Tesla promised to expand the supercharger network between Los Angeles and New York by the end of last year, it has fulfilled the promise a tad later, but now Tesla Model S owners can drive from coast-to-coast without refueling worries for the first time.
Tesla and SpaceX CEO, Elon Muskis is optimistic and hardworking, which works well for both his companies and consumers. Despite several disturbing incidents, like the Model S catching fire on highways and overheating charger plugs, the Tesla boss did not give up on his promise. In May 2013, Musk had promised to expand the supercharger network by at least three times to cover major areas of the U.S. and Southern Canada. For the first time, Tesla Model S owners can now drive coast-to-coast in their electric hybrid cars with sufficient rapid charging stations on the way.
Tesla Model S was awarded a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) making it one of the safest vehicles in the U.S., last year. The Model S was compared with all models approved by the agency. Along with the safety aspect, the Model S can cover 265 miles on one charge, so a wide supercharger network is important for drivers to cover long distances. Thanks to the new supercharger network in North America, which comprises of 71 stations in total, drivers can cover coast-to-coast distances in their electric charged vehicles.
The approximate charge time for the Model S in any of the charging stations is 40 minutes. Tesla has made it convenient for drivers to pass the time while the car is being charged for free. The supercharging stations offer amenities like roadside diners, cafes and shopping centers to keep the travelers' occupied.
The expanded network covers 80 percent of the U.S. popular roads and parts of Canada, but the American luxury car maker is not settling for this as it plans to have 98 percent of the U.S. population and parts of Canada covered by 2015.
Tesla Model S navigation systems will be updated with the new supercharger network guiding drivers to the nearest station in need of a charge. Musk will also be hitting the road to enjoy the long LA-NY road trip, he said on Twitter.
Will be doing the LA-NY family road trip over Spring Break. Made everyone watch National Lampoon's Vacation as prep.
- Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 26, 2014
Click here to see the list of all the supercharger stations and also the massive expansion plans for later in 2014.
Musk's promise of introducing an electric car with 200 miles per charge at an affordable price tag of less than $40,000 by 2017 is eagerly awaited.
