Tesla launches Supercharger for Business in the UK

UK businesses can now install Tesla Superchargers on their premises, providing ultra-rapid charging to Tesla and non-Tesla users.

The US firm has just launched its Supercharger for Business programme in the UK, offering its latest V4 devices to third party companies.

The programme provides the brand-new units but allows customers to apply their own branding and set their own pricing. Tesla provides behind-the-scenes support including maintenance, network operations and driver support.

Businesses buying a Supercharger can choose to make it for private use to charge their electric fleets or employees’ vehicles. Alternatively, they can open them to the public to charge any brand of EV. When open to the public, the chargers are added to Tesla’s network of 70,000 devices worldwide. In-car mapping and the Tesla app will automatically route vehicles to them when they need charge.

Tesla has introduced the package in the UK just two months after rolling it out in the United States, marketing it as “owned by you, managed by Tesla”.

Announcing the UK launch, Tesla said: “With over 1.6 million electric vehicles on UK roads – and more expected due to the ZEV mandate – this technology supports the UK’s net zero goals by expanding charging access.”

Tesla’s Supercharging network was rated the best large rapid/ultra-rapid charging network in the UK in the most recent Zapmap EV Driver survey. It scooped top spot based on its reliability, cost-effectiveness, and integration with in-car navigation and payment systems.#

Tesla says its devices enjoy 99% uptime – addressing concerns around charger reliability and access.

The latest V4 Superchargers also offer some of the fastest charging around. The new units can deliver up to 500kW peak power, meaning they are compatible with even the fastest-charging models currently on sale. However, they could soon face some tough competition after BYD announced plans to introduce its “Flash Charging” technology to Europe. In a deliberate bid to challenge the Supercharger network, the Chinese EV specialist intends to roll out megawatt devices capable of operating at 1,000kW and adding a mile of range per second.