From EVwire · Simon Alvarez · · 1m 10s
Tesla pushes utilities for flexible grid to speed Supercharger rollout
Tesla urges utilities to adopt flexible grid connections to open Superchargers faster.
In brief
Tesla urges utilities to adopt flexible grid connections to open Superchargers faster. Tesla wants utilities to use flexible grid connections to open Superchargers sooner by avoiding lengthy utility upgrades. Originally reported by EVwire.
Tesla seeks flexible grid connections
Tesla wants utilities to adopt flexible grid connections to open Superchargers sooner.
“Tesla wants utilities to adopt flexible grid connections. The company argues that flexible grid connections can get new Superchargers up and running years before full grid upgrades are complete.”
Supercharger network grows rapidly
Tesla's Supercharger network has grown past 85,000 stalls at more than 9,000 sites.
“Tesla's Supercharger network has grown past 85,000 stalls at more than 9,000 sites”
Grid capacity lags behind
Grid capacity is a bottleneck for Tesla's charging buildout, especially for Tesla Semi's megawatt-scale charging.
“building faster doesn't help if the power isn't there”
Southern California grid delays
Megacharger projects in Southern California are in the utility queue for more than three years.
“Megacharger projects are in the utility queue for more than three years”
Max de Zegher's message
Max de Zegher, Tesla's Senior Director of Charging, said flexible connections are a bridge, not a permanent solution.
“Flexible connections are Tesla's workaround. Grids are built for their busiest hours, so they usually have spare capacity that a new Supercharger can use right away”
Three principles for utilities
Tesla's three principles for utilities: be clear about available capacity, start with simple fixed seasonal limits, standardize IEEE 2030.5.
“Tesla's three principles for utilities: Be clear about available capacity and when grid upgrades will be finished. Start with simple fixed seasonal limits if advanced grid monitoring isn't available yet. Standardize IEEE 2030.5 for communications between utility systems and charging equipment”
PG&E Flex Connect program
Tesla has worked with Pacific Gas and Electric Company's Flex Connect program to open 48-stall Santa Nella site in 2024.
“The 48-stall Santa Nella, California site opened under Flex Connect in 2024”
What matters most
Tesla wants utilities to use flexible grid connections to open Superchargers sooner by avoiding lengthy utility upgrades.
