What if I can only charge "locally"

Justin Griffin · Sep 12, 2015

I've been trying to post this on TM's website forums for 2 weeks, but the spam filter never ever lets me. I gave up and came here. So here's the copy/paste:

A lot of posts on here recently about the use of superchargers for locals... especially since "the letters" went out. I'm a little concerned about this and looking for some advice from the forum.

I'm seriously considering a Model S purchase before the end of the year. The supercharger network is the number one reason I can justify spending so much on a vehicle. I will not have the ability to charge at home... ever. The fact that I live so close to a supercharger makes this purchase possible. I would buy a 90D and only need to charge ONCE a week based on my driving habits. I would also charge quickly and move ASAP out of the stall, no hogging.

So my question: Even with all the hostility against local supercharging, WHAT IF it is the defining factor for whether I purchase at all? Would the community rather me not purchase after knowing this? Would TM rather me not purchase knowing this about me?

tstafford · Sep 12, 2015

Charging exclusively with superchargers - practical?

Justin Griffin · Sep 12, 2015

Great thread! Thanks @tstafford.

CHG-ON · Sep 12, 2015

Screw the haters. Buy it. If that's the only way you can charge, then that's how you charge. You are paying for the privilege when you buy the car.

SW2Fiddler · Sep 12, 2015

What if I can only charge "locally"

Charge where you can. I'd prefer you locally Supercharging over "vaporizing more dinosaurs" in a gasomobile.

Max* · Sep 12, 2015

CHG-ON said:
Screw the haters. Buy it. If that's the only way you can charge, then that's how you charge. You are paying for the privilege when you buy the car.

+1

Make sure you're ok with sitting st the supercharger for an hour at a time. Also, if you think you only drive 10 miles a day, you're likely going to use a lot more rated miles, so make sure once a week is enough.

Before I got 240V charging, I used a standard 110V outlet for a couple months. It's slow, but it was nearly enough. You sure you can't use a 110V where you live? (You'll still likely have to top off at a supercharger, but not as often.)

ITSELE · Sep 12, 2015

Welcome Justin. I'm not a big poster here but I just wanted to add my thoughts before the flood of comments. You say you "will not have the ability to charge at home...ever." Could you please elaborate? Do you live in a condo? Are you a renter? Do you plan to never move from said condo? Do you never plan on trying to get a plug in your parking garage from the owners?

To be honest, I can't really recommend you getting an electric car of any kind if you have no home charging plan. Home charging is one of the main advantages of owning an EV. The big risk is Tesla finds out you are abusing the supercharger network with continual local charging and cuts you off. You need to be crystal clear of your intentions with your delivery specialist prior to purchase and get the OK from Tesla in writing. You should read the purchase agreement VERY carefully and review it with a lawyer if you believe you can own the car this way. Otherwise you will own a car with no way of charging it.

BerTX · Sep 12, 2015

I guess I don't understand how that is the only option for you. Aren't there chargers you can pay for other than the Supercharger? People who charge from home have to pay for charging.

I find it hard to believe there are no other charging options in Los Angeles.

ItsNotAboutTheMoney · Sep 12, 2015

If you can't charge at home, it wouldn't be a problem.

anxman · Sep 12, 2015

BerTX said:
I guess I don't understand how that is the only option for you. Aren't there chargers you can pay for other than the Supercharger? People who charge from home have to pay for charging.

I find it hard to believe there are no other charging options in Los Angeles.

I've driven my Model S to Los Angeles and local charging is very hard. Most chargers were miles away and if one were to live in an apartment building, getting one installed at home could be nearly impossible. I had to rely on the SC's down there too.

AMPd · Sep 12, 2015

Max* said:
+1

Make sure you're ok with sitting st the supercharger for an hour at a time. Also, if you think you only drive 10 miles a day, you're likely going to use a lot more rated miles, so make sure once a week is enough.

Before I got 240V charging, I used a standard 110V outlet for a couple months. It's slow, but it was nearly enough. You sure you can't use a 110V where you live? (You'll still likely have to top off at a supercharger, but not as often.)

This is my current situation for the foreseeable future.
All I have is a 120 in my condo parking lot, however I take advantage of a chargepoint when going to the gym every now and again

But I still use my local superchargers when I need it, luckily they aren't crowded around here so I'm never preventing anyone else from charging.
I feel like I'll be getting that letter soon, but I've been doing it for 2 months now and nothing. Even if I get the letter nothing will change, I have no other option, other than going back to an ice car, and that's not happening.

stopcrazypp · Sep 12, 2015

If you live in a condo or an apartment where it is close to impossible to set up home charging (either physically or because of something like a HOA) then I don't think the letters as they are written so far apply to you. It's clearly talking about people that can set up home charging or already have home charging. If however you have your own parking spot where it is possible to set up charging, that is another story.

However, as others suggested, make it clear to your Delivery Specialist when you are buying and try to get something in writing if at all possible (although others who have tried have failed). Also look for a plan B for charging. Don't assume supercharging will always be available. In LA there should be plenty of other charging options.

BerTX · Sep 13, 2015

I say go for it. In spite of any emails, building 8 Superchargers in the LA area, 3 of them within 9 miles of each other, does NOT send the message "please don't Supercharge locally".

jerry33 · Sep 13, 2015

The only problem is with people who can charge at home but regularly hog the SCs. If you don't have access to home charging there's no problem.

ecarfan · Sep 13, 2015

What if I can only charge "locally"

Justine, have you discussed your situation with the manager of your local Tesla showroom or service center? I suggest you do so and I believe they will assure you that you will be welcome to charge weekly at any Supercharger (and remember that over time there will be more and more Superchargers!).
I think the concerns about frequent local Supercharging are exaggerated. I know about "the letter" but there are no reliable reports of Tesla taking any action against any owner who charges regularly at a Supercharger near them.
It is obvious that there is a huge market for EVs for people in your situation: it is likely a larger market than the one for people who live in single family homes. Tesla knows that and will not discourage purchases by people who can't charge at home!
I hope you become a Tesla owner. Keep us posted.

TaoJones · Sep 13, 2015

ITSELE said:
Welcome Justin. I'm not a big poster here but I just wanted to add my thoughts before the flood of comments. You say you "will not have the ability to charge at home...ever." Could you please elaborate? Do you live in a condo? Are you a renter? Do you plan to never move from said condo? Do you never plan on trying to get a plug in your parking garage from the owners?

To be honest, I can't really recommend you getting an electric car of any kind if you have no home charging plan. Home charging is one of the main advantages of owning an EV. The big risk is Tesla finds out you are abusing the supercharger network with continual local charging and cuts you off. You need to be crystal clear of your intentions with your delivery specialist prior to purchase and get the OK from Tesla in writing. You should read the purchase agreement VERY carefully and review it with a lawyer if you believe you can own the car this way. Otherwise you will own a car with no way of charging it.

Disregard completely this non-recommendation. There is no "abuse of the supercharger network" if you cannot charge at home. If you are a garaged owner and *choose* to not charge at home, that's different. And, like voter fraud, the latter rarely happens but surely does make for great FUD and grist for the HB (handwringing busybody) contingent.

If you are one of the non-garaged, you may charge at superchargers as needed. Tesla has committed to DENSITY as well as distance for almost a year now. Anyone who tries to tell you differently is full of shite.

KJD · Sep 13, 2015

ITSELE said:
Welcome Justin. I'm not a big poster here but I just wanted to add my thoughts before the flood of comments. You say you "will not have the ability to charge at home...ever." Could you please elaborate? Do you live in a condo? Are you a renter? Do you plan to never move from said condo? Do you never plan on trying to get a plug in your parking garage from the owners?

To be honest, I can't really recommend you getting an electric car of any kind if you have no home charging plan. Home charging is one of the main advantages of owning an EV.

My thoughts exactly. Plug it in every night and wake up with a full pack ready to go in the morning makes life so much easier.

CSFTN · Sep 13, 2015

TaoJones said:
Disregard completely this non-recommendation. There is no "abuse of the supercharger network" if you cannot charge at home. If you are a garaged owner and *choose* to not charge at home, that's different. And, like voter fraud, the latter rarely happens but surely does make for great FUD and grist for the HB (handwringing busybody) contingent.

If you are one of the non-garaged, you may charge at superchargers as needed. Tesla has committed to DENSITY as well as distance for almost a year now. Anyone who tries to tell you differently is full of shite.

I was just watching Jon Ronson: When online shaming spirals out of control | TED Talk | TED.com
So I feel an obligation to stand up for ITSELE and against TaoJones.

I love my Tesla and wish everyone else could be driving similar vehicles. But, if you're relying on someone else to provide you with your electricity, then you are abusing a privilege. Use of Superchargers as they were intended to facilitate longer trips is great; short term regular use of Superchargers is fine, but permanently claiming you are owed "FREE" electricity because you paid $2000 upfront is IMO abusive.

AmpedRealtor · Sep 13, 2015

Justin Griffin said:
I've been trying to post this on TM's website forums for 2 weeks, but the spam filter never ever lets me. I gave up and came here. So here's the copy/paste:

A lot of posts on here recently about the use of superchargers for locals... especially since "the letters" went out. I'm a little concerned about this and looking for some advice from the forum.

I'm seriously considering a Model S purchase before the end of the year. The supercharger network is the number one reason I can justify spending so much on a vehicle. I will not have the ability to charge at home... ever. The fact that I live so close to a supercharger makes this purchase possible. I would buy a 90D and only need to charge ONCE a week based on my driving habits. I would also charge quickly and move ASAP out of the stall, no hogging.

So my question: Even with all the hostility against local supercharging, WHAT IF it is the defining factor for whether I purchase at all? Would the community rather me not purchase after knowing this? Would TM rather me not purchase knowing this about me?

Ask Tesla and get its response in writing via email.

- - - Updated - - -

CSFTN said:
I love my Tesla and wish everyone else could be driving similar vehicles. But, if you're relying on someone else to provide you with your electricity, then you are abusing a privilege. Use of Superchargers as they were intended to facilitate longer trips is great; short term regular use of Superchargers is fine, but permanently claiming you are owed "FREE" electricity because you paid $2000 upfront is IMO abusive.

To be fair, nobody is paying $2,000 anymore. Supercharging is included in all cars, so at no additional charge. There is no longer a question of "getting your money's worth" because there is no charge for using the network.

T1perry · Sep 13, 2015

Your post confuses me.
1) You said that 110 is available . . . a slow charge, but a few miles per hour every night will add up.
2) In California there is a law here that prohibits a condo association from disallowing installation of an electric car charger. You still have to pay the costs, but the association must allow it.

What are your rights in the free state of Arizona?

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