Tesla has expanded its pilot program to Italy by giving Supercharger access to non-Tesla electric vehicles.
Since 2021, Tesla has been ramping up its effort to open the Supercharger network, the company's extensive global network of fast-charging stations for electric vehicles, to non-Tesla automakers, according to Electrek.
CNN reports that Tesla has proposed to other automakers to design vehicles with charging ports compatible with Tesla's charging format and other charging businesses, including EVGo, ChargePoint, and Electrify America.
Tesla's move to expand its domain has become evident in its recent activity and European programs, with Italy as the latest addition.
Tesla Adds Supercharger Access Stations in Italy
According to Drive Tesla, there are currently a total of 66 Supercharger stations operational in Italy, with another 12 locations listed as "coming soon" on Tesla's Find us page.
Despite still only being a pilot program, the majority of Europe is now included, excluding a few central and southern European nations and the Balkans. However, the experimental program does not include all Supercharger stations in certain areas.
Before fully extending the Supercharger network to non-Tesla EVs, Tesla is investigating how opening the chargers to all EVs is influencing the utilization rate of those stations.
Additionally, Teslarati reports that Italy's Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini expressed in an interview that their country's car industry would benefit from Tesla's presence, openly inviting CEO Elon Musk to their country.
"I see the photo of Elon Musk, one of the main innovative geniuses. And I would like him to be able to work more with Italy, for Italy, and in Italy. I'd like to create a pole of attraction for foreign investments and capital that would become a point of reference for innovation," Salvini stated.
How Tesla Expanded Its Supercharger Stations in Europe
Tesla made its first move to expand its service in November 2021 through a pilot program operating 10 Supercharger stations in the Netherlands, where non-Tesla EV owners can charge their vehicles using the Tesla app.
The EV company revealed that more stations in France and Norway would now be included in the pilot program. The initiative was extended to include all Supercharger locations in the Netherlands a month later.
The Gigafactory Berlin is actively enhancing Tesla's foothold in Europe. Giga Berlin is a crucial facility for electric vehicles. However, the project has been hampered by opposition from local organizations, requiring some time before receiving its final certification.
Drive Tesla Canada reports Superchargers that are available to non-Tesla EVs are available in these countries:
- France
- The Netherlands
- Norway
- UK
- Spain
- Sweden
- Belgium
- Austria
- Denmark
- Finland
- Germany
- Luxembourg
- Switzerland
- Iceland
- Italy
Tesla will reportedly launch its Supercharger network to non-Tesla users in North America, according to Electrek, where the company is also attempting to establish its proprietary connector as the new charging standard.
This article is owned by TechTimes
Written by: Andi C.
