Tesla has just changed the EV landscape in Australia (again), and it’s good news if you drive a Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Polestar 2 or a BYD Atto 3.
The American EV giant has just taken its first step towards unlocking its vast Supercharger network, meaning drivers of any electric vehicle will be able to plug in and recharge.
Elon Musk’s EV company has a 50-strong network of Superchargers around Australia, but to date they have been locked to Tesla vehicles only, pushing other EV owners onto increasingly busy public chargers from companies like Chargefox, or state and territory-based automotive clubs such as NRMA and RACV.
Interestingly, while owners of non-Tesla EVs were locked out of Superchargers, Tesla owners could use any public charger, allowing them to shop around for the best charging price.
But today Tesla has unlocked the first five of those Supercharger sites for public use, paving the way for the entire 50-strong network to be shared across EV brands.
The first five Supercharger locations are all in NSW, and all can now be used by any electric vehicle with the appropriate charging connection.
They include:
Narooma Plaza: 183 Princes Highway, Narooma New South Wales 2546
Hollydene: 3483 Golden Highway, Jerry’s Plains New South Wales 2330
West Tamworth League Club: 58 Phillip Street, Tamworth West New South Wales 2340
Western Plains Cultural Centre: 76 Wingewarra Street, Dubbo New South Wales 2830
Bathurst Visitor Information Centre: 1 Kendall Avenue, Bathurst New South Wales 2795
It must be pointed out here that Tesla chargers are not free, instead charging up to 60 cents/kWh – making them more expensive than some public charging stations.
Tesla says the first five chargers being unlocked for all EV users is the beginning of what it says is a plan to “eventually welcome both Tesla and non-Tesla drivers at every Supercharger worldwide”.
“Easy access to an extensive, convenient and reliable fast-charging network is critical for large-scale EV adoption. That’s why, since opening Australia’s first Superchargers in 2014, we have been committed to the expansion of the network. Today, we have more than 50 Superchargers in Australia,” the brand said in a statement.
“Today we opened five Supercharger Stations in New South Wales to non-Tesla EVs. It has always been Tesla’s ambition to open the Supercharger network to non-Tesla EVs, and by doing so, encourage more drivers to go electric. This move directly supports Tesla’s mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.”
When the broader network will be unlocked is yet to be confirmed, but Tesla is making no secret of its plan to open its network for all, and seemingly sooner rather than later.
Keyword: Tesla has just changed the EV game in Australia