Tesla has built a vast proprietary fast charging network that supports long distance travel, reducing customers’ range anxiety. This has been a key factor behind Tesla’s dominance in the EV market. Legacy automakers have focused narrowly on perfecting their electric cars, while Tesla treats its cars as a platform and solves customers’ core mobility needs. Other automakers should build out public charging networks before heavily investing in new EV models. Robust networks can boost EV adoption and enable firms to eventually compete with Tesla. With Labor Day travel coming up, occasional fast charging does not damage Tesla batteries based on a 12,500 vehicle study. But extreme heat or cold should still be avoided without proper preconditioning.
Tesla’s proprietary charging network removes barriers to EV adoption
Unlike gas cars, electric vehicles require a robust public charging network for convenient long distance travel. Tesla recognized this early and built a nationwide fast charging network to support its vehicles. This proprietary network has given Tesla a first mover advantage and allowed it to coordinate both sides of the EV platform – its installed base of vehicles and charging locations. Customers have confidence they can take road trips in Teslas thanks to plentiful Superchargers. Other automakers focused too narrowly on perfecting their electric cars without solving the charging infrastructure barrier. They now face tremendous network effects and should take a page from Tesla’s playbook by expanding charging availability first before investing further in new EV models.
Fast charging network expansion critical for legacy automakers
The major automakers have committed billions of dollars towards new electric vehicles in coming years. But their public fast charging networks pale compared to Tesla’s. Each investing around $1 billion could finance approximately 1,000 locations with 10 stalls nationwide. While risks exist in rolling out proprietary networks, the move likely increases the odds of winning significant EV market share. Rivian is also pursuing its own fast charging network for its adventure vehicles. Leveraging existing gas station assets for partnerships is another option. The network itself becomes a competitive advantage that enables firms to then focus resources on vehicle improvements.
Occasional fast charging does not reduce Tesla battery range
A study by Recurrent across over 12,500 Tesla vehicles found no significant difference in battery degradation between those that fast charge over 90% of the time versus under 10% of the time. The battery management systems protect pack health with routine fast charging. However, owners should still avoid fast charging in extreme ambient temperatures without allowing the battery to precondition first. Extreme battery states of charge should also be avoided as resistance rises on the low and high ends. With advanced thermal controls and voltage regulation, occasional fast charging even on road trips does not harm Tesla batteries.
Charging networks should be prioritized before further EV investments
The lack of abundant charging infrastructure remains a key barrier holding back greater EV adoption amongst mainstream consumers. Tesla’s first mover advantage with its vast Supercharger network has allowed it to leapfrog the competition. Legacy automakers need to focus first on expanding fast charging availability through partnerships, joint ventures, or proprietary stations before investing billions more into new electric models. Until convenient charging exists for road tripping, range anxiety will persist and EV market share growth will be limited. The network itself has now become a competitive platform that enables the vehicles. Prioritizing charging infrastructure expansion could eventually lead to serious competition with Tesla down the road.
Tesla’s early investments in a nationwide fast charging network has removed barriers to EV adoption and given it a dominant position. Other automakers focused too narrowly on perfecting electric cars. By taking an end-to-end view of the mobility needs of customers, Tesla treats its vehicles as part of an overall platform. Until convenient charging exists for road trips, range anxiety will limit EV growth. Legacy players should expand charging availability before investing further in new models. The network itself has become a competitive advantage that now enables the vehicles and deeper market penetration. With advanced battery safeguards, occasional fast charging does not reduce Tesla range.