I believe it’s due to the government threatening to take away certain tax advantages if Tesla didn’t allow SC to other manufacturers, but from a business perspective, doing so just gave away Tesla’s main advantage.
When people say Tesla has better EV tech, what do they mean? Is it the better phone app? I’m genuinely trying to understand. Isn’t the battery used in Tesla cars the same Panasonic or CATL batteries that are used in other EVs such as Audi, VW, Mercedes, Toyota, and ect?
The main advantage with buying an EV from legacy manufacturers is that you get better build quality and more comfortable ride. That’s why I’m curious why Tesla gave away its main advantage by allowing SC access to other manufacturers.
Tesla didn’t give away. Their customers must pay to use superchargers
Other automakers (with a couple of exceptions) were too lazy to build their own charging network, so now they have to pay Tesla to use Tesla Supercharger.
They should have rolled out their own charging network (North America version of IONITY), but didn’t.
Despite the fud you hear online the ccs network is very capable and about to explode with nevi money. Now it inevitably will be a mixed ccs and nacs network.
Ultimately the supercharger network just isn’t that big an advantage anymore and was destined to be a disadvantage if they continued in a locked separate system. Tesla added the ccs communication protocol and opened the possibility of adapters, which is ultimately better for everyone.
Cash. Charging is extremely lucrative if you have the volume.
Also Musk’s ego in getting other mfgs to use his plug vs. CCS plug. He’s throwing Tesla owners under the bus for both reasons.
When people say Tesla has better EV tech, what do they mean? Is it the better phone app? I’m genuinely trying to understand. Isn’t the battery used in Tesla cars the same Panasonic or CATL batteries that are used in other EVs such as Audi, VW, Mercedes, Toyota, and ect?
Tesla has used their first-mover advantage to great success, developing a robust charging network, charging connector, and functionality for their cars that allow customers to just pull up, plug in with a one-handed cable, charge their cars, and leave.
I am skeptical as you are about Tesla opening up their network “for the greater good” considering it gives them a business advantage, but having their network be open is the only way they can receive government funding from the “bipartisan infrastructure law” for new chargers.
Why? $$… from all directions:
- From the Govt (our tax $): https://www.reuters.com/technology/tesla-open-us-charging-network-rivals-75-bln-federal-program-white-house-2023-02-15/
- From charge income due to increased customer base
There’s no mystery or grand conspiracy to it… Its just being smart. I would do the same thing.
- Money now: I’m pretty sure the manufacturers getting access to the SC network have to pay a contribution to its expansion.
- It goes both ways: With NACS becoming indeed the North American Charging Standard, Tesla drivers get access to all other charging networks that support the standard.
- Long term money: Over time Tesla’s market share will fall. If they retain 20…25% after the EV transition is over, that will be a huge accomplishment. With an open SC network, they can make money from the other 75…80% of the market.