Some Tesla users have complained about the overwhelming population of Uber drivers at Supercharger stations after a new program enabled Tesla ridesharing vehicles in the city.
FREMONT, CA - AUGUST 16: A Tesla Model S sedan is seen plugged into a new Tesla Supercharger outside of the Tesla Factory on August 16, 2013 in Fremont, California.
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Tesla Partners With Uber to Push Wider Use of Electric Vehicles
As part of the zero-emission goal of the U.S. and Canada, Uber entered a partnership with Tesla that will allow EVs to be used for ridesharing services. Under the new program, Uber drivers are given incentives and a $2,000 discount upon purchasing the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.
"We know from listening to Uber drivers that the cost of ownership and access to convenient charging are the top two barriers preventing them from going electric, and we are ... (working with) Tesla to tackle both of these issues," Uber's SVP of mobility and business operations, Andrew Macdonald, explained.
Drivers must finalize their vehicle purchase by March 31 and complete a minimum of 100 trips by May 15 for them to qualify for the incentives. There are also test drive events wherein drivers can experience first the feeling of riding an EV.
Tesla, Uber Partnership in New York City Causes Congestion on Superchargers
However, it seems that the Tesla Superchargers in New York City are not yet ready for the sudden surge of EVs in the city. Several local owners have complained on X about the long lines at Supercharger stations.
Following several hours of complaints about hours of waiting time, some users are suggesting that Tesla should open more Supercharger locations in the city.
Meanwhile, the company tried to calm the situation by announcing a congestion fee that would be applied when a Supercharge is busy and when the vehicle's charge is above the congestion fee charge level.
"Idle fees have been replaced by congestion fees at select Superchargers near you...this change helps reduce wait times and ensures that everyone has access to Superchargers when they need it," the company sent to the drivers around the area.
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