Tesla applied for permission to install Supercharger stations in Texas with the CCS connectors. It is a first for the company, part of their move to other adaptors to accommodate non-Tesla vehicles too. Tesla applied to Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Program (TxVEMP).
The TxVEMP program that funds projects by using the settlement from the diesel gate scandal, especially those projects which help keep the air quality in Texas clear. This program also includes funding for electric vehicle charging stations. For a month, they have been accepting applications for new charging station installations. As per the filing by Tesla, the application asks for grants ranging from $375,000 to $500,000, which will be used to install four different Tesla Supercharging stations.
For Tesla or any other automaker to receive the grant, the condition is that they should install at least one CCS connector or CHAdeMO. Which is stated as,
- “At least one Charge de Move (CHAdeMO) connector and one Society of Automotive Engineers Combined Charging System (SAE CCS) charging protocol connector per application.”
- “If alternative connectors will be included in an application, there must be at least one CHAdeMO and/or SAE CCS charging protocol connector for each alternative connector included in the application.”
The significant change comes for Tesla as the company has already been working on giving other EVs access to their charging network. Around 10 Superchargers are open in the Netherlands to other EVs.
Tesla Superchargers
Tesla has around 25,000 Superchargers all around the world and the network continues to grow at a faster pace. As the company is expanding vehicles sales to many countries the charging network is also increasing. Tesla having a CCS charging station is expected to mean it will have a different integration. The CHEdeMO plug points are not particularly used these days. However, having a CCS charging station would mean neglecting Tesla owners, which is practically not possible. However, there is a possibility that they will use an adaptor that can be used by non-Tesla EV owners.
In Europe, Tesla is using the CCS standard, so non-Tesla vehicles can easily use the Supercharging network. However, in North America, an adaptor might be needed. In reference to pricing, the information provided by Tesla for the Netherlands is,
“Pricing for Non-Tesla drivers reflects additional costs incurred to support charging a broad range of vehicles and adjustments to our sites to accommodate these vehicles. Rates vary by site, and you can view charging prices in the Tesla app. The per kWh price to charge can be lowered with a charging membership.”
