With nearly 55,000 Supercharger points, Tesla can lay claim to having the largest network of DC fast-charging stations in the world. The company began building its network as far back as 2012, long before the rush to grow charging stations networks with the push towards EVs.
It has charging stations in three regions – North America, Europe and Asia – with around 2,400 Superchargers in Asia-Pacific area. The first Superchargers were set up in Malaysia last year when Tesla made its official entry into the market. So far, the charging stations have been at locations on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
Free charging for Tesla owners
While the Superchargers offer high-speed charging so owners spend less time at the station. Tesla also has Destination Chargers (or Level 2 chargers) which have AC supply and therefore charge at a slower rate. The battery pack can be recharged at a rate of about 70 kms – 120 kms range per hour, so it would be suitable for those who are going to spend a longer period in the location. For Tesla owners, use of the Destination Charger is free.
Tesla’s charging stations usually have a mix of Superchargers and Destination Chargers or, in some locations, just one or the other alone. With its latest installations in Penang, Destination Chargers only are provided on the assumption that owners will be spending longer periods at those locations dining, shopping or attending events. So they will be fine having their car charged at a slower rate.
Two locations in Penang
The two locations are at The Ship Campus in the Batu Kawan area on the mainland where there are 8 Destination Chargers, and All Seasons Place in Bandar Baru Air Hitam on the island which has 4 Destination Chargers.
Currently, Tesla has charging stations at 8 locations in Malaysia with a total of 30 Superchargers and 37 Destination Chargers. The locations along or near the North-South Expressway enable owners to travel from south to north assured of being able to recharge their cars.
Tesla says it will continue to add stations at other locations, which will contribute to the government’s target of 10,000 charging points by the end of 2025 (which may be revised as it seems too ambitious).
For those who want to have a charging station at home or at the office, Tesla also offers a Wall Connector. Incidentally, Tesla’s charging stations have been designed and developed by the company so they will provide optimum charging for its cars.