- Tesla launches a virtual queue for its Supercharger network
- Tesla app determines eligibility to join a queue
- Currently, the app does not punish queue jumpers
Tesla has begun implementing a new Virtual Queue system into its onboard charging software, in a bid to ensure the flow of traffic through its increasingly popular Supercharger network is efficient and seamless.
A quick search on YouTube turns up a series of videos that appear to show Tesla owners getting into altercations over who gets priority on the Supercharger network. At this time, it is up to drivers to self-monitor.
Having tested a virtual queuing system for the past year, Tesla has begun rolling out updates to the Tesla app that attempts to manage some of this traffic. According to Teslarati, a message will appear in the infotainment system when a driver approaches a Supercharger that is occupied.
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“While the app is closed, Tesla uses your location to notify you of accurate wait times at Superchargers when you arrive,” an in-app message now reads.
Then another pop-up message appears saying: “There is a waiting list for uploading. Are you sure you want to start an upload session now?”
This suggests that the driver should refrain from jumping the queue and only connect when the app suggests it is time to do so.
The app will notify the driver of their position in the queue, as well as how many vehicles are in front of them, Teslarati reports.
Analysis: Things are only going to get busier
There have been a number of incidents reported at Superchargers, where tensions have boiled over when things get busy.
That said, I’ve only experienced very polite Tesla owners who seem to self-regulate when lines form.
However, this is probably because I’ve interacted with a large percentage of early adopters, most of whom are willing to have a quick chat about their Tesla and share any insider knowledge they may have.
It looks like Tesla has already sold out to most of the early adopters and now the general public is getting in on the action. On top of this, Tesla also opened up its Supercharger network to rival manufacturers, meaning the floodgates of eager EV owners were effectively opened.
One Reddit user described their experience as a “complete shitshow” and how they witnessed “multiple shouting arguments after someone jumped the line” after their local Supercharger opened up to other EV owners.
While Tesla is trying to monitor potential weak spots with its Virtual Queue system, it’s currently only designed for Tesla owners (rival EV makers are excluded from Tesla’s closed system), and the app appears to still require drivers to self-regulate.
After all, what’s to stop an impatient driver from ignoring the messages on the infotainment screen and cutting the line? As EV ownership increases, charging stations will become busier, and this will undoubtedly cause friction for all EV charging network providers.
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