Tesla Superchargers

[RickLightning]

Is there a protocol for waiting for a charger when all spots are full? What's the proper way to designate my position in the queue?

In short, no.

At the Tesla SuperChargers, Tesla owners have been preconditioned from the older chargers to use every other spot. That's annoying to non-Teslas, because while you can pull in, you have to wait for the person on the left to complete charging. Given there are no displays on the chargers, you have no idea what SOC% they are at.

On our first attempt back in April 2024, we ran into this. As I sat waiting, new Teslas arrived and took up the every other spots. So, I started asking people what percent they were at, and then hovered physically. As the person finished, I pulled in.

I bought these to stake out a spot, or more importantly to block the spot on my left that a Tesla can't use because I'm charging yet parked to the right. I bought the 4 pack, and put 2 in each vehicle.

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[BennyTheBeaver]

I just had a great experience at one of the newer stations (325kW max) with an extremely thoughtful layout (Rochester, WA). As usual, the Tesla app worked flawlessly and I was charging within 30 seconds of getting out of my truck. It had a built in MagicDock (which I didn't use), longest cables I've seen, and the stalls are friendly for non-Teslas. Behind my truck is also 2 pedestals for vehicles with trailers.

I charged 80kWh in about 37 minutes (I needed to get to 90% and waited during the slow 80-90%). Initial boost was up around 185kW, it leveled out around 125kw after the initial boost.

I didn’t sign up for the membership this month (as I only needed to charge this one time) and paid just under $37 ($0.46/kW).

I doubt I'd buy a Tesla, but am grateful for their charging network...completely changes the experience of owning a Lightning and DCFC.

 

[Chillguy]

To anyone complaining about the state of chargers available I say this:
My Lightning is my 5th EV and I have been driving EVs for 13 years now.
I feel blessed being able to use Tesla Supercharger network and I avoid all others if I can nowadays. Tesla's juice is also cheapest at $.32/kWh providing you pay $12 monthly subscription (vs $.56 at ElectrifyAmerica). Tesla has also started installing 4th gen superchargers with longer cords so that problem will go away in the near future. And I personally try to use the extreme right station in the row of chargers not to take up 2 spots whenever possible but honestly I waited only once ever for a charger and it was a 5 min wait too.
I bought the truck a year ago and I absolutely love it.

Cheers!

 

[RickLightning]

Tesla's juice is also cheapest at $.32/kWh providing you pay $12 monthly subscription (vs $.56 at Electrify America).

Cheers!

In many locations, Tesla is cheaper. HOWEVER, you cannot make a universal statement that Tesla is always cheaper, they are not.

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