Non-Tesla drivers in the Netherlands will now be able to top up their EVs at any Tesla supercharger around the country, after the US EV maker extended its technology-sharing pilot from 10 stations to include all of them.
The company announced the extension of the Non-Tesla Supercharger pilot – launched in November 2021 – on Twitter on Tuesday, following similar announcements for Norway and France, last month.
“It’s always been our ambition to open the Supercharger network to Non-Tesla EVs, and by doing so, encourage more drivers to go electric,” the company says on its website.
“More customers using the Supercharger network enables faster expansion. Our goal is to learn and iterate quickly, while continuing to aggressively expand the network, so we can eventually welcome both Tesla and Non-Tesla drivers at every Supercharger worldwide.”
The pilot is also being rolled out by Tesla in Belgium and Germany.
Tesla has said it will keep a close eye on how the pilot might affect the charging experience for drivers of its own EVs, by “closely monitoring each site for congestion and listening to customers about their experiences.”
Non-Tesla vehicles can now charge at all Superchargers in the Netherlands via the Tesla app. Learn more at https://t.co/hjybH0ROdl pic.twitter.com/zjomySylf9
— Tesla Charging (@TeslaCharging) February 14, 2022
Judging by some of the comments beneath the Tweet announcing the Dutch Supercharger expansion, not all Tesla drivers are thrilled with the idea of sharing their fast-charging network.
“I don’t see how this benefits Tesla owners at all,” said one comment. “It only benefits Tesla the company as an increased revenue stream.”
Another comment noted, however, that the extra revenue would allow Tesla to roll out more Superchargers, to ensure there are enough for everyone.
Non-Tesla drivers from other European countries not yet able to use Supercharger stations said they would switch to Tesla immediately, given the opportunity.
“Basically the moment this comes to the UK, I am cancelling the utterly useless BP Pulse membership and subscribing to Tesla. I’d rather be sending my money to a company that knows how to build at scale AND maintain their chargers!” said one Tweet.
Australian non-Tesla drivers, meanwhile, will have to keep dreaming, with no official mention from the EV maker that the trial will be extended down under – even despite the excitement sparked by the Mini-Supercharger sighting late last year.
Sophie is editor of One Step Off The Grid and deputy editor of its sister site, Renew Economy. Sophie has been writing about clean energy for more than a decade.