Tesla just brought back free Supercharging, but only for buyers of the Model 3 Premium or Performance trims in North America. The automaker ended its lifetime free Supercharging program back in 2018, though it's occasionally revived the perk for specific promotions.
The one year freebie starts when you take delivery and can't be postponed or cashed out. You'll still pay congestion fees if you leave your car plugged in past 80% charge when the station is busy, and the offer doesn't apply to commercial vehicles like rideshare or delivery cars.
For most Model 3 buyers who charge at home, this is a nice bonus but probably won't make or break the purchase decision. If you don't have home charging access, though, a year of free Supercharging could add up to real savings depending on how much you drive.
Tesla notes the promotion is "subject to change or end at any time," so there's no telling how long this will last. If you already traded in a gas car for the 2,000 mile Supercharging incentive, you can use this year of free charging first and then redeem those miles afterward.
This feels like a strategic move to boost Model 3 sales in the premium segment, especially as competition heats up in the EV market. Free charging sweetens the deal without cutting into the actual vehicle price, which keeps resale values more stable.