Tesla updates Supercharger pricing structure, rolls out in-car payment feature

Tesla has updated the pricing structure for its Supercharger network, including terms for its existing idle fee policy and costs associated with pay-per-use Supercharging. The idle fee update will impact all Model S, Model X, and Model 3 drivers that utilize the company’s high-powered, global charging network, regardless of whether they are enrolled in free unlimited Supercharging or not.

Supercharger idle fees, first introduced in late 2016 as a means to deter vehicle owners from occupying a charging stall when the vehicle has already met its intended state of charge, have been updated to further encourage owners to move their vehicles from Superchargers and improve the Supercharging experience for all drivers. Tesla has updated the flat idle fee of $0.40/minute to take into account station occupancy, as follows:

Supercharger Idle Fee

(updated September 19, 2018)

• Supercharger 50% occupied: $0.50/minute idle fee
• Supercharger 100% occupied: $1.00/minute idle fee

Tesla notes in its Supercharger FAQ that drivers will be granted a 5-minute grace period during which time a fee will not be incurred. Once this grace period passes, the driver will be charged for the 5-minutes and each additional minute thereafter. Vehicle owners will continue to receive reminders through Tesla’s app when the vehicle is nearing its intended state of charge.

In-car Payment

Additionally, Tesla has begun to roll out an over-the-air software update to version 8.1 that will include a new in-car payment feature. The new functionality will provide Model S, Model X, and Model 3 owners who leverage pay-per-use Supercharging with the ability to pay from within their vehicle, by inputting credit card information directly into the center touchscreen. The feature will also enable drivers to pay for any incurred idle fees.

The in-car payment functionality is an extension of the credit card section within an owner’s Tesla Account page, or previously known as the MyTesla page. Credit card information entered through the in-car payment feature will automatically be registered to the vehicle owner’s Tesla account and also serve as payment for any incurred idle fees or Supercharger use fees.

Also introduced in today’s Supercharger pricing structure update is a $50.00 cap wherein Supercharger access will automatically be disabled if there’s an outstanding balance due for Supercharger fees, either incurred through idle fees or Pay Per Use, and when a credit card is not on file.

The pricing update and software release are being implemented in North America first, followed by a global rollout.

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