- Tesla launches virtual queue for its Supercharger network
- Tesla app determines eligibility to join a queue
- Currently, the app does not punish free riders.
Tesla has begun rolling out a new virtual queuing system to its in-car charging software, aiming to ensure the flow of traffic through its increasingly popular Supercharger network is efficient and transparent.
A quick search on YouTube brings 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 handle some of this traffic. According to Teslarati, a message will appear on the infotainment system when a driver approaches an occupied Supercharger.
Article continues below
“While the app is closed, Tesla uses your location to notify you of accurate wait times at Superchargers when you arrive,” a message in the app now reads.
Another prompt will then appear saying: “There is a waiting list to charge. Are you sure you want to start a charging session now?”
This suggests that the driver should refrain from queue jumping and only log in when the app suggests it is time to do so.
The app will inform the driver of their position in the queue, as well as the number of vehicles ahead of them, Teslarati reports.
Analysis: Things are only going to get busier
A number of incidents have been reported at Superchargers, where tensions have reached a fever pitch as things escalate.
That said, I’ve only encountered very polite Tesla owners who seem to self-regulate when lines form.
However, this is likely because I have interacted with a large percentage of early adopters, most of whom are willing to briefly discuss their Tesla and part with any inside 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 that, Tesla has also opened its network of Superchargers to competing manufacturers, meaning the floodgates of enthusiastic electric vehicle owners have effectively opened.
One Reddit user described their experience as a “complete shit show” and how they witnessed “several screaming arguments over someone jumping the line” after their local Supercharger was opened to other EV owners.
While Tesla is trying to get a handle on any potential issues with its virtual queuing system, it’s still only designed for Tesla owners at the moment (rival EV makers are excluded from 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 that appear on the infotainment screen and cutting into the queue? As the number of electric vehicle owners increases, charging stations will only become busier, which will undoubtedly cause friction for all electric vehicle charging network providers.
Follow TechRadar on Google News And add us as your favorite source to get our news, reviews and expert opinions in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!
And of course you can also follow TechRadar on YouTube And TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form and receive regular updates from us on WhatsApp Also.
