Tesla to open up its charging network to other EVs
Discussion
https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportat...
A good thing for EVs generally, but seems a brave move on Tesla's part. Unless I'm missing something.
For potential new customers, Tesla's big USP looks set to disappear.
For existing Tesla customers, more vehicles will soon have access to the network, potentially reducing availability of chargers that today are kept free in part by exclusivity.
What are your thoughts?
A good thing for EVs generally, but seems a brave move on Tesla's part. Unless I'm missing something.
For potential new customers, Tesla's big USP looks set to disappear.
For existing Tesla customers, more vehicles will soon have access to the network, potentially reducing availability of chargers that today are kept free in part by exclusivity.
What are your thoughts?
I found the article on The Verge more enlightening –
https://www.theverge.com/platform/amp/2021/7/28/22...
https://www.theverge.com/platform/amp/2021/7/28/22...
I find the strategy to be counterintuitive if I'm honest. Many people buy a Tesla because of their supercharging network - if they're open to all, then Tesla owners may switch brands when they replace their cars. I didn't buy an iPace or Polestar (for example) because of the pretty hopeless charging network. If I can now use any Tesla charger, then I may look at other makers.
As an Tesla owner, my opinion is that this is a horrendous idea by Tesla.
I think we are almost at the point where the big German automakers are now making better cars than Tesla, or at least challenging them in terms of tech and range. However they are still many steps behind on charging, so Tesla have this as their trump card.
If Mercedes or VW for example, can charge on the Tesla SC network, it massively reduces the incentive for consumers to chose a Tesla car.
I think we are almost at the point where the big German automakers are now making better cars than Tesla, or at least challenging them in terms of tech and range. However they are still many steps behind on charging, so Tesla have this as their trump card.
If Mercedes or VW for example, can charge on the Tesla SC network, it massively reduces the incentive for consumers to chose a Tesla car.
I imagine this is a plan to massively sped up becoming a component provider now all the other companies especially the Germans are catching up, will people really chose a Tesla over a Mercedes EQE when it comes out? I doubt it.
They can then sell the use of their chargers and move into battery production etc
I think we won’t see Tesla stop making cars but they won’t retain a big market share for long.
They can then sell the use of their chargers and move into battery production etc
I think we won’t see Tesla stop making cars but they won’t retain a big market share for long.
Evanivitch said:
It's Musk, there's a massive catch to this.
I suspect it'll be limited to very specific manufacturers. Perhaps Rivian, Rimac.
Or it'll be extortionate for non-Tesla, circa 80p-£1 per kWh.
Elon is a master of manipulating consumer behaviour above all else, he is what every con man aspires to be.I suspect it'll be limited to very specific manufacturers. Perhaps Rivian, Rimac.
Or it'll be extortionate for non-Tesla, circa 80p-£1 per kWh.
You can be 100% sure Tesla will not come out of what ever setup badly.
£1/kWh to have a taste of well charging works can work, Tesla gets more £££ to install more charging sites, make your next car a Tesla and pay 1/4 the price you pay now.
Nickbrapp said:
I imagine this is a plan to massively sped up becoming a component provider now all the other companies especially the Germans are catching up, will people really chose a Tesla over a Mercedes EQE when it comes out? I doubt it.
They can then sell the use of their chargers and move into battery production etc
I think we won’t see Tesla stop making cars but they won’t retain a big market share for long.
I think this might be spot on.They can then sell the use of their chargers and move into battery production etc
I think we won’t see Tesla stop making cars but they won’t retain a big market share for long.
Wouldn't surprise me if other elements of their tech were also licensed out.
Evanivitch said:
It's Musk, there's a massive catch to this.
I suspect it'll be limited to very specific manufacturers. Perhaps Rivian, Rimac.
Or it'll be extortionate for non-Tesla, circa 80p-£1 per kWh.
This too, to start with.I suspect it'll be limited to very specific manufacturers. Perhaps Rivian, Rimac.
Or it'll be extortionate for non-Tesla, circa 80p-£1 per kWh.
Interesting the comments suggesting that Tesla aren’t so bothered about manufacturing vehicles… To me, they seem to like the Apple of the automotive world, the hardware combined with usability (infrastructure in this case) is their USP - can’t see them giving up on the hardware front.
I certainly hope they don’t stop. After looking around for a new EV, I really can’t find anything that competes with Tesla, they’re the market leader and essentially a start up. Phenomenal.
Since 2014 they have also had a Open-Source Patent Pledge to the market, but like everything, there’s a catch. I imagine this will be the same, he’s likely rubbing salt in the German car manufacturers EV wounds.
I certainly hope they don’t stop. After looking around for a new EV, I really can’t find anything that competes with Tesla, they’re the market leader and essentially a start up. Phenomenal.
Since 2014 they have also had a Open-Source Patent Pledge to the market, but like everything, there’s a catch. I imagine this will be the same, he’s likely rubbing salt in the German car manufacturers EV wounds.
Edited by James-m5qjf on Monday 2nd August 08:29
Tesla charging network is hardly a monopoly is it?
They have first mover advantage, that's all.
By opening their chargers up they create a barrier to competitors opening charging stations next door to theirs, so to me it makes sense. It seems the best way to keep tesla stations prolific and expand their quantity around the country. Will be much easier to get gvmt subsidy if all cars too....
Basically I don't think they had a choice. U expect they'll leave a %of the spots tesla only, so fanbois can still feel special and queue in a tesla only lane.
They have first mover advantage, that's all.
By opening their chargers up they create a barrier to competitors opening charging stations next door to theirs, so to me it makes sense. It seems the best way to keep tesla stations prolific and expand their quantity around the country. Will be much easier to get gvmt subsidy if all cars too....
Basically I don't think they had a choice. U expect they'll leave a %of the spots tesla only, so fanbois can still feel special and queue in a tesla only lane.
ReformedPistonhead said:
Now that others have caught up (nearly) with batteries and range the charging is the USP for me.
If this happens I will sell the Tesla straightaway and get a German car again; on build quality there is just no comparison.
I suspect I am not alone...
After 15 years of German cars I was pleasantly surprised when I drove a Tesla for the first time last week. It was a made in China car, that I’m told are a lot better (including thicker paint), but it was only really missing the smell and feel of real leather. If this happens I will sell the Tesla straightaway and get a German car again; on build quality there is just no comparison.
I suspect I am not alone...
Nickbrapp said:
I imagine this is a plan to massively sped up becoming a component provider now all the other companies especially the Germans are catching up, will people really chose a Tesla over a Mercedes EQE when it comes out? I doubt it.
M
Yes, 100%, lots of people will choose the Tesla. Same goes for the BMW i4. M
Edited by James-m5qjf on Monday 2nd August 08:48
TBH I think it's a smart move, the EV market is growing and Tesla have figured out how to make the charging experience simple and fast.
There will be two million BEV powered cars sold every year in the UK from 2030, a lot of people will need to charge and so far most other attempts have been woeful.
There will be two million BEV powered cars sold every year in the UK from 2030, a lot of people will need to charge and so far most other attempts have been woeful.
ColdoRS said:
As an Tesla owner, my opinion is that this is a horrendous idea by Tesla.
I think we are almost at the point where the big German automakers are now making better cars than Tesla, or at least challenging them in terms of tech and range. However they are still many steps behind on charging, so Tesla have this as their trump card.
If Mercedes or VW for example, can charge on the Tesla SC network, it massively reduces the incentive for consumers to chose a Tesla car.
In Europe Tesla is a long way behind on charging now, and their chargers were forced to have CCS by law. Tesla chargers are not all that fast either, 250kW vs. 350kW for other networks.I think we are almost at the point where the big German automakers are now making better cars than Tesla, or at least challenging them in terms of tech and range. However they are still many steps behind on charging, so Tesla have this as their trump card.
If Mercedes or VW for example, can charge on the Tesla SC network, it massively reduces the incentive for consumers to chose a Tesla car.
Also remember that Tesla owners are subsidising that network massively through car purchases. That's unsustainable for Tesla in the long run, their cars are already uncompetitive on price. This should actually help Tesla owners by bringing in revenue to reduce they amount they are paying.
stuthe
said:
said: Tesla charging network is hardly a monopoly is it?
Well the main issue is that sites need infrastructure to deliver megawatts of power. In Europe especially if Tesla doesn't open up they will likely get regulated even more than they already are (e.g. mandatory CCS). No hogging sites allowed.gangzoom said:
£1/kWh to have a taste of well charging works can work, Tesla gets more £££ to install more charging sites, make your next car a Tesla and pay 1/4 the price you pay now.
Discriminatory pricing will likely run into legal issues in the EU.Also The Verge is reporting that you might need the crappy Tesla app bloatware, which is also likely to be an issue in the EU where you are supposed to be able to pay at the charger without the need for a special app.
stuthe said:
said: so fanbois can still feel special and queue in a tesla only lane.
Silly comment.Owning a Tesla doesn't make you a 'fanboi' - or I'd be a Lamborghini, Aston, Bentley etc 'fanboi' and you'd be a TVR 'fanboi'.
As has been mentioned above, one of the big USP's of a Tesla is the charging network - it nudges people into Tesla's because charging is still the wild west out there for non Tesla owners.
Anyone who used Telford services on the M54 will have seen the 10 or so dedicated Tesla chargers and usually 4 or 5 happy and relaxed looking Tesla owners chilling out while they top up their Model S.
They will also have noticed some other poor punter struggling with one of the 2 Ecotricity chargers that are borked and or won't sync with the car in some awful computer-says-no way. On my last visit a bohemian couple in a bright green Taycan were on the phone for ages trying to get the darn thing juiced but to no avail.
They will also have noticed some other poor punter struggling with one of the 2 Ecotricity chargers that are borked and or won't sync with the car in some awful computer-says-no way. On my last visit a bohemian couple in a bright green Taycan were on the phone for ages trying to get the darn thing juiced but to no avail.
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