Tesla set to open up UK Supercharger network soon, says minister

Elle Kiai

22 Sep 2022

All electric car owners will be able to use Tesla's prized Superchargers much sooner than expected, according to a government minister. 

Speaking to Founder and CEO of Electrifying.com Ginny Buckley earlier this week, Transport Minister Trudy Harrison confirmed the move, stating: “Tesla recognise that they are part of the solution here” and that the move could come “within weeks and months rather than years”.

Prized for its reliability, Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network is seen as a major selling point for the brand, so some could see the move as a disadvantage for Tesla drivers who value the exclusivity and relative ease of being able to charge quickly while on the go.

Ginny Buckley said: “There will be a large number of electric car drivers who will be overjoyed that they will be able to use the Supercharger network at last - and within weeks. But it’s certain to be controversial among the fast-growing ranks of Tesla owners.

"The reliable, quick and plentiful charge points have been a major selling point but there are already complaints that the Superchargers are getting busier as sales of its cars have increased rapidly.

“Hopefully, Tesla will use the money generated from charging to fund an expansion of the network. The company has already said it is on a mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy and from a business point of view, more customers using the Supercharger network enables faster expansion.” 

Tesla have been approached for comment but have yet to respond.

The news comes as the government has announced its long awaited Electric Vehicle Industry Strategy which sets out plans to boost the UK’s charging network and improve the consumer experience at all charging points.

Local authorities will benefit from £450 million through the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund while a further £50 million will fund the recruitment and training of dedicated local EV experts’ who will work on local challenges and public chargepoint planning.

Plans are also being put in place for 10 times more public charge points to be installed across the country, taking us up to 300,000 by 2030. At the same time, 6,000 high powered charge points will be installed across England’s motorways by 2035.

There are currently more than 6,000 Superchargers in Europe, including almost 800 in the UK.

Watch the full interview here. 

Volkswagen ID.3 at Tesla Supercharger The move is set to upset Tesla owners, who cherish the reliable network

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