Non-Tesla Drivers Pay More at Campbell Superchargers

Tesla’s new Campbell Supercharger is charging non-Tesla drivers more than Tesla owners for the same fast-charging stalls. (tesla.com) (electrek.co) Tesla said on April 24 that “all Teslas pay the lowest Supercharging rates” and that other electric vehicles pay about a 40% premium unless they subscribe. Electrek reported the real-world gap is often closer to 30% to 35%, depending on station and time of day. (electrek.co) Tesla’s support pages say a Supercharging Membership for non-Tesla drivers costs $12.99 a month and brings their per-kilowatt-hour price down to the Tesla rate. Tesla also says charging access depends on whether a site is an “All EVs” Magic Dock station or a partner-enabled North American Charging System site. (tesla.com 1) (tesla.com 2) Campbell matters because Tesla has been building a next-generation Supercharger there at 1600 West Campbell Avenue, a Walgreens site that Tesla Motors Club posters identified as a 16-stall V4 location. Forum posts described it as the first public site using Tesla’s full V4 stack, including V4 cabinets and posts. (teslamotorsclub.com) Tesla’s own support pages say more than 20 automakers now have access to North American Charging System Superchargers, including Ford, General Motors, Rivian, Hyundai, Kia, BMW, Toyota and Volkswagen. That wider access has turned Tesla’s network into a default fast-charging option for many drivers who do not own Teslas. (tesla.com) The company has also been tightening how it manages busy stations. Tesla says Supercharger fees are meant to increase availability, and its vehicles can automatically lower the charge limit to 80% at high-use sites to reduce congestion. (tesla.com 1) (tesla.com 2) Tesla has paired that message with a sales pitch for its own cars. In the same April 24 announcement that highlighted higher prices for rival brands, Tesla also offered one year of free Supercharging on new Model 3 Premium and Performance orders in North America. (electrek.co) For Campbell drivers, the practical takeaway is simple: the newest Tesla fast chargers may be open to more brands, but the lowest posted price still goes to Tesla owners and paying members. (tesla.com)