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Tesla Phases Out Free Supercharger Use for New Customers

In January Tesla Motors Inc. will stop providing all owners of its electric vehicles unlimited free access to its network of quick-charge Supercharger stations.
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In January Tesla Motors Inc. will stop providing all owners of its electric vehicles unlimited free access to its network of quick-charge Supercharger stations.

Until now, customers have been able to use the company’s 4,600 Superchargers for free. The direct-current systems, typically installed along major highways, enable Tesla drivers to make long-distance trips. The systems can deliver a 50% charge in about 20 minutes.

The unlimited free access policy won’t change for current owners and for cars purchased before the end of 2016. But for most models bought next year and beyond, owners will get a credit for 400 kWh of charging—the equivalent to roughly 1,000 miles of driving—per year. They must pay a fee for additional Supercharger usage.

Tesla said earlier this year that buyers of its upcoming Model 3 EV will be able to use Superchargers on a pay-per-use basis. The company says its new policy will help it expand the network more quickly.

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