Tesla’s latest Supercharger upgrade isn’t about speed or power; instead, it's about making Superchargers more accessible. Tesla has begun deploying an ergonomic, easy-grip handle on newly installed V4 Supercharger sites, making charging more accessible for everyone, including wheelchair users.
Stalls with the new easy-grip handle will have an accessibility sign next to them, and often, the stall is also painted with an accessibility symbol. The sign says “Accessible EV charging. Use Last.” Unlike handicap parking spots, these stalls can be used by anyone, but the sign reminds users to be respectful of others who may require them. Similar to pull-through trailer stalls, these stalls should only be used when other stalls are occupied.
Helping Handles
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public facilities, including EV charging stations, to accommodate individuals with limited mobility. While Tesla’s Supercharger cables are far lighter and easier to handle than a comparable CCS cable, they’re still hefty, especially for someone who has a disability.
These new handles are positioned just below the plug, making it easier to move the cable from the Supercharger stall to the vehicle. The Tesla connector or the built-in CCS adapter remains unchanged, and customers can use either handle to plug in their vehicle.
Meeting Greater Demand
With the Supercharger network accessible to more non-Tesla EVs, Tesla is having to meet ever-greater demand from a widening audience. As EV adoption grows among aging drivers and those with disabilities, accommodating these owners becomes a differentiator for those users. Tesla’s move could pressure other networks to improve accessibility support as well, especially given that NACS is the North American Charging Standard, and Superchargers are the de facto charging network.
