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Can I use a Tesla Supercharger if I don’t have a Tesla?

Looking to take advantage of Tesla’s fast charging network but don’t have a Tesla vehicle? Here’s what you need to know about using the tech giant’s supercharging stations with other EV models.

While charging your electric vehicle (EV) at home is usually the most affordable option, – especially with dedicated EV home energy plans like our Nightsaver EV Plan – it’s not always possible. Fortunately, Australia’s EV infrastructure is growing, which means there are more places to plug in when you’re on the road

​​In 2023, Tesla opened 30 of their Superchargers to other electric vehicle brands in Australia, and they have made sites more available to non-Tesla users since then. Offering charging speeds between 120kW and 250kW, they can shave minutes​,​ if not hours​,​ off your charging time. But while the promise of adding up to 282km of range in just 15 minutes sounds appealing, there are a few things to be aware of before you rush out to the nearest charging station. ​​​

​​​You can find the closest Tesla charging station by searching Tesla’s interactive map. Click the ‘Find us’ button, and before you enter your location, edit the search terms to include ‘Other EV’ under the Superchargers heading.​

Do all Tesla charging stations allow other brands?

Not all Tesla charging stations are available for non-Tesla vehicles. And some EVs are not compatible with Tesla because they don’t have the right connector type, including the Nissan Leaf and some ​PHEVs. 

Charging other EVs may also be tricker because Tesla stations, including connectors and cable lengths are designed specifically for their brand of cars. You may need to reverse park into the charging space to get everything lined up with your particular brand of EV.

You’ll also need to download the Tesla app, create an account and add a payment method to use a Tesla charging station. Once you’ve done that, it’s very easy:

  • Open the app and tap ‘Charge your Non-Tesla’
  • Select the Supercharger site you’re at
  • Find an available charger and plug in
  • Tap ‘Start Charging’ in the app to start
  • When you’re done, tap ‘Stop Charging’ to finish. 

The cost of efficiency

One of the biggest factors to be aware of when using a Tesla charging station as a non-Tesla driver is the cost. If​ ​charging​ ​a non-Tesla at a Supercharger ​is a regular part of your charging schedule, it could become more expensive than running a petrol or diesel vehicle. 

The charging rate for a Tesla Supercharger depends on the location and plug in time, with certain stations offering on and off-peak rates. Generally, the faster the charger, the more you’ll pay. 

For example, as a non-Tesla owner you could pay from $0.62/kWh up to $0.92/kWh at a 250kW charger, depending on where it’s located. You can reduce this cost by purchasing a Supercharger membership. This costs $9.99 a month and can reduce fees by 20-30% - meaning you’ll pay the same rate as Tesla owners. 

Tesla Superchargers also charge idle fees to discourage people from leaving their car at a charging station for longer than necessary. Once your car is fully charged, you’ll have five minutes to move it. After that, you may be charged from 50 cents to $1 a minute, depending on how busy the charging station is – idle fees only kick in once ​50% ​of the charging bays at that location are in use, but they double once it’s at 100%.

​​For non-Tesla EV drivers, Tesla Superchargers offer a convenient option if you need to charge on the go and don’t want to hang around. Just make sure you consider the added cost and don’t linger once your vehicle is charged. ​​​

As another option for Sydneysiders who don’t need Tesla charging speed, look out for our public kerbside charging stations being rolled out at 153 locations across the Inner West. All you need to get started is our charging app and your own Type 2 charging cable.

Looking for a great rate on home charging for your EV?

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