Tesla’s Supercharger network is one of the most advanced and reliable charging infrastructures in the automotive industry. However, as more electric vehicle drivers from different brands start using Tesla Superchargers, they need to be aware of the potential idle fees they could incur if they leave their vehicles plugged in for too long.
One Tesla owner, known as Marshmello Cloud on TikTok, shared a clever workaround to avoid these idle fees. He posted a video of himself sprinting back to his Tesla to unplug it from the Supercharger before the fees kick in. This tactic, known as the “Tesla Sprint,” has gained attention on social media.
The idle fees were implemented by Tesla in response to drivers leaving their vehicles plugged in at Superchargers for extended periods, causing inconvenience to others. Elon Musk addressed this issue after a Twitter user complained about the lack of available chargers due to vehicles being left plugged in unnecessarily. As a result, Tesla introduced a fee of $0.50 per minute for cars left idle after charging is complete, with the fee doubling if the station is at full capacity.
While the idle fees may be a nuisance to some drivers, they serve the purpose of ensuring that Superchargers are available for others who need to charge their vehicles. It also discourages drivers from using Superchargers as parking spots.
There is a potential hack to avoid paying the idle fees if you can’t make it back to your vehicle in time. By setting your Tesla to charge only up to 80% by default, you can prevent the fee from being triggered immediately. However, changing the charging settings to 100% in the Tesla app can buy you some extra time before the fee is applied.
It’s important to note that while this workaround may save you money in the short term, it’s not a sustainable solution. Leaving your vehicle plugged in at a Supercharger after it’s done charging is not only frowned upon by other EV owners but also detrimental to long-term battery health. It’s best to plan your charging sessions accordingly and avoid leaving your car unattended at a Supercharger.
Overall, the Tesla Supercharger idle fees serve a dual purpose of ensuring efficient use of charging stations and promoting responsible charging behavior among EV owners. While the “Tesla Sprint” may provide a temporary escape from these fees, it’s essential to prioritize good charging etiquette and battery health in the long run.