 miles.

But the company says many customers have begun to visit their neighbor Supercharger station for routine fill-ups between around-town jaunts. Sometimes, Musk has notes, the practice creates wait times for access to the chargers.

The issue is likely become more problematic when the higher-volume Model 3 goes on sale about 18 months from now. For in-town charging, Musk advises, the best option is to recharge “where you charge your phone: at home and at work.”

Musk notes that, even if Model 3 customers pay extra for access to Superchargers, the cost will be significantly lower than buying gasoline for a conventional vehicle.