Tesla superchargers will be available for any electric vehicle in the US
Tesla intends to open its Supercharger network to additional electric cars by the end of the year, according to a White House note that revealed the company's plans. The US government said in April that it need to expand its own charging station network tenfold to meet rising demand. Tesla's objectives include expanding capacity at its Gigafactory in Buffalo, New York, where more than 1,600 workers produce Supercharging stations and solar panels.
According to the memo, Tesla will start production of new Supercharger equipment later this year that will allow non-Tesla EV drivers in North America to use Tesla Superchargers. The growth — and potential exposure for foreign automakers to its customers — may assist Tesla in gaining more income and attention as manufacturers begin releasing new EVs in the next few years.
Tesla did not provide details about how much money it will invest in increasing station availability, but the letter said that Tesla is increasing production of “power electronics components that convert alternating current to direct current, charging cabinets, posts and cables.”
The patchwork of various charging networks in the United States is a major headache for several automobile manufacturers and customers. In June, GM announced that it will provide "Plug and Charge" capability to its forthcoming EVs, allowing drivers to plug in and automate payment at a variety of stations. Non-Tesla owners must use both Tesla's smartphone app and an adaptor to utilize the Supercharger network.
Elon Musk has long talked about extending the quick-charger network to non-Tesla vehicle owners. In 2021, Tesla began testing pilot programs in a number of European countries, including Norway, Germany, and the Netherlands.