Get in line! Tesla Supercharger fights are on the rise over queue-jumpers — so the EV giant is rolling out a new 'Virtual Queue' system to help diffuse 'screaming arguments' | Tech Radar

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Get in line! Tesla Supercharger fights are on the rise over queue-jumpers — so the EV giant is rolling out a new 'Virtual Queue' system to help diffuse 'screaming arguments'

Increasing Supercharger congestion called for a solution

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Tesla launches a Virtual Queue for its Supercharger network

Tesla has started to roll out a new Virtual Queue system to its onboard charging software, in a bid to ensure the flow of traffic through its increasingly popular Supercharger network is efficient and seamless.

A quick Youtube search throws up a number of videos the appear to show Tesla owners getting into altercations around who has priority on the Supercharger network. Right now, it is up to drivers to self-police.

Having tested a virtual queuing system over the past year, Tesla has started to roll out updates to the Tesla App that attempts to manage some of this traffic. According to Teslarati, a message will pop up on the infotainment system when a driver approaches a Supercharger that is occupied.

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“While the app is closed, Tesla uses your location to notify you of accurate wait times at Superchargers when you arrive,” a message within the app now reads.

A further prompt then pop-ups and states: “There is a waitlist to charge. Are you sure you want to start a charging session now?”

This suggests that the driver has to refrain from queue-jumping and then only plug in when the app suggests it is their time to do so.

The app will notify the driver of their position in the queue, as well as how many vehicles are ahead of them, Teslarati reports.

There have been a number of reported incidents at Superchargers, where tensions have boiled over when things get busy.

That said, I’ve only ever experienced very polite Tesla owners that seem to self-regulate when the queues form.

However, this is likely because I have interacted with a large percentage of early adopters, most of which are willing to have a brief chat about their Tesla and part with any insider knowledge they may have.

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It feels like Tesla has already sold to most of the early adopters and now the general public is getting in on the action. On top of this, Tesla also opened up its Supercharger network to rival manufacturers, meaning the floodgate of eager EV owners effectively opened.

One Reddit user described their experience as a "complete s*** show" and how they witnessed "multiple screaming arguments after someone jumped the line" after their local Supercharger was opened up to other EV owners.

While Tesla is attempting to get a hold on any potential pain points with its Virtual Queue system, it is still only designed for Tesla owners right now (rival EV makers are locked out of Tesla's closed system), and the app feels like it still requires drivers to self-regulate.

After all, what’s stopping an impatient driver from ignoring the messages that appear on the infotainment display and cutting the line? As EV ownership increases, charging stations are only going to get busier, and this will undoubtedly cause friction for all EV charging network providers.

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Leon has been navigating a world where automotive and tech collide for almost 20 years, reporting on everything from in-car entertainment to robotised manufacturing plants. Currently, EVs are the focus of his attentions, but give it a few years and it will be electric vertical take-off and landing craft. Outside of work hours, he can be found tinkering with distinctly analogue motorcycles, because electric motors are no replacement for an old Honda inline four.

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News, deals, reviews, guides and more on the newest computing gadgets
Start exploring exclusive deals, expert advice and more
Unlock and manage exclusive Techradar member rewards
Unlock instant access to exclusive member features
Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards