Wondering which Tesla-models still benefit from free supercharging? The ability to charge unlimited and free of charge Tesla Superchargers can be a decisive factor when buying a used car. Tesla car. In this article, we explain which vehicles actually offer free Supercharging, what the differences are between "lifetime" and "first owner use" and how you can find out whether a vehicle has this coveted option.
What is this Tesla Supercharger network?
The Tesla Supercharger network consists of globally distributed locations with several fast-charging stations, which are operated by Tesla developed and operated by the company itself. Unlike other electric car manufacturers Tesla does not rely on third-party providers. Since the opening of the first Superchargers in Europe in 2013, the network has expanded rapidly. With the introduction of the CCS connection at the Model 3 all V2 charging stations were equipped with an additional CCS cable from the end of 2018. Newer V3 and V4 charging stations are equipped exclusively with CCS plugs.
The number of charging stations per location varies greatly - from small stations with four columns to large installations with over 100 charging points. In July 2021, Elon Musk announced that the Supercharger network would also be opened up to vehicles from other brands.
Will free Tesla Supercharging still offered today?
Tesla has adjusted the conditions for free Supercharging several times over the years. Initially, in 2013, unlimited free charging at Superchargers was standard for all new vehicles. This was intended to boost sales of the then little-known Tesla-vehicles at the time.
Nowadays, unlimited, free Supercharging is no longer generally offered when buying a new car. However, there are special promotions for a limited time, especially at the end of the quarter, where models such as the Model S and X are advertised with free Supercharger use. For the Model 3 and Y, there are occasional free kilometers with the purchase of a new car, depending on Tesla's current sales targets.
Which vehicles have "Lifetime" free Supercharging?
The first Model S (from 2012) and Model X (from September 2015) were sold with unlimited, vehicle-bound free Supercharging. This "Lifetime" option is transferred to the new owner in the event of a private sale. What is important here is that order date of the vehicle: All vehicles ordered before January 15, 2017 Model S and X ordered before January 15, 2017 have this transferable free Supercharging.
Attention: Vehicles ordered after this date or owned in the meantime by Tesla lose this option on resale.
From January 2017: Free supercharging only for first owners
From January 2017 Tesla the conditions. New vehicles received an annual credit of 400 kWh of free Supercharger use (approx. 1,600 km). In addition, customers could use the referral program unlimited free Supercharging via the referral program - but only for the first owner. When the vehicle is sold, this option is removed, even for private sales.
From September 2018 to March 2019: One-time 6 months free of charge
During this period, buyers received the following via the referral program one-off 6 months free supercharging via the referral program. This option was also non-transferable.
From March 2019 to September 2021: 1,500 km free of charge
Reduced from March 2019 Tesla the credit balance on 1,500 km free Supercharging, valid for 12 months. This promotion ended on September 18, 2021.
Free Supercharger kilometers from special promotions
Despite the discontinuation of the referral program, there are always special promotions. For example Tesla European customers in December 2022 10,000 km free Supercharging with the purchase of a new car until the end of the year. Since March 2023, there has been a new referral program with credits that can also be used for supercharging.
Free Supercharging with the purchase of a used car
Be careful when buying a used car: Tesla Removes the free supercharging of vehicles that are available via Tesla themselves or dealerships. This means that even vehicles that originally had the "Lifetime" option will lose it once they are owned by Tesla were.
With the private sale on the other hand, the transferable free Supercharging is retained for the above-mentioned vehicles.
How do I recognize whether a Tesla has free Supercharging?
In the past, owners could check this directly in their Tesla-account directly. Today it's a little more complicated. Via the option codes of the vehicle can be used to determine which Supercharging option is available:
- SC01: Unlimited, transferable free Supercharging.
- SC05: Unlimited free Supercharging for the first owner only.
To read out the option codes:
- Right-click on the vehicle photo in the Tesla-account.
- Select "Copy image address".
- The URL contains the option codes that can be analyzed in a text editor.
If the codes are not available, the Tesla-support can help by providing the VIN.
Free charging on Tesla Supercharger when traveling
Occasionally offers Tesla offers free supercharging at selected locations during peak travel times to relieve peak times. However, these promotions are limited in time and location.
How does Supercharger charging work?
Charging at a Supercharger is very simple:
- Plug in and charge: The vehicle is automatically recognized.
- Cost display: The costs are shown directly in the vehicle display.
- Payment: Either once via the touchscreen or automatically via the payment method stored in the Tesla-account.
Note: In euro countries, a SEPA direct debit in the customer account is sufficient. For charging in countries with other currencies (e.g. Switzerland), a credit card must be on file.
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