Electric vehicle maker Tesla, whose products depend on a network of charging stations, is actively seeking real estate property owners to partner with in its push to expand its network. The company also plans for at least one of its high-speed Supercharger sites to double as a 1950s-style diner and movie venue.
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In its drive to open more charging stations, Tesla promises property owners that the company will manage the construction, operation and maintenance of Superchargers. Moreover, it says, the navigation system in Tesla vehicles will direct drivers to Supercharger sites, thus "bringing new and repeat business to your location."
Experiential elements are in the works for at least one of the EV company's sites. It plans to outfit a Santa Monica, California, Supercharger location with a retro diner and a drive-in theater that plays clips from well-known movies to amuse those waiting for a charge. This Supercharger site upgrade hasn't been officially announced by Tesla or founder Elon Musk, who has bandied the idea about for some time, but it is now in the works, according to Inside EVs, citing anonymous sources.
"If you’re familiar with Tesla and its founder, then you too probably feel like this is something they would totally do," the publication wrote.
There are more than 20,000 Supercharger stations worldwide, and a recharge good for as much as 200 miles of driving takes about 15 minutes, according to Tesla.
Tesla has introduced a discount for California customers willing to charge their EVs at night. During off-peak hours, the company charges 9 cents per kilowatt-hour, or less than a third of the regular price in that state, Electrek reports.
The market for EVs — as well as the demand for charging stations — is more than just a function of the expansion of Tesla. Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives predicts that the industry will grow into a $5 trillion market over the next 10 years, CNBC reports, up from about $250B in 2020.
“I think right now it’s a big enough ocean for more than one boat,” Ives told CNBC. “It’s not just going to be Tesla’s world.”
