Tesla resumes “free” supercharging service for Model S

Tesla says it can modify offers if owners use Supercharging too frequently or don’t pay congestion and idle fees

The end of 2024 is approaching, and Tesla seems eager to sell as many Model Ss as possible before the end of the month. The company is eager to sell its flagship electric sedan, so it’s relaunching its free lifetime Supercharging service, which was last offered in 2018.

Tesla recently updated its website to show that customers who purchase or lease a new Model S after December 13, 2024 will be eligible for free Supercharging service. However, the offer does come with some important caveats, which somewhat limits its appeal.

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First, the free Supercharging offer is tied to the owner’s Tesla account and cannot be transferred to other vehicles, individuals or orders, “even in the event of a transfer of ownership.” This means that any future Model S sold will no longer retain the free Supercharging service. Additionally, Tesla said “vehicles used for commercial purposes,” including taxis, ride-sharing and delivery services, are not included in the promotion. While we’re not sure how Tesla determines whether a vehicle is being used for such commercial purposes, it’s an important issue to be aware of.

Tesla added that owners will still be responsible for Supercharger inactivity fees and congestion fees (if applicable). The automaker also says that “it reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to remove free Supercharging from your vehicle in the event of overcharging or non-payment of Supercharging-related charges.” So, in theory, you could will wake up to find that your car is no longer eligible for free Supercharging.

price increase

Just days before the deal was announced, Tesla increased the price of the Model S by $5,000 in the U.S., meaning the Long Range now starts at $79,990 and the flagship Model S Plaid starts at $94,990 (no Including destination charge). While anyone who buys a new Model S this month will get free Supercharging, they’ll pay for it indirectly through this price increase.

Since the average cost of supercharging is $0.25 per kilowatt hour, 200 full charges of the Model S’s 100 kilowatt hour battery pack would cost about $5,000.

Tesla does not break down sales of each model in its product line, and recently the company has aggregated sales of Model S, Model X, Cybertruck and Semi into one number. In the second quarter, sales of these models were 21,551 units, and Electrek believes that Model S/X sales may reach 12,000 to 13,000 units, down about 30% from the same period last year.