‘Fair use’ policy for Tesla Superchargers

A new ‘fair use’ policy is being introduced for Tesla’s Supercharger network.

The policy is designed to deter commercial use of the charging stations – a problem in some markets, and to focus on the original intended use of enabling long-distance EV travel, electrek reports.

Tesla says that any of its new or used vehicles bought after December 15 for commercial purposes cannot use any Tesla Supercharger worldwide.

These include as a taxi, for ride sourcing or ride sharing (through Uber, Lyft or similar services), to commercially deliver or transport goods, for government purposes, or for any other commercial venture.

The change will affect many people and companies, like Tesloop, which largely rely on Tesla’s Superchargers to provide its transport services in southern California, and the many taxi drivers using Tesla vehicles, electrek says.

Existing fleets are probably safe as the change seems to only apply to vehicles bought from December 15. But any new Tesla added to a fleet from that date won’t be able to use the Supercharger network.

Tesla says it can limit or block a vehicle’s ability to use Supercharger stations if an owner doesn’t comply.

Some Tesla owners complained that services, like Tesloop or the large Tesla taxi fleet in Amsterdam, were abusing the Tesla Superchargers – sometimes by even leaving vehicles at stations overnight:

Tesla later introduced “idle fees” to stop drivers from leaving their vehicles at a Supercharger and it announced the end of free unlimited Supercharger access by making it only for new vehicles purchased before December 31 through the referral system.

For commercial use, Tesla says charging alternatives to its Supercharger network will be offered.