Electric car manufacturer Tesla today opened new supercharger locations in London and Birmingham, part of a rapid network expansion that will soon allow Model S owners in the UK to drive anywhere in the country and charge for free, for life. With this, Tesla has 168 Superchargers worldwide, making it both the largest and the fastest-growing, fast-charging network in the world.

A Tesla supercharger replenishes half a charge in about 20 minutes. The company says its supercharger sites are strategically placed along well-travelled routes to allow Model S owners to drive long distances with minimal stops. They are located near amenities like motorway services, restaurants, cafes and shopping centres so drivers can stop for a quick meal and have their Model S charged by the time they’re done.

The first new supercharging site is located at Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, on Portman Square. The supercharger can be accessed in the hotel car park, which will be free to Model S owners for one hour while charging. With valet parking available, it is the first supercharger in central London and represents the first step in Tesla’s inner-city charging strategy for the UK. Such centrally located superchargers will allow customers who don’t have access to off-street parking or personal garages to easily find charging options close to home or work. 

The second supercharging site is at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham, on Bridge Street. As well as allowing Model S owners to charge upon arrival in Birmingham, the site enables electric travel to the Midlands and beyond.

These new supercharger locations not only energise an important route between the capital and the UK’s second city, but they also enable Model S drivers to travel long distances from the Midlands to Manchester and London, and across to France, Germany, and other European countries for free.