Tesla DC charging network

[dsm363]

I thought a new thread about Tesla's new 90kW charger, how people think it will be implemented, what they'll charge, if they'll submit it for a standard..etc was worth it.
Some of the discussion already started here

[dsm363]

I really hope they look at where their owners are and build the network out from there to connecting major cities. They should be about 100 miles apart along major highways to start. In Texas, you could connect the 4 major cities (Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio) with 4 chargers.

Has Tesla indicated how fast they intend to build out this network or how many chargers they'll start with?

[Lloyd]

This is important so I cross posted this from the other thread. If the DC network is not sufficient we need additional higher amperage EVSE's, and owners will need to order the optional additional 10 kw onboard charger.

The problem will be as I have shown in other threads, that nobody will produce a higher power EVSE'S if there are not cars that will accept them. In my letters to Eaton, it was apparent that they had at least some prior knowledge to stop their planned production of 70 amp EVSE'S . The only manufacturer of high power level2 EVSE'S is Clipper Creek.

Expansion of the 70 amp EVSE'S will require;
1. People to order cars that require or can utilize their potential (optional additional 10kw charger)
2. Manufacturers to produce and deploy high power level2 EVSE'S
3. The DCPower level3 charging network to not be deployed adequately
4 Owners to drive their cars farther than their home charging range

I believe that Tesla is looking at the level3 network as an income stream. I don't expect level 3charging to be free!

[richkae]

In the other thread I said that Tesla needs to needs to find hosts for their charging locations.
The goal of that is not to make those people foot the bill for installation, the goal for that is so that Tesla doesn't have to own, lease or manage the property with the chargers on it.
( Getting the host to pay for some or all of the installation would be a bonus )

I believe the locations that provide the most benefit are between major cities.
I think ideal locations are restaurants, casinos, outlet malls, hotels, golf courses, small tourist towns or other tourist traps.
Of course they need ample parking and a location that can provide a valet ( like a hotel or a casino ) is optimal because then the valet could shuffle multiple cars through the charger if there is contention.
You are going to have to stop for 30-60 minutes, and they will want to capture money from you while you do.

It does not seem like a hard sell to me. I would think that locations like casinos could be easily enticed into footing some of the cost.

[Kevin Sharpe]

It does not seem like a hard sell to me. I would think that locations like casinos could be easily enticed into footing some of the cost.

The only way this will work is if Tesla can demonstrate a steady stream of drivers who are prepared to use (and pay for?) the Charger. IMO Tesla will struggle to deliver a steady stream of drivers because the numbers of cars on the road will be small for many years.

If however Tesla can combine this service with support for mainstream cars using CHAdeMO then it's a completely different proposition IMO.

[WhiteKnight]

A friend of mine who was high up with one of the railroads pointed out to me that the maximum range of a railroad engines back in the day used to be about 150 miles and therefore when you look there's a significant city typically every 150 miles or so (these cities sprang up around the railroad depots). So from Atlanta there is a ring of cities all about 150 miles from us: Chattanooga, TN / Greenville, SC / Augusta, GA / Macon, GA / Montgomery, AL / Birmingham, AL. For Tesla, locating their DC Charging in these cities would make a lot of sense. And then 150 miles beyond these cities you're going to find more major cities like Nashville, TN / Charlotte, NC et cetera where they will eventually have their own stores.

I expect a Tesla Store everywhere there's an Apple Store (major cities). And I expect eventually there will be charging infrastructure (Tesla's own or other outfits) everywhere there's a Starbucks (mid-major cities).

[Eberhard]

on my meeting with tesla , i tried a further discussion about the need for 3-ph in Europe. JB Straubel mentioned the importance of high level fast DC charging and they will setup of fast DC charger to wipe out the need for charing with more than 10kW even in Europe. Because more then 95% of all charging will be done at home or office, only little extra charging will be needed on long distance travel. The smallest range is 160m. I think they start with 300miles between each nodes and will expand it to 150miles later. Because of using same mass-producted 10kW onboard charger the cost of the 90kW DC fast charger is much lower as any other. Hope only Tesla makes the new DC charging network available to the current Tesla Owner too. 80% SOC in 30-45min cool.

[Norbert]

A friend of mine who was high up with one of the railroads pointed out to me that the maximum range of a railroad engines back in the day used to be about 150 miles and therefore when you look there's a significant city typically every 150 miles or so (these cities sprang up around the railroad depots).

Interesting point! Maybe if Tesla puts multiple fast chargers in one place, they'll build a city around it.

[Norbert]

on my meeting with tesla , i tried a further discussion about the need for 3-ph in Europe. JB Straubel mentioned the importance of high level fast DC charging and they will setup of fast DC charger to wipe out the need for charing with more than 10kW even in Europe. Because more then 95% of all charging will be done at home or office, only little extra charging will be needed on long distance travel. The smallest range is 160m. I think they start with 300miles between each nodes and will expand it to 150miles later. Because of using same mass-producted 10kW onboard charger the cost of the 90kW DC fast charger is much lower as any other. Hope only Tesla makes the new DC charging network available to the current Tesla Owner too. 80% SOC in 30-45min cool.

Welcome to the future!

[William13]

Eberhard, could Tesla leave the inboard charger out of European cars and string together three of their 10 kW chargers for a portable slow DC charger to take advantage of European 3phase with minimal change in total cost and improved functionality?