Tesla’s Supercharger network is one of the largest and most advanced EV charging infrastructures in the world, now featuring over 60,000 chargers globally and approximately 1,400 across the UK. While traditionally reserved for Tesla owners, the network has gradually opened up to other electric vehicle (EV) drivers, with 477 chargers at 42 UK locations now accessible to non-Tesla users.
Tesla first launched its pilot scheme for non-Tesla access in the UK in May 2022, carefully selecting 15 sites with sufficient capacity to prevent congestion for its own customers. Since then, the rollout has expanded significantly, with an additional 27 locations now open to compatible EVs, further improving charging accessibility and making long-distance travel even easier.
Here’s everything you need to know about Tesla’s Superchargers, including how to use them and which locations are open to non-Tesla EVs.
What is the Tesla Supercharge network?
Tesla’s Supercharger network is a rapid charging system designed to get EV drivers back on the road as quickly as possible. Unlike slower public chargers, Superchargers can add hundreds of miles of range in minutes, making them a go-to for long journeys. Originally just for Tesla owners, some locations now allow other EV drivers to plug in — though access and pricing vary.
How do non-Tesla drivers charge up at a Supercharger?
Non-Tesla drivers can use selected Tesla Superchargers across the UK, but the process is slightly different from Tesla owners. First, you’ll need to download the Tesla app and create an account. Within the app, select ‘Charge Your Non-Tesla’ to find a list of available locations, as not all Superchargers are open to other EVs. Once you’ve arrived at a compatible site, simply plug in your car, select the correct charger in the app, and start the charging session.
It’s worth noting payment is handled through the Tesla app, but don’t fear, each Tesla supercharger location has guest wifi, with the password available at the location. Costs use to be a lot higher for non-Tesla drivers, however, Tesla offers a subscription plan that can reduce the price per kWh for £8.99 per a month or £90 for the year.
Charging a non-Tesla EV at a Supercharger won’t always be as cost-effective as it is for Tesla owners. However, if you drive long distances regularly, the membership discount on charging could make a real difference.
Once you’re charged up, just stop the session via the app, unplug, and head off. Keep in mind that only EVs with a CCS connector can use the network, so it’s worth double-checking your car’s compatibility before you set off.
Locations where non-Tesla drivers are welcome to use Tesla superchargers:
- Aberystwyth, Wales, UK
- Adderstone, UK
- Athenry, Ireland
- Aviemore, Scotland, UK
- Banbury, UK
- Birmingham, UK – St Andrews
- Bristol, UK – Eastgate
- Bristol, UK – Lysander Road
- Cardiff, UK
- Carmarthen, Wales, UK
- Cork, Ireland – Mahon Point Shopping Centre
- Dorking, UK
- Dundee, Scotland, UK
- Enfield, Ireland
- Eurocentral, UK
- Flint Mountain, UK
- Folkestone, UK – France Bound Only
- Fort William, Scotland, UK
- Frankley, UK – Southbound
- Grays, UK
- Guildford, UK
- Harrogate, UK
- Heartlands, UK
- Heathrow, UK – Terminals 2 & 3
- Inverness, Scotland, UK
- Ipswich, UK
- Kettering, UK
- Larkhall, UK
- Lifton, UK
- London, UK – Bromley
- London, UK – Romford
- London, UK – Sidcup
- London, UK – Tottenham
- Luton, UK
- Manchester, UK – Trafford Centre
- Merry Hill, UK
- Newmarket, UK – Studlands Shopping Park
- Newport, UK
- Reading, UK – Westbound
- Solihull, UK – Service Centre
- Thetford, UK
- Trentham, UK
- Trumpington, UK
- Uxbridge, UK
- Wokingham, UK
How fast does a Tesla Supercharger charge?
Fast. Tesla Superchargers use direct current (DC) to deliver power to your EV. They tend to range from 54kW to 150kW charging. For comparison, home chargers are usually 3kW or 7kW and some slower destination chargers can be 22kW.
These higher numbers mean two things: a) Tesla chargers can replenish a decent chunk of mileage very quickly and b) they won’t be suitable for use with every electric vehicle. This is because the power delivery of the chargepoint isn’t the only thing that determines how quickly an EV can charge.
To find out more about the effect of temperature on battery chargers, be sure to check out our article on how long it takes to charge a vehicle battery. It’s also worth mentioning that pre-conditioning the battery has an effect on charging times too. In 2019, an over-the-air (OTA) update called On-Route Battery Warmup enabled Tesla drivers to get better performance from their charging periods.
The on-board computer knows when a Tesla driver is en-route to a Tesla Supercharger charge point. The car then begins to prepare the battery for charging. Essentially this means warming the battery cells up (hence the name!) so power delivery is as effective as possible. This helps shorten charging times, or maximise mileage during your driving break — whichever way you wish to look at it.
What is Tesla V3?
It’s likely you’ve noticed the fields of distinctly designed Tesla Superchargers with their red and white housing at motorway service stations dotted around the UK in various places. Most of these Superchargers deliver between 54kW and 150kW, depending on local availability of electricity source.
Tesla’s latest V3 superchargers can deliver up to 250kW peak charging. This is achieved by adding an exclusive power supply to a charge point. By not sharing the flow of energy with any other charge points, the V3 technology enables a Tesla Model 3 Long Range a charge of 75 miles in only five minutes — in theory, at least.
In the UK, there’s only one V3 Tesla Supercharger at Park Royal Tesla Service Center near London (W3 0SL). You’ll know if you’re using a V3 charger, since the cable is thicker. This is because it’s air-cooled, not liquid-cooled.
How to plan a trip with Tesla Superchargers
Tesla drivers can also access a helpful journey planner, which maps out any route with a Tesla. It’s able to carefully calculate a route, favouring the Supercharger network, though we’d advise caution.
In a journey needing to get from Oxford to Worcester, the navigation wanted to guide us up the M40 via Stratford-upon-Avon’s Supercharger, when the cross-country route was a shorter distance with plenty of opportunity for regenerative braking. We arrived at our destination charger with miles to spare and at least 30 minutes earlier than if we’d followed Tesla’s guidance.
FAQs
Can any EV use a Tesla Supercharger?
Not all electric vehicles are compatible with Tesla Superchargers. While the network is gradually opening up to more cars, only certain non-Tesla EVs can currently use the Superchargers. The key to knowing whether your vehicle is supported is the Tesla app, which provides a list of compatible models and allows you to check if your car is eligible. Before planning your journey, it’s always a good idea to verify compatibility to avoid any charging issues when you arrive.
How much does it cost to charge a non-Tesla at a Supercharger?
Charging costs at Tesla Superchargers vary by location and time of day, with non-Tesla drivers generally paying more than Tesla owners. However, signing up for a Tesla membership can help lower the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh). While the savings may not be significant, it can add up if you’re charging frequently. Be sure to check the Tesla app for the latest pricing before you go.
Do I need an adapter to use a Supercharger?
Most Tesla Superchargers in the UK are equipped with CCS (Combined Charging System) connectors, which are compatible with many electric vehicles, including models from brands like BMW and Hyundai. This means that in most cases, you won’t need an adapter if your car uses a CCS connector. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check your vehicle’s charging compatibility before you arrive to ensure a smooth charging experience. If your car uses a different connector type, you may need to bring an adapter or find a different charging network.
Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us.
