Tesla's New Standards Are Changing the EV Charging Game
Here's what it means for your business, development plans, and drivers
Let’s cut to the chase, or the “charge,” if you will: Tesla's latest software update created a major opportunity for charging station operators, fuel retailers, and EV drivers alike overnight. This will transform how EV drivers find and use non-Tesla stations, especially for top charging providers.
Overall, the release is part of a rapidly evolving EV charging landscape. Everyone can win as we collectively accelerate EV adoption, electrification, and EV charging infrastructure expansion thoughtfully, responsibly, equitably, affordably, and efficiently.
Now, Tesla drivers will have access to more charging options despite staying inside the Tesla infotainment system, while reliable and high-performing charging providers will benefit from heightened visibility, traffic, and business. Let’s explore 👇
So, What Happened? Tesla's 2025.2 Software Update
Tesla recently released its first production build for 2025, which includes a game-changing feature: Support for third-party charger preconditioning and navigation integration.
This is massive news for the entire EV charging ecosystem. Here's why:
→ Preconditioning access: Tesla vehicles can now ‘precondition’ their batteries when navigating to qualified third-party DC fast chargers.
→ Navigation integration: Third-party stations now appear directly in Tesla's navigation system!
→ Occupancy information: In Europe, Tesla is already showing real-time stall availability for qualified third-party chargers.
This update extends Tesla's charging experience beyond its own Supercharger network, creating an opportunity for quality-focused charging providers—like Electric Era—to attract more of the largest segment of EV drivers on the road, namely Tesla drivers.
Quick 101: Understanding Preconditioning
If you’re new to the concept, no fear. Preconditioning is a critical feature that optimizes EV batteries for fast charging. It works by:
- Warming the battery to an ideal temperature range before reaching a charger
- Enabling the battery to accept maximum power immediately upon connection
- Dramatically reducing charging times, especially in cold weather
Until now, Tesla owners could only benefit from automatic preconditioning when navigating to Tesla’s own Supercharger network. With the new 2025.2 update, however, the system can can trigger preconditioning when Tesla drivers head to compatible DC fast chargers from other operators who meet key requirements, like reliable charging.
The Specs: Tesla's Charging Station Requirements
Unsurprisingly, Tesla isn't making this available to just *any* charging station. To qualify for inclusion in Tesla's navigation system, charging stations must meet strict reliability standards:
- At least one compatible charging connector (NACS)
- Frequent usage by Tesla drivers (at least NACS charging session every four days)
- Average charge success rates of 90% or higher (not a problem for Electric Era!)
- Continued usage over rolling 14-day periods
- Maintenance of at least 70% charge success rate (again, not a problem for Electric Era)
How It Works: The Driver Experience (Which Matters Most of All)
The update grants Tesla drivers a more seamless experience when using third-party chargers:
- On the map: Third-party charger sites appear as grey bubbles (compared to red for Superchargers).
- Availability at a glance: The map shows the number of free stalls currently available. Drivers can also see total stalls, occupied stalls, and maximum charge speed.
- Navigation: Setting the charger as a destination automatically triggers preconditioning.
While not as advanced as Tesla's prediction-based system for its Superchargers (which shows how many vehicles are actively driving to a location), the update still provides an expanded experience that makes third-party chargers more visible and offers drivers more options.
Why This Is a Game-Changer for Third-Party Charging Providers (Like Us)
Tesla is rightfully setting a high bar for the whole EV charging industry. Based on its fleet data, Tesla will autonomously measure third-party stations' performance. This creates a powerful economic incentive for charging operators to prioritize reliability, uptime, and driver satisfaction.
Operators who meet Tesla’s requirements can expect:
- More visibility: Tesla's navigation system is the primary way these drivers find charging
- Repeat customers: Getting listed means capturing this valuable customer segment
- Boosted business: Tesla vehicles make up the majority of EVs on American roads
Again, this is contingent on EV charging station operators meeting Tesla's quality standards, providing compatible connectors (NACS), and delivering reliable, successful charging sessions.
For Electric Era customers like Middle Tennessee Electric, our ability to satisfy and exceed these types of metrics is already translating into increased Tesla traffic. We've seen a surprising uptick in Tesla usage in 2024 and expect continued growth in 2025 with these new standards.
In this video, watch our site with Middle Tennessee Electric attracting Tesla drivers in droves.
The Reliability Imperative: Meeting Tesla's 90% Benchmark
Tesla's 90% charge success rate requirement sets a solid standard for the EV charging industry overall, which has long struggled with reliability (see below graphic from Canary Media).
The reliability metric encompasses the entire charging experience, from connection success to payment processing, actual energy delivery, and session completion.
This is where our superior performance and laser focus on delivering exceptional reliability and charging experiences provide us with a substantial competitive advantage and moat.
Our stations are engineered to deliver consistently high charge success rates through:
- Ruggedized hardware design
- Advanced fault detection systems
- Offline payment capabilities
- Real-time monitoring and analytics
- 24/7 response capabilities when issues arise
Next Steps: Charge Your Batteries and Get Your Stations Tesla-Ready
If you're a charging station operator looking to capitalize, here are the keys to success:
1. Focus on reliability: Tesla's standards make it clear that uptime and successful sessions are non-negotiable.
2. Track your metrics: Monitor your charge success rate to identify improvement opportunities; we also recommend taking the drivers’ perspective when doing this (more on that below)
3. Partner with experts: Work with expert providers like us at Electric Era who understand the technical requirements and intricacies of these types of updates, as well as siting, developing, and deploying charging stations efficiently and in a fashion that lays a super strong foundation.
The Bottom Line: How to Capitalize and Supercharge Your Charging Business
Tesla is effectively creating a strong economic incentive for EV charging station owners to increase session reliability and overall driver experience quality. Given that Tesla drivers represent the majority of EVs on the road, charging stations that achieve and maintain a 90%+ charge success rate now have a direct pathway to this valuable customer base.
Do you need help making your stations compliant with Tesla's high-reliability requirements? Contact us! We're here to help you not only meet but exceed these requirements and standards.
Plus, if you’d like a written primer on what 'charge success rate' is and how to achieve it, check out our white paper from our VP of Software, Hasitha Dharmasiri.
In summary, this is excellent news for Electric Era customers, charging operators, and EV drivers in general. Onwards and upwards as we accelerate the future of transportation!