Tesla Announces Rapid-Charging Corridor Between L.A. and San Francisco

America’s only all-electric automaker, Tesla Motors, hopes to make its first profits sometime in 2013 on the back of the Model S sedan. But even though the top-end Model S has a 300 mile range, that still means the Model S is relatively limited in where it can travel. But Tesla CEO Elon Musk let it slip last week that his team was working to install “SuperChargers” along I-5 between Los Angeles and San Francisco.A Lonely Road

Unlike other automakers, who have adapted the J1772 charger, Tesla is developing their own proprietary charging system. It’s a bold, even dangerous move, and current Tesla Roadster owners have to invest in a $750 “conversion cord” to be able to fill up from many public charging stations. It kind of sucks, but Tesla plans to install a corridor of “SuperChargers” along I-5 between L.A. and San Francisco. This would allow Tesla owners to make the 400+ mile journey on just a single “fill up” (as long as you have the top end Model S with 300 miles of range, mind you.)

EV Elitism

These 90 kilowatt SuperChargers can add as much as 150 miles of range to a Tesla vehicle in 30 minutes or less. Unfortunately, other vehicles with rapid-charging capabilities will be unable to plug into these charges as well. We’ve basically talking about a charging network for a handful of affluent Tesla customers that is off-limits to other EV drivers. So rather than lumping all EV drivers together, there is already a divide between those who can *only* afford a Leaf or Volt, and those who have the cash to splurge on a Tesla Roadster or Model S. This is EV elitism at its worst.

I don’t like this plan, not one bit, and as EV charging stations become more common place, Tesla is going to be forced to either adapt the J1772 standard or come up with a system so superior to J1772, that other automakers adapt Tesla’s system. And I just don’t see that happening. Sure, 30 minutes for 150 miles is impressive, but it still falls far short of the 5-minute-or-less fill-up of gas-powered vehicles.

How about you readers? Is going it alone with a unique charging system the way for Tesla to go? Or should they just suck it up and join the herd?

Source: Green Car Reports | Image: J van der Wolf via Shutterstock.com

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Tags: charging standard, corridor, I-5, J1772, Los Angeles, Model S, proprietary charging, rapid charger, Roadster, San Francisco, sedan, supercharger, Tesla, Tesla Motors

About the Author

Christopher DeMorro A writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to HEMIs, Chris can be found wrenching or writing- or esle, he's running, because he's one of those crazy people who gets enjoyment from running insane distances.

http://www.GreenJoyment.com Juan Miguel Ruiz

What a stupid move, going for an independent charging system. You’re right in saying it’s elitism. Another thing, it’s a disadvantage for Tesla users. Since Tesla will have to set up the infrastructure to support their vehicles, they won’t be able to implement a wide area of service. Now if Tesla were to create a much more efficient method of charging, it might be adopted as the universal system but I doubt it. A combined effort will produce better results and reduce costs when implementing charging stations. Since Tesla is feeling “special”, they’ll have to handle all the costs of creating charging stations. Tesla just suck it up.

Juan Miguel Ruiz (GreenJoyment.com)
Jesse

Bad. Bad, bad, bad. We’re in a time where the consumer attitudes towards EV adoption are critical and sensitive – being a brand new market – and we have one of the (very few) major players shutting everyone else out? That’s going to leave a bad taste in the mouths of all those who cannot afford Tesla’s $100,000 machines, and more importantly, is wasting valuable infrastructure.

The worst part, is that it will absolutely be failed venture. Tesla will see very little ‘profit’ from this … the company is thinking like a company that makes $15,000 electric vehicles, that almost everyone has access to. The charging units will be largely driven past and unused, due to the Roadster / Model S being cost-available to a very small percentage of the population.

Would someone like to remind Elon Musk that his company started in California, and that there is quite a lot of ‘California’ outside of the gates of Hollywood?
Robert

J1772 is an ugly, least-common-denominator approach. Musk is very clear: “no compromises,” but the J1772 is full of compromises — made worse by the federal government’s blinkered sponsorship of 30kW charging stations. Tesla put out a new standard because what’s out there simply isn’t going to meet consumer needs: fast charging. At 90kW of DC power, Tesla’s Supercharger can that; 30kW charging stations can’t.
Norbert

The article suggests that if Tesla had only used J1772, then other EVs would also be able to charge at 90 kW at their DC SuperChargers, however that is not the case. EVs like the Volt and likely the Ford Focus EV cannot charge at DC chargers in any case, that requires more than the same plug. Standard J1772, as we know it, is only AC, which does not scale up to 90 kW. Whereas DC would require a future J1772-DC-combo which is in the works but doesn’t exist yet.

The Leaf would be able to use these chargers at 50 kW (it is limited to 50 kW internally), but it cannot charge at 50 kW using J1772 either. For the Leaf, they would have to be CHAdeMO.

That may sound a bit complicated, but I think Tesla did what is best for their customers, and that is what they need to do. In my comment on the source article I have explained that a bit more.
t_

Hahaha, guys, Tesla’s move is very clever. As you know, the stragegy to sell a product at it’s cost price or below, only to support the sales of your other products has proven to be very effective. And in this case, Tesla is investing in it’s future. it is a new automaker, has the best product so far, the market is completely new, but others are catching up and they are big. So, why should Tesla invest in a product, that is going to support the competition? After this is ready Tesla’s cars are going to be even closer to “normal” cars. Nissan’s Leaf is still going to be a commuter. Now, I do not like any restricting moves, but I can understand Tesla’s move. If you were in their shoes, I think you would do the same. They are the elite for now. And as it seems, they want to stay there. And do not forget, they are working on a cheaper version.
DavidM

The article didn’t mention that virtually every Nissan dealership has a Level 2 charger (240V), that will support the Leaf. So, Nissan has already invested in an infrastructure that will allow Leaf owners to get from point A to point B, with a (not so fast recharge). That’s what they (Nissan) wanted to do for their customers. So what’s the problem if Tesla Motors wants to do something (even better) to support their own customers? There is nothing to keep other car manufacturers from building the capability into their EV cars to take advantage of these new and better charging stations. The supercharger stations are “Public”. If you are building EV cars with a 50 mile to 80 mile range (Nissan Leaf, Ford Focus EV), you won’t be taking those cars very far from the city. Those are commuter cars. Tesla doesn’t build “commuter” cars. They build EVs with driving ranges from 160 to 300 miles. These are cars that customers might want to use on road trips. They are the drivers who would most likely need to take advantage of quicker charging along our nation’s highways.
Larry

“I don’t like this plan, not one bit, and as EV charging stations become more common place, Tesla is going to be forced to either adapt the J1772 standard or come up with a system so superior to J1772, that other automakers adapt Tesla’s system. And I just don’t see that happening. Sure, 30 minutes for 150 miles is impressive, but it still falls far short of the 5-minute-or-less fill-up of gas-powered vehicles.”

Hi Chris,

As others have explained the issue is not about using the J1772 charging plug, which won’t even take a DC fast charge. The issue that Tesla had to deal with was what type of charging is going to be best for their customers. Unlike the few other EVs on the road, the Tesla Model S will have a maximum range of 300 miles, about four times the Leaf. Even the basic Model S will have twice the range of the Leaf. What this means is that the Teslas, due to their larger battery packs, will not only need DC fast chargers, but fast chargers with adequate capacity to make roadside charging feasible. 30 minute charging at a roadside restuarant will fit in nicely for folks stopping to eat anyway. If 5 minute charging were a prerequisite to successful EV adoption, as you seem to be suggesting, then the problem would not be confined to Tesla vehicles, because the other few DC fast chargers are slower than the Tesla charger by a significant margin.

No doubt in making their decision to implement a DC fast charging network to support the Model S, Tesla had to look to the adequacy of existing DC fast charging networks. In looking at the EV Projects “progress”, we see that there are 2 DC fast chargers in operation in the extire U.S. and they are merely 60kW in capacity. As is Tesla’s practice they have come out with an elegant, and innovative approach that leap-frogs other technologies. They shouldn’t be faulted for that innovation that addresses the unique needs of their unque vechicles.
- http://www.sublimeburnout.com Christopher DeMorro
  
  @ Larry and the other defenders of Tesla’s fast charger plan
  
  I do understand what you are saying in regards to the fast charging network, and Tesla’s larger-than-average batteries.
  
  HOWEVER…
  
  Tesla is a small-volume, luxury EV manufacturer. Their decision to use a non-standard EV charging plug means that these charging stations will serve very, very few people, at a very high cost, probably using some of that sweet, sweet government grant money. How many Tesla owners regularly drive from L.A. to San Francisco? I imagine if you can afford a $109,000 EV, you can probably afford a plane ticket.
  
  This is about a government-sponsored company drawing a line in the sand between those who can afford upscale EV’s, and those who can’t. And it bothers me.
  
  How about instead of making a system that serves only a single brand, why doesn’t Tesla join forces to bring its SuperChargers to more companies and more EV’s? This is only going to end in tears.
  - James
    
    Always be suspicious of the word “probably” when written by someone claiming to be a journalist. It usually translates to “I haven’t actually taken to time to gather enough information to know what I am talking about, but here goes anyways.”
    
    For example, take the statement:
    
    “Their decision to use a non-standard EV charging plug means that these charging stations will serve very, very few people, at a very high cost, probably using some of that sweet, sweet government grant money.”
    
    Unfortunately, nothing has been a source of more disinformation for Tesla than the DOE loans, which could only be used to refund receipts for the purchase of manufacturing equipment for the Model S.
  - James
    
    Always beware of the word “probably”. It usually means “I haven’t got a clue what I’m talking about and I’m too lazy to learn.”
    
    For example;
    
    “Their decision to use a non-standard EV charging plug means that these charging stations will serve very, very few people, at a very high cost, probably using some of that sweet, sweet government grant money.”
    
    First, it’s a loan, not a grant. BIG difference. Secondly, anyone who actually follows this stuff knows the DOE loan can only refund receipts of purchases for manufacturing equipment used for the Model S.
    
    Here are some questions you should answer for yourself before shooting your mouth off:
    
    – How much do these chargers actually cost?
    – Who is actually paying for them?
    – Where are they being installed?
    
    You know what bothers me? People who get pissed because they are ignorant of the actual facts.
  - DavidM
    
    @Christopher said: “This is about a government-sponsored company”.
    
    Speaking factually, Tesla Motors is a LOT LESS Gov’t sponsored than General Motors, Chrysler, and several major oil corporations. Fact, the US Gov’t gives loans for reasons they feel are justified. Even college students get Gov’t backed loans, so that we can have an educated nation. On the other hand, the Gov’t gives gifts (in the form of corporate tax breaks), which do not have to be paid back. These gifts go to many large, profitable corporations which do not even need Gov’t sponsorship (using your terminology). Where are all the people writing articles about that? I’m just saying . .
    - http://www.sublimeburnout.com Christopher DeMorro
      
      @ DavidM
      
      Not many businesses could operate for a decade with annual losses in the hundreds of millions of dollars without a lot of government aid. Just because Tesla makes green cars doesn’t automatically give them the high ground in any argument. I have my opinion on this matter, you have yours.
      - DavidM
        
        @Christopher – Gov’t backed loans are completely different from Government Aid (Gifts). To suggest to your readers that there is no difference is irresponsible. If you did a little more research on Tesla you would find that most of the money used for their capital investments (factory and equipment) came from the following places (in order of investment):
        – Tesla CEO Elon Musk
        – Stockholders including Toyota, Daimler, Panasonic
        – Gov’t backed loans (thus far a little over $100M)
        
        Gov’t aid to Tesla in the form of Corporate Tax breaks = $0.
      - http://www.sublimeburnout.com Christopher DeMorro
        
        @ DavidM
        
        Until Tesla pays those loans back, I consider them gift. The government will not recover much, if anything, of the money they gave to Solyndra, and the same could be true of Tesla.
        
        You could also argue that the $7,500 tax credit, which applies to Tesla vehicles, is something of a gift. I really do think Tesla has a shot, but from the sounds of it, they have no intention of creating vehicles that the average American can afford. That is really starting to bother me.
JohnJamesLord

Blazing the trail always makes you first, it requires the vision that the masses refuse to see. I believe that Tesla’s move is bold but it is the necessary next step in proving the viability of EV over the petroleum powered horseless carriages that the masses have become so physiologically addicted to. There is this range anxiety issue that needs to be over come. Heaven knows that no person in their right mind would consider a drive between LA and SFO being a reasonable expenditure of time, but neither is waiting 90 minutes to fill up your vehicle using the federally sponsored 30kW charging stations. Thirty minutes for a pit stop is getting closer to reality given that you are committed to a 400+ mile drive. If you are like me you have to stop at least once to relieve yourself, buy some snacks and stretch out a bit, so 30 minutes seems pretty reasonable. In reality Toyota and Nissan probably have it right with the plug-in Prius and Leaf. Most people only travel short distances with their vehicle before they stop for a long while at home, work, or some other activity. So charging and range anxiety should not be an issue for most. With Tesla’s new proposed 90KW charging station, now these vehicles can charge up in a matter of minutes just like the old days at the gas pump. Yes, the SAE standard has to be enhanced. Now if someone pushes the envelope a little farther and gets it right, charging can be accomplished wirelessly and automatically. Yes, that is coming along with batteries that hold more charge and weigh a lot less. Before Charles Lindbergh, who would have thought that traveling between New York and Europe would be practical using that elitist new fangled toy, the aero plane? Some people so closed minded and lacking any sort of creativity or desire for progress!
Chad Olivieri

It would be very counter intuitive for Tesla to conform to what the larger companies are doing. They wouldn’t be where they are if they were not blazing the trail…. I wonder if the Mercedes and Toyota’s powered by Tesla drive trains will have this DC charger? hmmmm, I wonder who will adopt who’s charger then.
Innovation

Unfortunately majority of people try to answer today’s problems with yesterday’s answers.

Two in one plug is what the Tesla plug is. It is superior in design, in technology, and efficiency. And that’s why innovators do.

It’s akin to a computer like Apple dropping flash and going to html5. We have to change the way we think about cars to more like electronics and less like a gas car. So let go of the gas paradigm and look at as a computer with plugs and adapters where Tesla is setting the more advanced standards.

It’s interesting since many and most people do not understand what innovation is.

Does anybody remember when Steve Jobs came out with the colorful iMac?
Hmm.. sounds similar to the Tesla plug that’s colorful.
Glenn

I think it is excellent.

While there is still dithering about what level 3 plug to use, Tesla is stepping up and actually installing their own design. I hope other manufacturers adopt Tesla’s format. That’s what being an industry leader is all about.
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Mel

In fact Tesla is planning to introduce a mass market (~$30k) EV for the masses, but not until 2015:
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1072899_after-model-x-tesla-to-sell-cheaper-electric-2015-roadster-to-follow

Crawl, walk, then run.

Just to clarify, the Model S will still support J1772 via an adapter (as does the current Roadster). It will also support a standard household 110V/15A plug via adapter. For the sake of argument let’s say a company introduced a new charging standard that could yield 200 miles driving range in 2 min. of charging time. Should that company scrap their plans in deference to J1772? Is J1772 the best it’s ever going to get for EV users (about 15 miles range in 30 min. of charging)? What if there was a system that could safely yield 200 mile range in 20 sec. charging – should that system also be scrapped because it doesn’t conform to J1772?

What one calls elitism I call market segmentation. After all what would Apple be if it only produced $200 netbooks running Windows XP? (Hint: not more valuable than Exxon)
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