Tesla has announced a significant expansion of its Supercharging network in Ireland, opening it up to all electric vehicle (EV) drivers. This move is part of Tesla’s broader strategy to promote the adoption of electric vehicles globally.
Tesla’s Superchargers, known for their high-speed charging capabilities of up to 250kW, can add as much as 275km of range in just 15 minutes. These chargers have been a key advantage for Tesla owners, offering reliability and availability that often surpasses other charging options.
The decision to open up the Supercharging network aligns with CEO Elon Musk’s vision for the Tesla brand, which extends beyond its own success to fostering the overall growth of electric motoring. Pilot projects in Europe and the US have already seen some Supercharger locations accessible to all EV brands, and this initiative is now being extended to Ireland.
Out of the nine Supercharging locations in Ireland, five — Dublin, Cork, Athenry, Enfield, and Tralee — will be available to all EV drivers, providing a total of 18 Supercharger connections.
A Tesla spokesperson told the Irish Times, “Access to an extensive, convenient, and reliable fast-charging network is critical for large-scale EV adoption. Since opening the first Superchargers in 2012, Tesla has been committed to rapid expansion of the network. Superchargers are designed and built by Tesla, charging up to 275km in 15 minutes rather than hours. Since the beginning of 2023, Tesla owners have Supercharged over 11 million kilometres in Ireland, offsetting 2.4 million kilograms of CO2.”
To use a Supercharger, EV drivers will need to download the Tesla mobile app and create a Tesla account. The cost of Supercharging varies, with off-peak rates as low as 57c per kWh and peak rates at 64c per kWh. Additionally, Tesla offers a €12.99 monthly Supercharging Membership, reducing the per-kWh cost to 42c off-peak and 47c peak, which could be beneficial for frequent users.
While this expansion is a boon for most EV drivers in Ireland, some Tesla owners may have concerns. Exclusive access to Superchargers has been a major attraction for Tesla ownership. However, the majority of Supercharger points will remain Tesla-only, which may help address these concerns.