Tesla update predicts Supercharger availability and wait times

A new software update for Tesla electric vehicles has introduced a clever feature to alleviate public charging concerns.

According to Not a Tesla App [↗], update 2023.38 is rolling out to some owners globally with an algorithm that predicts how many Tesla Supercharging stalls would be available once a driver reaches the station set on the navigation system.

If the Supercharging location is full, it will estimate a queuing wait time – an already available feature.

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The company uses live data from all Tesla vehicles using or navigating to a Supercharger to determine an estimate.

It’s unclear if the feature will be available in Australian Teslas.

Tesla vehicles, including the popular Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV, already display how many stalls are in use, the mapping system automatically routes drivers to less busy Supercharging stations, and predicts when locations are most congested.

Some Supercharging locations in Australia change the pricing rate depending on the time of day and demand.

Tesla Superchargers still unmatched

Tesla’s vertically integrated software and hardware ecosystem remains a key selling point to offset driving range and charging concerns on long-distance trips.

Google’s Android Automotive system also plots public charging stops using a variety of third-party networks on models, such as the Polestar 2 liftback, Volvo XC40 Recharge SUV and Renault Megane E-Tech crossover.

However, Tesla’s Supercharger stations are reportedly more reliable – with more stalls at each location – and quicker to restore if offline.

While more than half of Superchargers in Australia are now open to all EV models, Tesla vehicles still benefit from automatic charging stop route planning, cheaper charging price rates, and seamless ‘plug and charge’ functionality without needing a smartphone app or RFID card.