Tesla is reviving one of its most popular incentives, which is unlimited lifetime supercharging to buyers of inventory Model 3 vehicles in Canada. The change is quite a stark difference, as Tesla has recently been offering up to 12 or 18 months of Free Supercharging. This newest incentive applies only to Model 3s on the lot, and is one more effort to drive sales to help end-of-quarter sales and move current inventory forward.
This offer takes a step back to the early days of the Tesla Model S and Model X, where free charging was a major selling point. As grumbling among owners increased, the perk was gradually reduced over the years because of cost and moderating congestion at Superchargers. Its revival, even in smaller form, is creating interest among EV consumers in Canada.
What Unlimited Lifetime Supercharging Means
Unlimited lifetime Supercharging allows eligible buyers of Tesla vehicles to have free and in-out privileges of access to the Tesla vast high-speed charging network in North America as long as the vehicle continues to work. Such an advantage remains in the vehicle and not the individuals, hence when the car is resold, the new owner continues enjoying the privilege.
Practically, this will save thousands of dollars throughout the lifetime of the vehicle and especially for those who travel most of their time or use Superchargers as opposed to charging at home. It is also cheaper to own a Tesla since it avoids paying the cost of public charging for long-distance travelers.
Why Tesla Might Be Making This Move Now
According to industry analysts, the provision of the offer is not out of the blue. As Tesla presumably aims to clear out the Model 3 inventory, an increased sales pace might become a priority as the updated edition of the car, the so-called Highlands, is slowly brought to different markets. Model 3 buyers in Canada have been looking forward to knowing about the delay in deliveries, and a vigorous incentive would be able to push undecided shoppers to buy the product.
The expansion of the wider EV market in Canada is also gaining a competitive edge. Traditional automotive manufacturers Hyundai, Kia, and Ford are upping their EV portfolio, sometimes providing big incentives to buy. The disadvantage of the competitors is that Unlimited lifetime Supercharging gives Tesla a marketing advantage, and it is difficult to compete with that among the rivals who do not have their own nationwide network of charging.
Impact on Canadian EV Adoption
The EV market in Canada has been gradually growing due to federal and provincial purchase incentives, the increased charging infrastructure, and awareness of consumers. But costly charging (and the inconvenience of having to rely on a public-charging infrastructure) continues to hold some buyers back.
Eliminating all charging costs on any vehicles that have passed applicable inspections is not only making Tesla ownership less economically costly, but also simultaneously, it concomitantly tackling one of the most important psychological hindrances most possible EV adopters have. Such an offer may represent a significant temptation to urban dwellers who have no access to home charging.
