Tesla to Start Billing Drivers Who Overstay at Superchargers

Australian Tesla drivers take note, your Supercharging sessions might soon come with an extra cost if you’re not mindful of how long you stay plugged in. Tesla has rolled out new congestion fees at high-demand Supercharger locations, charging up to $1 per minute once your battery hits 80% or when your charging session ends.

▶️MORE: Are Tesla Superchargers worth it in Australia?

Why the Change?

If you’ve ever pulled up to a packed Tesla Supercharger station only to find every stall occupied, sometimes by cars that have already finished charging, you’ll understand why Tesla is making this move. As EV adoption grows in Australia, so does demand for public fast charging, and Tesla wants to keep its Superchargers available for those who need them most.

Tesla's congestion fees aim to encourage drivers to only charge as much as they need rather than topping up to 100% unnecessarily, which can slow down the charging process for everyone, and potentially accelerate battery degradation. Once an EV reaches 80%, charging speeds naturally decline to preserve battery health, making long sessions inefficient for the driver and others waiting.

▶MORE:Tesla Testing Virtual Queues To Solve EV Charging Chaos

How Much Will It Cost You?

The congestion fee varies by location, but Tesla says the typical charge will be 50 cents per minute, rising to $1 per minute in some areas. These fees will replace idle fees at certain Supercharger stations, though Tesla hasn’t yet confirmed which ones. If a station still uses idle fees, the cost remains 50 cents per minute if it is 50-99% full and $1 per minute at full capacity.

The good news? Tesla gives you a five-minute grace period to move your vehicle before any fees kick in. So, if you’re keeping an eye on your Tesla app, you can avoid extra charges by unplugging and driving off as soon as your session wraps up.

▶️EXPLORE: A Huge EV Charging Upgrade is Coming To Australia

This Isn’t Just for Tesla Owners

Tesla’s Supercharger network isn’t exclusive to its own vehicles anymore. In recent years, select locations have been opened to other EV brands, and congestion fees will apply to them as well. Whether you're driving a Tesla Model 3 or a non-Tesla EV, overstaying your welcome at a busy Supercharger could cost you.

▶️MORE: Are Tesla Superchargers worth it in Australia?

Not the Only One Doing It

Tesla isn’t the first charging provider in Australia to introduce these fees. Chargefox, one of the country’s biggest EV charging networks, already enforces a $1 per minute fee for drivers who stay plugged in beyond 80% charge, though they offer a 10-minute grace period instead of Tesla’s five.

What This Means for Aussie EV Drivers

If you’re an EV owner relying on public fast chargers, this is a reminder to be strategic about charging. Sticking around for a full charge at a high-demand station could cost you significantly more than a quick top-up. It’s also a nudge for Tesla owners to consider home charging solutions for everyday use, reserving Superchargers for road trips and essential stops.

As Tesla expands its presence in Australia, with over 100+ dealerships and charging locations planned, it’s clear that the company is refining its approach to managing high-traffic charging stations. Whether you see this as a necessary step or an added cost, one thing is certain: efficiency is becoming a priority in the EV charging game.