The steadily growing Supercharger network recently passed the 200 station milestone, and Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA)’s first UK airport location may not be quite where you expect. Tesla drivers can now recharge at Edinburgh Airport, where a two-bay charging facility opened recently.
Drivers can recharge 24/7, and Model S owners with the appropriate charging kit can enjoy free power. Drivers can recharge for one hour maximum, although twenty minutes is enough to recharge half the battery.
Tesla’s supercharger stations: An expanding network
As Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) looks to grow its business in new markets, we have seen greater emphasis on Supercharger network development in Europe and Asia.
Currently around 60% of Supercharger locations are in the US. There are 66 operating stations in Europe, and 23 in Asia. In an effort to improve sales in new markets, Tesla is focusing on improving charging infrastructure in order to make their cars more attractive.
Recent reports have stated that Tesla is working with mobile communications carrier China Unicom to build 400 charging stations in over 100 Chinese cities, testament to the importance that the car maker attaches to the Chinese market.
That is not to say that Tesla will be neglecting the US market. The company is aiming to develop a huge Supercharger network within the US, covering the nation by the end of 2015. The idea is to prepare for the release of the more affordable Model III, as well as the Model X SUV.
A viable alternative to the internal combustion engine
All Tesla vehicles will be capable of undertaking journeys of 200 miles at least, but a wide network of charging stations is essential to the prospect of electric vehicles truly displacing the traditional automobile.
In this vein, Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) CEO Elon Musk has solicited cooperation from other electric vehicle makers in developing the charging network. So far no offers have been forthcoming, although commentators have speculated that this may change with the advent of longer-range vehicles from other manufacturers.
