Tesla launches a new ‘Workplace Charging’ program to supply free charging stations to businesses

Tesla already has several different charging programs, like the Supercharger network, Urban Superchargers, and the Destination Charging network.

Now the automaker is adding another one to the mix, the “Workplace Charging” program.

The program is fairly similar to the Destination Charging network under which Tesla provides free charging stations to businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and resorts, who in return cover the cost of the electricity.

The new Workplace Charging program provides the same Tesla Wall Connectors for free, but it focuses on parking lots at workplaces.

The company described the new program in a statement today:

“As Tesla’s fleet continues to grow, it is more important than ever for our customers to be able to easily charge their cars where they park. The most convenient way to charge is to plug in overnight at home, and for most people, this is all that is needed. For others, such as those who live in an apartment, Tesla is introducing its new Workplace Charging program. Charging at work is simple and convenient, just plug in and your car is charged by the time you’re done for the day.

For qualified employers or commercial property managers who choose to provide an EV charging option, Tesla will review, donate their Tesla Wall Connectors and provide installation assistance. Energy costs will be the responsibility of the property.”

Unlike the Destination Chargers, the workplace stations will not appear on Tesla’s onboard navigation system since they are meant for employees of those businesses and not the broader fleet.

Businesses interested in the new program can apply on Tesla’s website.

Electrek’s Take

Tesla has been really pro-active about deploying charging stations. Of course, the Supercharger network is by far the most extensive DC fast-charging network in the world, but the Destination Charging network and now the Workplace Charging program are also interesting for other reasons.

It’s growing exceptionally fast because Tesla covers the cost of the charge points while property owners have to cover the cost of the electricity.

Last year, we released Tesla’s agreement with property owners for the Destination charging program and found out that Tesla is even more generous than previously thought since it even covers the installation of charging stations for other EVs than its own.

Now expanding the free Tesla Wall Connector program the workplaces is especially smart because it’s often just as convenient as home charging and it can even replace it in many cases.

For office or industrial jobs, cars often stay parked in parking lots for 8 or more hours at a time, which is plenty of time to charge even for the longest commutes.