Latest news with #Supercharger
Motor Trend
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
The Joys and Woes of Charging Our 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS RWD
Daily driving an EV and relying exclusively on public charging is getting easier with each passing year. Not only has the number of stations continued to increase, but widespread Supercharger access is becoming a reality as automakers begin to offer North American Charging System (NACS) compatibility with their vehicles. The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS RWD offers convenient charging via Tesla's Supercharger network, but faces challenges like awkward charge port placement and power-off alerts during charging. It's mostly stress-free, with good range and a useful app, despite needing improvements in charging speed. This summary was generated by AI using content from this MotorTrend article Read Next Such is the case with our yearlong review 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV, which arrived with a NACS adapter when we took delivery five months ago. Our SUV's ability to use Superchargers came in handy as early as our first road trip, when we drove from Los Angeles to East Tucson and back. Now that we've spent more time commuting, shopping, and transporting friends in the Blazer EV, we're happy to report that solely utilizing public charging has been a happy affair. Until it wasn't. The Pros One of the biggest advantages to driving the Blazer EV daily is that it can fast-charge with a Tesla Supercharger whenever we need to quickly juice up the battery. Hooked up to a Tesla V3 Supercharger, which dispenses a maximum of 250 kW, we come close to the Blazer EV's peak charge rate of 190 kW—that's better than vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which plateaued at 126 kW using the latest 325-kW Tesla V4 Supercharger cabinet in our testing. During our most recent Supercharging session at Tesla's Culver City, California, location, the Blazer EV capped out at 181 kW before dropping off. Perhaps more impressively, we averaged over 100 kW of charging power from the Supercharger between the start at 21 percent until the battery hit the 65 percent mark. To our surprise, the Blazer was still accepting 88 kW when the battery was at an 80 percent state of charge. In total, charging from 21 to 91 percent took 47 minutes, longer than getting gas but swifter than using a lower-output Level 3 charger. What's more, there wasn't a line when we arrived at the Supercharger station in the middle of the day. We'll have to do a complete charging test for an apples-to-apples comparison with the Hyundai Ioniq 5, but our initial impressions have been positive. Level 3 fast charging isn't always the best way to put more electrons into our Blazer EV's battery, though. We've come to rely on Level 2 charging from the ChargePoint stations at MotorTrend 's office in El Segundo. When we pop into the building for a day of productivity, the Blazer EV sips electricity from a J-1772 plug. A typical eight-hour charge provides as much as 41.82 kW, which translates to 136 miles of range, just over 40 percent of its battery capacity. The charge would be even quicker with upgraded hardware; the Blazer EV is plumbed to accept up to 11.5 kW from a Level 2 charger, and our office Level 2s max out at just 6.1 kW. Going to the office once or twice a week gives me more than enough range to keep the Blazer EV on the road. Our car's EPA-rated range of 334 miles and real-world road trip range of 275 miles gives us the flexibility to add only as much charge as needed to get around. Beyond as-needed road trip charging at Level 3 stations and regularly scheduled stops at ChargePoint's Level 2 stalls, we've enjoyed using streetside charging whenever convenient. Flo, a charging network with curbside EV chargers, has continued to install units throughout the greater Los Angeles area. My gym, for example, has a Flo right around the corner. Whenever it's available, I hook up the Blazer EV and get some extra range while I work out. It's cheap, too, costing just $3.31 for my most recent session of an hour and 39 minutes. A short stint like that gets 11.6 kW of electricity and 33 miles of range, much more than I used getting to the gym. All the while, the myChevrolet app has been a useful tool for keeping track of the Blazer EV while it charges. The interface gives a readout of the vehicle's current state of charge and range in addition to providing an estimate of when the charge will complete. You can see your vehicle's location on the map, too, in case you left your car charging on the street and can't remember how to get back to it. We've finally had a chance to initiate charges on Tesla Supercharges with Chevy's app, as well. It essentially loads up a browser version of Tesla's own app within the myChevrolet interface, serving as convenient shortcut if you only want to use one app. Although having Tesla Supercharger access is an overall convenience, especially since they tend to have fewer lines than Electrify America fast chargers, Tesla's existing V3 cabinets have their disadvantages. These prior-generation Superchargers are the most common variant we've encountered with the Blazer EV throughout California and Arizona. Stations with V3s were designed exclusively with Tesla cars in mind, from the positioning of the cabinets, to the short length of the charging cables. Usually, they're placed side by side in banks of parking spots that run perpendicular to the curb so Teslas can back in to recharge. Unless I can find an end spot or get lucky with Superchargers that have been placed with a parking space in between cabinets, the Blazer EV almost always takes up two spots due to the positioning of the charging port between the front wheel and the driver's door. Newer V3 Superchargers are occasionally positioned beside a parallel parking spot, which I always choose over a perpendicular space, but these have been rare in my experience. Tesla owners must be used to seeing cars from other automakers parked haphazardly at Supercharger stations because no one has asked me to stop blocking a charging stall since the trip to Arizona four months ago. Still, the anxiety of being in that position is something I deal with every time I use one of Tesla's chargers. From an objective perspective, the Blazer EV has a slower average charge rate than rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Our 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS averaged 111 kW as it charged from 5 to 80 percent on a 350-kW Electrify America Level 3 charger. That pales in comparison to the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5, which maintains an incredible average of 186 kW from 5 to 80 percent. Using a Tesla Supercharger, the Ioniq 5 still sustains 125 kW from 5 to 80 percent. In subsequent iterations of the Blazer EV, average charging speed is one of the most crucial areas Chevrolet can improve. Our final complaint is a bit more trivial. The Blazer EV threatens to power off unless you intervene when it's hooked up to a fast charger. During our most recent session at the Culver City Tesla Supercharger, the Blazer EV alerted us twice over 47 minutes that it would power off and disable the air conditioning unless we hit a button or the brake pedal to keep it running. I was using that time on the charger to get some work done on my laptop using the rather excellent Wi-Fi hot spot, so it was frustrating being interrupted when I wasn't planning to leave the car during the duration of the charge. Great to Charge With a Few Exceptions The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS RWD has turned out to be one of the more stress-free EVs to charge in our long-term fleet, with Tesla's Supercharger network playing no small role in its ease of use. Our SUV's charging performance is serviceable, its driving range is excellent, and Chevy's supporting mobile app has proven to be very useful. Still, a few cumbersome design elements oversights—like the awkward charge port placement and the need to keep the car awake during longer sessions—remind us that EV refinement is still a moving target. Fortunately, the Blazer gets most of the fundamentals right. More on Our Long-Term 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS RWD: 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV Yearlong Review Arrival: Stress-Testing a MotorTrend SUV of the Year The Tesla Supercharging Network Isn't Ready for Our 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV The Adrenaline Red Interior of the Chevy Blazer EV RS Gets Our Hearts Pumping
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla's $56K India Gamble: Will the Model Y Sell in a Price-Sensitive Market?
Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is finally hitting the accelerator in India. After years of back-and-forth, the EV giant is opening its first showroom in Mumbai this July, followed by another in New Delhi. It's starting with the Model Yshipped straight from its Shanghai plantmarking the company's first official sales push into the world's third-largest car market. Internal documents and people familiar with the matter confirm that Tesla has also brought in Supercharger hardware, car accessories, and parts from the US, China, and the Netherlandslaying the groundwork for a broader rollout. This move follows Elon Musk's February meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and could signal the start of a long-term India strategy. But it won't be an easy ride. Each Model Y imported was declared at just under $32,000, but racked up over $25,000 in import duties due to India's 70% tariff on fully-built EVs. Final sticker price? North of $56,000 before tax and insurancenearly 50% more than the U.S. price post-incentives. For a market where EVs still make up just 5% of new car sales and luxury vehicles are under 2%, Tesla will need more than brand power to spark volume. Still, the company is quietly building momentum. It's securing warehouse space in Karnataka and Gurugram, boosting hiring across charging, retail, and policy teams, and sending execs from abroad to oversee showroom setup in luxury districts. The early signs point to a premium positioning play aimed at affluent Indian buyers. Whether that strategy holdsor pivotswill depend on how fast Tesla can shift from imports to local production. For now, it's a high-stakes, high-margin experiment in one of the world's fastest-growing auto markets. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Tesla set to open India showrooms in July with Made-in-China EVs
Tesla Inc. is set to open its first showrooms in India in July, people familiar with the discussions said, kicking off formal operations in the world's third-biggest automobile market as the Elon Musk-led firm hunts for growth amid falling sales in Europe and China. The electric vehicle giant's first set of cars have arrived in the country — Model Y rear-wheel drive SUVs shipped from Tesla 's China factory, according to the people, who asked not to be identified as the information is private, as well as documents seen by Bloomberg News. The Model Y is the world's largest selling electric car. Tesla is set to open its first showroom in Mumbai as early as mid July, which will be followed by one in New Delhi, according to the people. It has also imported Supercharger components, car accessories, merchandise and spares from the US, China and the Netherlands, the documents show. The debut will end a years-long on-again, off-again saga over Tesla's entry into India - a market Musk has long eyed but held back from entering due to disagreements over tariffs and local manufacturing. The breakthrough in bringing Tesla to India comes after Musk met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the US in February. Bloomberg News reported in February that Tesla was set to ship a few thousand cars to a port near Mumbai. Tesla spokespersons did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on opening of the India showrooms and the preparations underway. Premium Price Five Model Y vehicles have already arrived in Mumbai from Tesla's Shanghai factory, according to documents reviewed by Bloomberg News. The cars were declared at 2.77 million rupees ($31,988) and attracted more than 2.1 million rupees in import duties — a levy that's consistent with India's 70% tariff on fully-built imported cars under $40,000 plus surcharges, the documents show. The model is expected to go on sale for more than $56,000 before taxes and insurance, though Tesla will determine the final sticker price based on its margin and positioning strategy, according to people familiar with the plans. That compares with an ex-showroom price of $44,990 for the same model in the US, which sells for $37,490 once tax credits are applied. The premium price tag will likely be a major hurdle to Tesla's plans as the automaker will need to convince value-driven consumers to open their wallets. EVs account for just over 5% of new passenger vehicle sales in India, but premium cars still represent less than 2% of the market, data with Indian government's vehicle registration portal show. Beefing Up The company hasn't appointed a new country head following the departure of Prashanth Menon, but is beefing up hiring across charging, retail and policy teams, according to people familiar with the matter. The Model Y imports represent an initial foray into the market and Tesla plans to expand its presence, including offering more models. It's leasing warehouse space in Karnataka, in India's south, and is adding more in Gurugram, outside New Delhi, the people said. Tesla executives from other countries are making weekly visits, the people said, to the Mumbai and New Delhi showrooms, which are in high-profile, luxury business precincts in an effort to attract affluent shoppers.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Elon Musk's Tesla to open first showroom in India in July: Know city, EV models, price and more
The world's richest person, Elon Musk, is finally bringing Tesla to India. The electric vehicle giant is all set to open its first Tesla showroom in India this July, with Mumbai being the chosen city. After years of speculation and delays, this move marks Tesla's official entry into the Indian market, which is the third-largest car market in the world. Tesla's First Showroom in India to Open in Mumbai According to a Bloomberg report, Tesla is opening its first retail showroom in Mumbai, Maharashtra, in July. This marks a major step by Elon Musk to introduce Tesla cars in India. A second showroom is also reportedly in the pipeline for New Delhi, further strengthening the company's presence in the country. Tesla Starts Importing Model Y and Components Tesla has already begun importing the first batch of its Model Y electric SUVs along with spare parts, Supercharger units, accessories, and Tesla-branded merchandise. These items are being shipped from the United States, China, and the Netherlands, showing the brand's serious intentions to build a solid infrastructure here. The Model Y, currently the world's best-selling Tesla car, has arrived from Tesla's Gigafactory in Shanghai. Five rear-wheel drive units have been shipped to Mumbai, with each car valued at around Rs 27.7 lakh (approximately $31,988). Due to India's high import taxes, each car attracted over Rs 21 lakh in duties. This aligns with the country's 70% import tax on fully built electric vehicles (CBUs) priced under $40,000. Tesla Model Y India Price to Be Higher Than in the US In India, the Tesla Model Y is expected to cost over $56,000, excluding taxes and insurance. This is a lot more than its US base price of $44,990 (or $37,490 after government incentives). The steep price could be a challenge in India, where most buyers are price-conscious and value affordability over luxury. Can Tesla Succeed in India's Price-Sensitive Market? Electric vehicles (EVs) currently make up only about 5% of new passenger car sales in India. Of these, luxury cars form less than 2% of the total. This means Tesla will have to work hard to gain traction in a market where price plays a major role in buying decisions. However, despite these challenges, Elon Musk and Tesla seem confident about the Indian EV future. Earlier delays were mainly due to disagreements over high import taxes and the demand for setting up a local manufacturing plant. But now, Tesla is moving ahead with its India plans. Tesla Hiring and Expanding Infrastructure in India Tesla currently does not have an official country head after the exit of Prashanth Menon. However, the company is actively hiring for roles in retail, charging infrastructure, and public policy. It's also setting up warehousing operations in Karnataka and increasing its storage capacity near Gurugram, close to Delhi, to support its growing logistics needs. What This Means for Indian Car Buyers With Elon Musk's Tesla stepping into India, car buyers who have been waiting for high-performance electric vehicles now have a new option. The arrival of the Tesla showroom in India and the Model Y gives Indian consumers access to cutting-edge EV technology. However, unless Tesla finds a way to reduce costs—either by local production or reduced duties—it may remain a niche brand for now. Elon Musk's Tesla opening a showroom in India is a major moment for the country's electric vehicle market. Starting with Mumbai, and soon expanding to New Delhi, Tesla is making its presence felt. While the high price of a Tesla car could be a hurdle, the company's long-term success will depend on how well it adapts to Indian conditions and consumer expectations. For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here
Business Times
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Times
Tesla set to open India showrooms in July with made-in-China EVs
[NEW DELHI] Tesla is set to open its first showrooms in India in July, sources familiar with the discussions said, kicking off formal operations in the world's third-biggest automobile market as the Elon Musk-led firm hunts for growth amid falling sales in Europe and China. The electric vehicle (EV) giant's first set of cars have arrived in the country – Model Y rear-wheel drive SUVs shipped from Tesla's China factory, according to the sources, who asked not to be identified as the information is private, as well as documents seen by Bloomberg News. The Model Y is the world's largest-selling electric car. Tesla is set to open its first showroom in Mumbai as early as mid-July, which will be followed by one in New Delhi, according to the sources. It has also imported Supercharger components, car accessories, merchandise and spares from the US, China and the Netherlands, the documents show. The debut will end a years-long on-again, off-again saga over Tesla's entry into India – a market Musk has long eyed but held back from entering due to disagreements over tariffs and local manufacturing. The breakthrough in bringing Tesla to India comes after Musk met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the US in February. Bloomberg News reported in February that Tesla was set to ship a few thousand cars to a port near Mumbai. Tesla spokespersons did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment on the opening of the India showrooms and the preparations underway. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Premium price Five Model Y vehicles have already arrived in Mumbai from Tesla's Shanghai factory, according to documents reviewed by Bloomberg News. The cars were declared at 2.8 million rupees (S$41,558) and attracted more than 2.1 million rupees in import duties – a levy that's consistent with India's 70 per cent tariff on fully-built imported cars under US$40,000 plus surcharges, the documents show. The model is expected to go on sale for more than US$56,000 before taxes and insurance, though Tesla will determine the final sticker price based on its margin and positioning strategy, according to sources familiar with the plans. That compares with an ex-showroom price of US$44,990 for the same model in the US, which sells for US$37,490 once tax credits are applied. The premium price tag will likely be a major hurdle to Tesla's plans as the automaker will need to convince value-driven consumers to open their wallets. EVs account for just over 5 per cent of new passenger vehicle sales in India, but premium cars still represent less than 2 per cent of the market, data with the Indian government's vehicle registration portal shows. Beefing up The company has not appointed a new country head following the departure of Prashanth Menon, but is beefing up hiring across charging, retail and policy teams, according to sources familiar with the matter. The Model Y imports represent an initial foray into the market and Tesla plans to expand its presence, including offering more models. It's leasing warehouse space in Karnataka, in India's south, and is adding more in Gurugram, outside New Delhi, the sources said. Tesla executives from other countries are making weekly visits, the sources said, to the Mumbai and New Delhi showrooms, which are in high-profile, luxury business precincts in an effort to attract affluent shoppers. BLOOMBERG
