Dynamic Supercharger Prices: Tesla tests live rates at 10 locations

Supercharger Costs in Transition

Imagine your Tesla tells you before plugging in whether the charging stop will be cheaper today – because hardly anyone is charging at the location. This is exactly what Tesla is testing now: Real Real-Time Prices are replacing rigid peak/off-peak tables for the first time.

What is changing?

Pilot project at 10 Supercharger locations (locations still secret)
The rate is calculated minute by minute based on the current charging power demand
Lower prices with low utilization, slightly higher with spontaneous demand
Final price is displayed before the start of charging – no adjustment during the charging process
Tesla's goal: Average costs remain the same, waiting times decrease

Why real-time pricing?

Better grid utilization – Drivers are attracted by a cheaper rate during off-peak times.
Less peak load – If a location is full, the price increases moderately and distributes the demand.
Fairer costs – You no longer pay the “peak surcharge” when the place is actually empty.

Chronology of Supercharger Innovation

Year	Innovation	Benefit
2016	Billing per kWh	Transparency instead of minute price
2019	Idle Fee	Prevents blocking after 100%
2020	Time-based rates	Peak/Off-Peak Savings
2023	Congestion Fee	Surcharge during congestion
2025	Live Pricing	Price follows actual load

What does this mean for you?

Check the app: Open the Tesla app before each session; there you will see the current rate.
Flexible planning: Those who charge outside rush hour save even more.
No surprise: The displayed price remains fixed during the charging process.

Outlook

Tesla evaluates feedback and data from the pilot test. If the test is positive, the dynamic Supercharger prices worldwide could be rolled out. This sets new standards for transparent, efficient charging – another step towards a smart energy future.