- Tesla launches a virtual queue for its Supercharger network
- The Tesla app determines eligibility to join a queue
- Currently, the app does not penalize queue jumpers
Tesla has begun rolling out a new Virtual Queue system for its on-board charging software in an effort to ensure traffic through its increasingly popular Supercharger network is efficient and seamless.
A quick YouTube search throws up a number of videos that appear to show Tesla owners arguing over who has priority on the Supercharger network. Right now it’s up to drivers to police themselves.
After testing a virtual queuing system over the past year, Tesla has begun rolling out updates to the Tesla app that attempt to manage some of this traffic. According to Teslarati, a message will pop up on the infotainment system when a driver approaches a Supercharger that is occupied.
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“While the app is closed, Tesla uses your location to notify you of exact wait times at Superchargers when you arrive,” a message in the app now reads.
An additional prompt will then appear saying, “There is a waiting list for charging. Are you sure you want to start a charging session now?”
This suggests that the driver should refrain from queue jumping and only plug in when the app suggests it’s their time to do so.
The app will notify the driver of their position in the queue, as well as how many vehicles are ahead of them, Teslarati reports.
Analysis: Things are only going to get busier
There have been a number of reported incidents at Superchargers where tensions have boiled over when things get busy.
That said, I’ve only ever experienced very polite Tesla owners who seem to self-regulate when queues form.
However, this is likely because I have interacted with a large percentage of early adopters, most of whom are willing to have a quick chat about their Tesla and part with any insider knowledge they may have.
It feels like Tesla has already sold to most of the early adopters and now the general public is getting in on the action. On top of this, Tesla also opened up its Supercharger network to rival manufacturers, effectively opening the floodgates for eager EV owners.
One Reddit user described their experience as a “complete s*** show” and how they witnessed “several screaming arguments after someone jumped the line” after their local Supercharger was opened to other EV owners.
While Tesla is trying to address potential pain points with its Virtual Queue system, it’s still only designed for Tesla owners right now (rival EV makers are locked out of Tesla’s closed system), and the app feels like it still requires drivers to self-regulate.
After all, what’s to stop an impatient driver from ignoring the messages displayed on the infotainment display and cutting the line? As EV ownership increases, charging stations will only get busier, and this will no doubt cause friction for all EV charging network providers.
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