Tesla has reintroduced a long-awaited incentive for the Model S: lifetime free Supercharging. Announced on December 13, 2024, this offer applies to new Model S vehicles purchased or leased in the United States. It provides free Supercharging for as long as the original owner retains the vehicle, marking a return to a benefit Tesla hasn’t widely offered in years.
Details of the Incentive
The free Supercharging perk is exclusive to new Model S purchases or leases made on or after December 13, 2024. This benefit is directly linked to the owner’s Tesla account, meaning it cannot be transferred to another vehicle, person, or order, even if the original car is sold.
However, Tesla reserves the right to revoke this benefit under specific conditions. According to Tesla, free Supercharging may be removed in cases of “excessive charging” or unpaid Supercharging fees. The company has not clarified what qualifies as excessive use, leaving some ambiguity for owners.
This incentive can be combined with other ongoing promotions, though it is not extended to the Model X, which currently comes with three months of free Supercharging for new orders.
A Look Back at Tesla’s Supercharging Legacy
Lifetime free Supercharging was first introduced with the launch of the Model S in 2012. At the time, it was a groundbreaking feature that helped Tesla establish itself as a leader in the electric vehicle market. The program remained a significant draw for early adopters but was discontinued in early 2017 as Tesla expanded its Supercharger network and worked toward financial sustainability.
Since then, Tesla has periodically reintroduced free Supercharging as a temporary incentive to boost sales, particularly during key periods. On rare occasions, the company also allowed owners to transfer the benefit to a new vehicle, further enhancing its appeal.
Does Tesla Model S Come with Lifetime Free Supercharing?
Yes, with a Tesla Model S purchased or leased on or after December 13, 2024 you will get free lifetime supercharging!
A Trade-Off for the Perk
While the return of lifetime free Supercharging is an attractive offer, it comes at a price. On the same day the incentive was announced, Tesla raised the prices of both the Model S All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and the Model S Plaid by $5,000 in the U.S. market.
This revival of free Supercharging serves as both a nod to Tesla’s early days and a strategic move to boost Model S sales, even as the company balances the costs of operating its extensive Supercharger network.