Tesla brings back free, unlimited supercharging for Model S and Model X cars

Tesla Supercharger
(Image credit: Tesla)

Free and unlimited supercharging is back for owners of Model S and Model X cars, Tesla has announced – which means drivers can access the Supercharger network and juice up their vehicles at no extra cost.

It's a perk that Tesla CEO Elon Musk has previously described as "unsustainable", though this latest decision suggests it makes business sense for the more expensive models in the company's range.

Sales of the Model S and Model X have slowed down recently, so the unlimited charging deal is perhaps one way that Tesla can get new customers to go for these premium models rather than the Model 3.

According to a memo seen by Electrek, the perk lasts for as long as the driver owns the car but is linked to the owner, so it can't be transferred to anyone else.

Keep on charging

Free and unlimited access to Supercharger stations was one of the traditional perks of owning a Model S or Model X until January 2017 – at that point a 400 kWh limit for the year was introduced, after which drivers had to pay for their electricity.

It makes sense that Tesla would need to scale back the offer as more and more cars hit the road, costing the company more and more in terms of Supercharger power.

However, it looks like the sums do work out after all, if it means more people are buying Model S and Model X cars. Prices for the base configuration of both models were recently raised too.

In the meantime, Tesla's on-board software continues to get plenty of upgrades: support for better games and in-car karaoke have been rolled out in recent months.

David Nield
Freelance Contributor

Dave is a freelance tech journalist who has been writing about gadgets, apps and the web for more than two decades. Based out of Stockport, England, on TechRadar you'll find him covering news, features and reviews, particularly for phones, tablets and wearables. Working to ensure our breaking news coverage is the best in the business over weekends, David also has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci and a few other places besides, as well as being many years editing the likes of PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook.

Latest in Hybrid & Electric Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz CLA 2025
I’ve tried the new Mercedes-Benz Superscreen – and its Google Gemini-powered smarts push EV infotainment to the next level
The Toyota FT-Me Concept sitting in a car park
Toyota's self-charging concept EV could help you tackle the daily commute on solar power alone
Rivian R1T
Big Rivian update delivers hands-off driving to rival Tesla Autopilot – and a new 'Rally' mode
The Deepal EO7 from the side, an SUV and pick-up truck combo
I drove an electric SUV that transforms into a pick-up, and it’s as fun as it is functional
Tesla Model 3
Tesla's EV sales are plummeting – as used Model Y and Model 3 prices crash to bargain levels
Telo MT1
The anti-Cybertruck? This new electric pick-up is the size of a Mini and the cutest way to haul your gear
Latest in News
Super Mario Odyssey
ChatGPT is the ultimate gaming tool - here's 4 ways you can use AI to help with your next playthrough
Brad Pitt looks over his right shoulder with 'F1' written behind him
Apple Original Films will take you behind-the-scenes of a racing cockpit in this new thrilling F1 movie trailer
AI writer
Coding AI tells developer to write it himself
Reacher looking down at another character from the Prime Video TV series Reacher
Reacher season 3 becomes Prime Video’s biggest returning show thanks to Hollywood’s biggest heavyweight
Finger Presses Orange Button Domain Name Registration on Black Keyboard Background. Closeup View
I visited the world’s first registered .com domain – and you won’t believe what it’s offering today
Image showing detail of the Leica D-Lux 8
Still can't get a Fujifilm X100VI? This premium Leica compact costs less, and it's in stock