Tesla tests new innovative way to avoid gas cars ‘ICEing’ Superchargers

After several issues at Supercharger stations where gas-powered vehicles were blocking access, Tesla started implementing an innovative way to avoid ‘Icing’ Superchargers and make sure the spots are always ready for Tesla owners.

They are now expanding the deployment of those interesting devices and looking at new ways of making it more convenient for owners.

As we previously reported, it’s not exactly uncommon for vehicles to block access to charging stations.

It’s referred to in the EV community as ‘ICEing’ a charging station – when ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles are occupying a space for an EV.

Most often than not, it’s a mistake from the driver or someone who simply doesn’t care, but we have recently reported instances where pickup truck drivers appeared to be doing it on purpose aggressively and in protest of Tesla.

Last month, we reported on Tesla starting to deploy a new device that would block a Supercharger parking spot unless a Tesla owner would deactivate it using a code provided through Tesla’s navigation.

The first Supercharger stations using this system were installed in China, but it looks like Tesla is now expanding it and looking at new ways of making it more convenient for owners.

The Tesla Owners club in Taiwan spotted Tesla testing a new version of the device that detects the license plate as it backs up into the Supercharger stall:

Tesla Taiwan testing out new supercharger ground locks solution to fix ICE issues. A camera identifies the Tesla via plate number as the car backs up and unlocks accordingly. @elonmusk @tesla pic.twitter.com/tFU1twMBdg

— Tesla Owners Taiwan (@TeslaOwnersTwn) February 14, 2019

Here’s another view from inside the vehicle as you need to make sure that the device actually goes down when backing up:

View from inside car pic.twitter.com/fpTqbIPcfS

— Tesla Owners Taiwan (@TeslaOwnersTwn) February 14, 2019

While the anti-ICEing devices have started to make their way to Supercharger stations in China, there’s still no word on when the automaker might bring the system to other markets.

Electrek’s Take

In terms of convenience, I certainly prefer this solution.

Tesla takes care of registering the car in most markets and therefore, it shouldn’t be difficult for them to track license plates and only allow those registered to park, but it would need to be extremely reliable otherwise you could end up blocking Tesla owners out of their own Supercharger spots.

As long as they prove that it is reliable, I have no problem with it.

What about you? What do you think of this new system? Let us know in the comment section below.