They say the mark of a great company is knowing when to cut your losses and run. Well, it seems as though Tesla is on the verge of ditching its battery swap service which was launched with the Tesla Model S electric vehicle. The idea was that battery swap stations would be built across America allowing Tesla Model S users to book an appointment which will allow them to swap their discharged batteries for fully charged replacements.
The idea seemed good and all Tesla Model S owners were contacted but only a few took up the company’s offer to visit the one and only battery swap station open to the public at the moment.
They say the mark of a great company is knowing when to cut your losses and run. Well, it seems as though Tesla is on the verge of ditching its battery swap service which was launched with the Tesla Model S electric vehicle. The idea was that battery swap stations would be built across America allowing Tesla Model S users to book an appointment which will allow them to swap their discharged batteries for fully charged replacements.
The idea seemed good and all Tesla Model S owners were contacted but only a few took up the company’s offer to visit the one and only battery swap station open to the public at the moment.
Superchargers are the future!
Elon Musk revealed his inner thoughts on the battery swap technology and superchargers at the company shareholders meeting this week. As ever he was honest, upfront and answered the many questions put to him from the floor. It soon became very evident that the man himself believes the battery swap technology was only ever a backup while battery technology and recharging technology was improved. So what next?
Tesla is of the opinion that electric vehicle owners are not overly keen on making an appointment to swap their batteries at swap stations. It is the inconvenience of planning ahead, the time taken to switch the batteries and the fact that there are so few stations available at the moment which has created this opinion amongst the public. The company continues to roll out the building of battery charging stations using superchargers which offer a relatively quick recharge over the time it takes to grab a coffee and stretch your legs.
Photo credit R. Greenway, ENN.
Read more at ENN Affiliate, ElectricForum.
