Tesla Gives Supercharging Year for Model 3 Premium
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- Tesla offers one year of free Supercharging on new Model 3 Premium and Performance orders in North America, limited to custom orders, not base trim.
- Tesla claims non‑Tesla EVs pay a “~40% premium” at Superchargers, but analysis shows the premium averages 30‑35% and can reach 35‑37% at peak hours in high‑cost markets like Los Angeles.
- Non‑Tesla EV owners can eliminate the premium with a $12.99/month Supercharging Membership, which breaks even after 80‑100 kWh of charging per month.
- VW provides three years of free fast‑charging for ID.4 buyers, a longer‑term incentive that Tesla’s one‑year offer cannot match.
- Electrek user “Well‑O” notes the comparative value of VW’s three‑year free fast‑charging versus Tesla’s limited free year.
Why it matters: Tesla’s incentive targets Model 3 buyers, boosting its sales while pressuring non‑Tesla EV owners who face a 30‑35% higher charging cost; the $12.99/month membership offers a cost‑saving path, but rivals’ longer free‑charging deals risk eroding Tesla’s competitive edge.
