EVwire brief: Tesla has expanded access to its Supercharger network in China by allowing non-Tesla EV owners to purchase prepaid charging passes through WeChat. The program introduces two charging packages for compatible non-Tesla EVs:
Trial Pass: 79 RMB ($11.63) for 50 kWh
Enjoy Pass: 599 RMB ($88) for 400 kWh
The passes can be activated through WeChat and used at participating Tesla V3 and V4 Supercharger stations across China. Tesla’s promotional materials state the company now operates more than 2,600 Supercharger stations and 13,000+ charging stalls nationwide.
Here are the promotional materials Tesla China posted for the program (translated via AI). Hat tip to @tslaming for sharing this story on X.
Tesla also announced the program on its official Weibo account.
Context:
Tesla historically treated its Supercharger network in China as a major ownership advantage, with access largely limited to Tesla vehicles for years. The company only began gradually opening portions of the network to other EV brands in recent years.
The new prepaid-pass model represents a more aggressive expansion strategy. Instead of requiring long onboarding processes or third-party integrations, Tesla is leveraging WeChat, China’s dominant payments and services platform, to create a relatively frictionless charging system for non-Tesla EV owners.
Tesla currently operates over 2,600 Supercharger stations across China
The economics behind the move could be meaningful.
Beyond direct charging revenue, the prepaid structure generates immediate cash flow before electricity is even delivered. The system also improves utilization rates for charging assets that may otherwise sit partially idle during off-peak periods.
The move does carry potential tradeoffs. Higher utilization could increase congestion at busy Supercharger stations, potentially frustrating Tesla owners who previously viewed Supercharger exclusivity as a core ownership benefit.
Source: Tesla China on Weibo
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