Tesla is installing the Magic Dock at several locations across the United States, just days after announcing it would expand its Supercharging network to support non-Tesla electric vehicles. The Magic Dock is an accessory that's retrofitted on Superchargers that contains a built-in CCS Combo 1 adapter to allow non-Tesla cars to charge at Supercharging stations.
After meeting with the Biden administration earlier this month, Elon Musk agreed to make at least 7,500 of its chargers available for use by any EV by the end of 2024. This agreement includes at least 3,500 of Tesla's 250-kilowatt Superchargers, and the slower Level 2 destination chargers.
Tesla's cars in North America use the company's proprietary standard (recently named NACS), so the Tesla-CCS1 adapter is crucial to make the Supercharging stations compatible with other EVs. The "Magic Dock" adapter attaches the CCS1 plug on top of Tesla's NACS plug, enabling non-Tesla EVs to charge at a maximum rate of 250 kW.
While Tesla drivers can use the Supercharging stalls as usual, non-Tesla drivers must download the Tesla App, create an account, and sign in to use the "Charge Your Non-Tesla" feature. Once they select a stall, the "Magic Dock" will unlock the CCS1 adapter and attach and lock it to the NACS connector, and the charging process will begin. After charging is complete, the user simply returns the cable with the adapter to the stall. Once the cable is returned, the stall will automatically lock the CCS1 adapter back to the Magic Dock and unlock it from Tesla's NACS port. This creates a seamless and easy experience, regardless of which connector you're using. It also prevents the CCS1 adapter from being stolen.
The "Magic Dock" appears to be relatively simple to retrofit to all Tesla Supercharging stations in North America. However, there may be other issues related to the short charging cable's physical compatibility and the charging inlet's various locations in non-Tesla EVs.
Although Tesla's expansion of its Supercharging network to support non-Tesla EVs is a significant move, it has raised concerns over dock blocking, a phenomenon where non-Tesla EVs block Tesla charging stalls to use them.
Dock blocking could create problems for Tesla drivers, as the charging stalls they need will be occupied by non-Tesla EVs. While some non-Tesla EVs can connect if they park incorrectly, such as parking with the port on the front left, this will block the stalls needed for a Tesla to park on the side of them. Additionally, some non-Tesla EVs may park, taking two spaces to reach the short cable.
To prevent dock blocking, Tesla could consider solutions such as using longer cords, providing lockers for approved extension cords, or having parking spots on both sides of the Supercharger to let people park like Teslas on one side and forward cars on the other.
Alternatively, other companies could take advantage of Tesla generously opening up all of its charging technology.
Tesla's expansion of its Supercharging network to support non-Tesla EVs is a significant move that will enable more drivers to access its charging network. However, dock blocking is a concern that must be addressed to prevent frustration and backlash from Tesla drivers. With innovative solutions and further developments, Tesla can ensure the accessibility and convenience of its Supercharging network for all EV owners.
Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about Tesla's upcoming features and new software updates.
For years, auto investors have placed bets on when electric cars would reach price parity with their combustion counterparts. With Tesla's recent price cuts and government incentives, the company has now achieved this milestone for the Model 3. A Model 3 is now less than the average price of a new car, making it a more affordable alternative for drivers looking to transition to electric or upgrade their vehicle.
According to Bloomberg's analysis, the price gap between the Model 3 and the average new vehicle sold in the US has never been wider. A Model 3 is now $4,930 less than the average price of a new car. Without credits or fuel savings, the sticker price ($42,999 USD) now sits $800 below the cheapest BMW 3 Series, one of its closest competitors.
While Tesla is reducing the price tag, the cost of gasoline-fueled cars has gone in the opposite direction. The average cost of a new vehicle has risen more than $10,000 since the beginning of the pandemic, reaching $47,920 in January. This rise is driven by a shortage of computer chips, raw material inflation, and car manufacturers' decisions to keep inventories low and prices high while investing heavily in developing electric cars.
Tesla's price cuts have sparked a ripple effect among other automakers. Ford has slashed the price of its electric Mustang Mach-E, while Lucid Group offered $7,500 discounts, and Rivian Automotive announced layoffs. In addition, General Motors is slated to launch electric versions of its Chevrolet Blazer and Equinox SUVs later this year, right in the middle of America's first-ever EV price war. Meanwhile, the Model Y has also seen a substantial price cut of $13,000 earlier this year, making it the third-best-selling SUV in the US, behind the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
That price tag may decrease even further when the refreshed Model 3 appears. Reuters reported that Project Highland would go into production in Shanghai in September. The goal of the refreshed Model 3 is to increase efficiency and cut production costs. We already know Tesla is eliminating the wood trim in the updated version, a cost-saving and environmentally friendly move. While the changes could bring the price down, it is worth noting that when Tesla refreshed the Model S and Model X, the prices jumped by 12% and 15%.
The increasing affordability of Tesla's vehicles may drive the adoption of electric cars and contribute to the growth of the EV market. If Tesla can continue to offer price cuts, it could attract more new buyers as the company ramps up production at its new plants in Austin, Texas, and near Berlin, while expanding capacity in Shanghai. There's never been a better time to buy a Tesla.
Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, tweeted a short video showing the vehicle he will soon be driving — the Cybertruck. This unique vehicle has already been the star of the show when it appeared on The Simpsons, but it also got to be in the spotlight during the opening of Tesla’s newest facility. Millions of people have viewed Musk’s eight-second video (below).
Cybertruck at Tesla Engineering HQ pic.twitter.com/2xo9Hjgfk9
However, it doesn’t give us any further details on the highly anticipated vehicle. While Musk’s video only showed off the futuristic headlights, a trio of other videos confirms that the suspension will be incredible.
As previously speculated when a video surfaced showing the four-wheel steering system, Cybertruck will have an advanced air suspension system. The Kilowatts were outside the new Tesla Engineering Headquarters in Palo Alto when Cybertruck made its way up a small embankment. The stainless-steel vehicle is considerably higher, showing a lot of clearance between the tires and the wheel wells.
Cybertruck spotted “off-road” at Teslas new Engineering HQ in Palo Alto ? @Tesla @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/NK2IoWuu44
A few days ago, a distorted video was shared by Trucky on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum showing Cybertruck on the move at Giga Texas. Trucky later posted a nice clear video of a walk around the Cybertruck, again revealing the body significantly off the massive wheels. It’s unknown how much the Cybertruck can adjust the suspension. The Model X can have a ground clearance as low as 5.4 inches or as high as 8.1 inches.
? Photoshoot with Cybertruck? New video! pic.twitter.com/K6UrLpLKch
You can’t tell from the Musk video, but the video posted by Trucky shows us that the giant windshield wiper was not on the Cybertruck that was on display at the new facility. However, the wiper may have just been removed for demonstration purposes. In fact, Musk has talked about a removable wiper blade as an option but said it would be complex.
There are millions of Cybertruck reservations, and on that list is Musk, of course. During the fourth quarter earning calls, he said, “it's an incredible product. I can't wait to drive it personally. It will be the car that I drive every day… it's just one of those products that only comes along once in a while, and it's really special."
Tesla’s chief designer, Franz von Holzhausen, recently admitted that Cybertruck was almost “normal” as the design team looked at what’s currently available. But they decided to go with something unique, “we have an opportunity to do something different, an opportunity that nobody else would have the balls to do, and Elon's like yeah, we've got to do it," said von Holzhausen.
Production of Cybertruck is expected to begin this summer, with the full ramp-up to start in 2024.
See all the features included in Tesla's latest update, version 2023.2.13.
Tesla recently issued a voluntary recall for all vehicles in the US and Canada that have installed or are pending ins…
Tesla's Model Y has been recognized as one of the safest cars of 2023 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (…
Tesla's Giga Berlin factory is ready to be shown off to the world, marking a defining moment for the company in Europ…
Tesla's mysterious caped crusader has once again appeared. Twitter and YouTuber The Kilowatts posted pictures of a bl…
For years, auto investors have placed bets on when electric cars would reach price parity with their combustion count…
Take a look at features that Elon Musk has said will be coming soon.
The best Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Wireless Phone Charger — now, even better. Get $10 off with promo: NotATeslaApp10
Tesla's mysterious caped crusader has once again appeared. Twitter and YouTuber The Kilowatts posted pictures of a bl…
For years, auto investors have placed bets on when electric cars would reach price parity with their combustion count…
Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, tweeted a short video showing the vehicle he will soon be driving – the Cybertruck. This …
Tesla is introducing improvements to its Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system that goes beyond the standard AEB f…
Tesla CEO Elon Musk and California governor Gavin Newsom have announced a new global engineering headquarters in Cali…
View all known voice commands for your Tesla.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
TeslaFi is a service that logs your drives and charging sessions so that you can later refer back to them. We highly recommend checking them out if you use your car for business trips and would like to keep track of reimbursements, if you like to see how much you spend on charging or if you just love statistics. View their about us page and see everything they have to offer!
Stay organized, connected, and stylish with Cyberbackpack — the #1 backpack, luggage & travel accessories for Tesla owners. We highly recommend checking them out if you commute or travel and would like a backpack or luggage that is sleek, secure and durable. View their products page and see everything they have to offer!
Find out how to become a sponsor and have your site listed here.
Although we share official Tesla release notes, we are not affiliated with Tesla Motors. We are Tesla fans and supporters.
See all the features included in Tesla's latest update, version 2023.2.13.
Take a look at features that Elon Musk has said will be coming soon.
10% off Tesla accessories at Tesmanian with promo code: TeslaSoftwareUpdates
View all known voice commands for your Tesla.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter.