---
title: "Tesla Reintroduces Free Supercharger Network—Kind Of"
description: "You've got to know the right people to use it."
date: "2017-05-23"
modified: "2017-05-23"
authors:
  - name: "Caleb Jacobs"
    job_title: "Senior Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/caleb-jacobs"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/article/10579/tesla-reintroduces-free-supercharger-network-kind-of"
categories:
  - "News"
tags:
  - "consumer news"
  - "EV News"
  - "Supercharger Network"
  - "Tesla"
---

# Tesla Reintroduces Free Supercharger Network—Kind Of

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2017/05/supercharger-hero-image.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

Tesla [announced back in November](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/5898/buy-a-tesla-before-january-1-2017-if-you-want-free-supercharger-access>) that its nationwide network of Supercharger stations would no longer be free after the turn of the year. Those who bought their car after January 1, 2017 would have to pay to use the infrastructure, frustrating some consumers and stirring up a lot of news. However, they've decided to reintroduce the idea -- with a contingency. Tesla owners will be dealt a referral code that can be shared with five non-Tesla customers, and if one of them uses the code to purchase a Model S or Model X, the original code holder will receive free Supercharger use, according to [*Business Insider.*​​​​](<https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-supercharger-access-free-referral-code-2017-5>)

That all may seem a bit convoluted, but it's one way to promote the sales of Tesla products. Supercharger fees aren't that expensive in the first place, but [free perks](<https://www.thedrive.com/tech/10070/tesla-explains-why-it-sometimes-limits-supercharger-charging-speeds>) are something that everyone can get behind. The story from *Business Insider* claims:

> Now new Tesla owners will have the option to unlock free Supercharger access, as long as they know the right people. Anyone who purchased a Model S or Model X when the new policy went into effect can still unlock free Supercharger access retroactively if they find a referral code.

Currently, new Tesla owners receive credits that are good for 400 kWh of charging, enough to provide power for about 1,000 miles of driving. This addition would surely be welcomed, helping customers to cut down on their still-marginal energy costs.

## Author
Caleb Jacobs is The Drive’s senior editor. When he’s not searching for stories or poring over copy, he’s usually driving his dump truck or wishing it was running so he could drive it. He was born and raised in the Missouri Ozarks, and he lives there today with his family.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-jacobs-319323119>)  
[Instagram](<https://instagram.com/calebjwords>)  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/calebjacobs0611>)