Tesla to Fine Supercharger Hogs

Customers will pay an idle fee for leaving their cars at a Supercharger station for more than five minutes after charging is complete.

​PALO ALTO, Calif. December 20, 2016; NACS reported that Tesla Motors Inc. announced plans to fine drivers who leave their cars parked at Supercharger stations more than five minutes after the vehicle is fully charged.

“We designed the Supercharger network to enable a seamless, enjoyable road trip experience. Therefore, we understand that it can be frustrating to arrive at a station only to discover fully charged Tesla cars occupying all the spots. To create a better experience for all owners, we’re introducing a fleet-wide idle fee that aims to increase Supercharger availability,” the company announced.

“A customer would never leave a car parked by the pump at a gas station and the same thinking applies with Superchargers,” Tesla added.

Through the Tesla mobile app, users can remotely monitor their vehicle, alerting them when their charge is nearly complete, and again once fully charged. For every additional minute a car remains connected to the Supercharger, the owner will incur a 40-cent idle fee. If the car is moved within 5 minutes, the fee is waived.

All Model S and Model X cars can incur idle fees, and idle fees apply to any car occupying a Supercharger stall once the charge session is complete, even if other Supercharger stalls are available.