Are There Any Plans for Tesla to Build Charging Stations in the US?
Tesla has long been committed to expanding its charging infrastructure across the United States, with a significant portion of their efforts focused on not just building more but also strategically placing charging stations to meet the diverse needs of their users. This expansion is guided by both user feedback and strategic planning to ensure that Tesla’s electric vehicles (EVs) are as accessible and user-friendly as possible.
Current Status of Tesla Charging Stations
As of now, Tesla has established an extensive network of charging stations across the country, totaling over 4000 charging stations with more than 24000 power cords available for attaching to cars. This extensive network is a testament to Tesla's dedication to supporting their users' travel needs, including those who prefer scenic drives near national parks which lack nearby charging options.
User-Centered Expansion
Recognizing the importance of meeting consumer demands, Tesla encourages users to suggest ideal locations for new chargers. If a user submits a form indicating that a charging station is needed near a favorite national park with no nearby electric car chargers, Tesla considers these suggestions. Notably, the company has announced a plan to install at least two of these suggested locations in every state each year, ensuring that charging stations are spread more evenly across the country.
Tesla has also taken steps to address specific challenges, such as long lines at their Las Vegas charging stations. By increasing the number of chargers in the area, Tesla is attempting to better serve both local residents and interstate travelers, as well as providing more options near major freeways for those on long journeys.
Larger Scale with Black Veatch
In pursuit of even greater expansion, Tesla has partnered with the engineering and construction firm Black Veatch to design and construct pilot sites as part of the Supercharger network. This collaboration marks the largest project to date for the Black Veatch team, as they tackle the significant challenges associated with designing and implementing Tesla Supercharger sites. These sites require large electrical switchgear designs capable of supplying 500 to 1000 kilovolt-amperes (kVA), a technical challenge that Black Veatch is well-equipped to meet through their rapid deployment of large concurrent and geographically diverse telecommunications infrastructure.
Black Veatch will take a lead role in the design, permitting, and construction phases of these projects. This phase culminates in a commissioning process where Tesla engineers guide the final validation of site functionality, ensuring that each Supercharger site operates at the highest standard.
Conclusion
With ongoing expansion efforts and strategic partnerships, Tesla is committed to enhancing its charging infrastructure in the United States. This not only includes the construction of more chargers but also a thoughtful placement to meet the needs of a wide range of users. Tesla’s continued investment in the Supercharger network and their collaboration with Black Veatch demonstrate a clear commitment to supporting the growing EV market and making electric vehicle travel accessible and convenient nationwide.