Do Tesla Car Owners Pay for Charging Their Vehicles?

There is a common belief among people that Tesla car owners either do not pay for charging or can get free charging for their vehicles. However, the reality is a bit more complex, and it depends on various factors. In this article, we will delve into the details of Tesla charging and explore whether Tesla owners have to pay for charging their vehicles.

Free Charging: Exceptions and Offers

There have been instances where Tesla car owners have enjoyed free charging, but these cases are exceptions rather than the norm. For example, my client's company has a free charging station, which they provide for their use. Additionally, I myself have solar panels and batteries, which make a significant portion of my summer charging free. However, these benefits are not universal and do depend on the specific conditions and offers at the time of purchase.

Special Deals and Perks

Tesla has offered various special deals on free supercharging to certain customers. These deals may come with strings attached, such as the condition that the offer lasts as long as the car is owned by the same person. Recently, they offered to transfer this perk to a new Tesla, provided that the new car is delivered by the end of 2023. These offers are not available to all customers, and the specifics differ depending on when and where you purchase your Tesla.

Charging Costs and Considerations

For the vast majority of Tesla owners, paying for charging is the norm. This is especially true for those who did not buy the model S with free Supercharger for life. While some Tesla owners can indeed get free charging at times, this is often due to special promotions or partnerships, such as hotels or shopping centers providing free EV charging as a service to their guests.

Hidden Costs and the Principle of TANSTAAFL

Hidden costs are a common aspect of modern transactions, and free EV charging is no exception. One of the fundamental principles in macroeconomics is TANSTAAFL, which stands for 'There Ain’t No Such Thing As A Free Lunch.' This principle suggests that there is no such thing as free charging, as the cost is often hidden in the price of the goods or services provided by the charging station operators.

Some destination chargers at hotels or grocery stores may be "free," but the cost is quietly passed on through higher prices for the goods and services provided. The cost of these chargers is included in the overall cost for the business, which may lead to higher prices for the customer.

Home Charging and Electricity Bills

For Tesla owners who charge their vehicles at home, the cost is reflected in their electricity bills. Building a local solar storage kit is a viable alternative, but it comes with its own costs and complexities. The earliest adopters of Tesla cars were offered a lifetime free use of Tesla Superchargers, but these benefits are no longer available to most current buyers. The current deals do not transfer with car ownership, and as the original buyers were mostly wealthy individuals who frequently replace their vehicles, these deals are becoming less common.

While Tesla has provided dedicated efforts to support its early adopters with free charging, the reality is that these efforts have come with a hidden cost. The early Tesla cars were essentially subsidized by the higher prices of the newer models, which have more advanced features and technologies.

Conclusion

While there have been instances and offers of free or heavily discounted charging for Tesla owners, in most cases, Tesla car owners do pay for charging their vehicles. Understanding the principles of macroeconomics and the hidden costs of these transactions can help owners make more informed decisions about their EV charging needs and costs.