AI illustration: Supercharging free for Model S buyers, forever (2013)
TeslaCars & Energy
Partial

Supercharging free for Model S buyers, forever (2013)

“At Tesla we developed something called a Supercharging technology, and we're offering that if you buy a Model S for free, forever.”
— Elon Musk · Feb 27, 2013 · TED 2013 — 'The mind behind Tesla, SpaceX, SolarCity' (Chris Anderson interview) ↗
Video: TED 2013 — 'The mind behind Tesla, SpaceX, SolarCity' (Chris Anderson interview)
▶ WATCH HIM SAY IT — TED 2013 — 'THE MIND BEHIND TESLA, SPACEX, SOLARCITY' (CHRIS ANDERSON INTERVIEW)
What actually happened

Tesla ended free unlimited Supercharging for new orders placed after January 15, 2017, replacing it with 400 kWh of annual credits. Cars sold before the cutoff largely kept free Supercharging, but the open-ended 'free forever' offer lasted under four years and Tesla later stripped the perk from some used and inventory cars. Electrek — Tesla is extending unlimited Supercharging for cars ordered in the next 2 weeks ↗

The Progression

Feb 27, 2013
The promise: “At Tesla we developed something called a Supercharging technology, and we're offering that if you buy a Model S for free, forever.” · TED 2013 — 'The mind behind Tesla, SpaceX, SolarCity' (Chris Anderson interview) ↗
Jan 15, 2017
Partial — on time. Tesla ended free unlimited Supercharging for new orders placed after January 15, 2017, replacing it with 400 kWh of annual credits. Cars sold before the cutoff largely kept free Supercharging, but the open-ended 'free forever' offer lasted under four years and Tesla later stripped the perk from some used and inventory cars. Electrek — Tesla is extending unlimited Supercharging for cars ordered in the next 2 weeks ↗
Today · Jun 12, 2026
Status: Partial · no deadline given. Sort of happened.

Free unlimited Supercharging was a flagship Model S selling point from 2012. Musk repeatedly framed it as free 'forever' on sunlight. Tesla discontinued the offer for cars ordered after January 15, 2017, though most earlier buyers retained the perk.

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LAST CHECKED 2026-06-12

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