Tesla Announces Upcoming Supercharger Locations Based on User Votes

Tesla, which recently announced the installation of its 55,000 Superchargers, continues the massive expansion of its network as it asks Tesla owners to participate in the decision-making process. Starting in the fall of 2022, Tesla allows owners to nominate locations and cast up to five votes on areas already identified by other owners as needing additional Superchargers.

Announcing our Fall 2023 Supercharger location winners�”thank you to everyone who voted 🏆

— Tesla Charging (@TeslaCharging) January 12, 2024

Upcoming Supercharger Locations

The Fall 2023 voting round results are in, revealing a global spread of upcoming Supercharger sites. While most new locations will expand the network outside the United States, a few additional international sites, including two in the U.S., are part of Tesla’s bonus announcement. It was a clean sweep for Canada in the North American voting.

Canada’s Expansion:

Europe, Asia, and Australia

Bonus Sites :

Origin Story: How it All Began

In September 2022, the Tesla Charging Twitter account announced the upcoming Supercharger voting, following in the footsteps of Elon Musk’s social media tactics. With a rapidly growing following, the account called for location suggestions, with the most popular replies making it into the poll. This interactive approach grabbed significant attention as users shared maps, identified charging gaps, and voiced diverse opinions.

Tesla’s charging network, initially exclusive to Tesla owners with some sites now open to all EVs, is expanding its reach. Given its current pace of installations, there should be more than 70,000 Supercharger stalls by the end of 2024.

The Winter 2024 Supercharger voting round is already underway. Engage in the selection process by casting up to 5 votes, one per location, for your preferred Supercharger sites. Your suggestions could even become part of the next voting cycle.

Tesla introduced a new program that allows property owners with Tesla Destination Chargers to host self-serve demo drives, offering a unique opportunity to attract new visitors and create future customers.

The new self-serve demo drive program, as reported by Sawyer Merritt on X, reflects Tesla’s commitment to advancing electric vehicle adoption and reducing the number of barriers in trying an electric vehicle.

Tesla-Provided Demo Vehicles

The Tesla Destination Charging network has slowly expanded as additional businesses and hotel chains add Tesla Wall Connectors to provide charging opportunities. The Hilton hotel chain is planning to add 20,000 chargers to their hotels in 2024.

With this latest initiative, property owners who have invested in Tesla Destination Chargers are invited to add value to their establishments by hosting self-serve demo drives. Tesla will provide up to four demo vehicles, managed and maintained by the company, to these locations at no additional cost.

This program is a win-win for property owners and Tesla. It drives additional foot traffic to the properties, potentially increasing the use of other amenities on site. Property owners benefit from the additional revenue generated by visitors who come for the demo drives and stay for the amenities. For Tesla, this initiative further promotes the adoption and awareness of electric vehicles.

Self-Serve Test Drives

One of the key advantages of the self-serve demo drive program is its ease of use. Customers can schedule a test drive through their Tesla account, get access to the vehicle, and go on a test drive completely on their own. This new initiative improves upon Tesla’s recent addition of self-serve demo drives that allowed you to go on a test drive at a site that doesn’t include any Tesla staff.

Potential Tesla owners can now get behind the wheel of a Model S, 3, X, or Y without talking to a sales representative. Moreover, they may be able to go on a test drive while staying at a hotel or visiting a business that includes destination chargers and is participating in Tesla’s self-serve demo drives. This could create a unique opportunity for Tesla where customers may decide to go on a test drive completely out of convenience or while they’re “stuck” waiting for new tires or other services at participating businesses. This approach offers a hassle-free experience and aligns with the company’s emphasis on automation and customer convenience.

Rethinking Traditional Car Sales

Tesla introduced the self-drive sales option in October 2023. It’s the latest shake-up of the stagnant automotive industry. Elon Musk must’ve encountered one too many car salespeople as the company has succeeded with the direct-to-consumer model, which has been shown to offer a distinct advantage.

By directly owning the sales channel, Tesla ensures an integrated customer experience. Interactions are streamlined with customers dealing exclusively with Tesla-employed staff. There is no haggling, commission, or headaches, which are far too familiar for anyone who has stepped foot on a car lot.

The Destination Charging program is a critical component of this expansion of the charging network strategy, and the addition of self-serve demo drives further extends its reach and utility. Tesla’s decision to allow hosts to bill for the use of these chargers, taking advantage of the WiFi connectivity in the latest generation of Wall Connectors, demonstrates the company’s forward-thinking approach.

Tesla has released the U.S. owner’s manual for the 2024 Model 3, revealing some intriguing differences from its European counterpart (Thanks to Ninerbynature). Additionally, it appears that Tesla has added a couple some changes since the new Model 3 was initially revealed.

Additional Airbags and Updated Steering Wheel

One of the most notable additions to the US version of the refreshed Model 3 is the inclusion of knee airbags. These airbags protect the driver and front passenger’s legs in a collision. Oddly, the European models do not currently feature these knee airbags as stated in the manual.

The owner’s manual states that the new knee airbags are for the US only and goes on to state the advantages of the additional airbags:

“Knee airbags and the front airbags work together. The knee airbags limit the forward motion of the front seat occupants by restricting leg movement, thereby positioning the occupants so that the front airbags work more effectively.”

Another addition to the US 2024 Model 3 (don’t call it the Highland) is introducing a multi-function button on the steering wheel. As of now, this button is non-functional according to the owner’s manual. It’s not clear what this button will be used for, but it could eventually activate the multi-function ability that was previously added by holding down the scroll wheel.

Rear Console Locked in Place

Tesla has also made another modification to the new Model 3 that appears to apply to everyone. According to the new owner’s manual, the rear console will now lock in place during certain driving situations like hard accelerations or while driving on a steep slope. It’s a subtle yet thoughtful addition, similar to the redesigned glovebox.

Initial deliveries of the 2024 Model 3 were scheduled in the coming months. However, production at Tesla’s Fremont, California, factory appears limited, as reported by Teslarati. Drone footage from the YouTube channel “Met God in Wilderness” shows little activity related to the new Model 3 at the Fremont factory. The video captures a few of these vehicles on the test track and parked nearby, but only about a dozen units are visible. Tesla seems to be conducting tests, with the factory’s outbound lot predominantly filled with Model Y and Model X units, but the new Model 3 is noticeably absent.

Despite the apparent scarcity of the new Model 3 at the factory, Tesla’s delivery timelines are nearing. Reports suggest the Fremont factory is prepared to ramp up production of the vehicles. Tesla recently adjusted its delivery schedule, with deliveries now expected between February and March. Tesla executives, including Elon Musk, will be asked about the new Model 3 deliveries during the upcoming shareholders call on January 24.