Tesla has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit over Supercharger idle fees, ending a legal dispute that dates back to the company’s early promise of free lifetime Supercharging.
The lawsuit, filed by California Tesla owner Kevin Shenkman in 2021, alleged the automaker broke that promise by introducing idle fees for certain vehicles and, in some cases, disabling or threatening to disable Supercharger access when those fees went unpaid. Tesla has denied any wrongdoing but agreed to settle the case to avoid the cost and uncertainty of continued litigation.
Not every early Tesla owner qualifies. The settlement is limited to California residents who bought a Supercharger-enabled Tesla before December 16, 2016, continued to own it after that date, and were living in California as of June 21, 2021.
Owners who still have an eligible Tesla will have any unpaid idle fees waived, and Tesla will restore Supercharger access if it was previously disabled because of those fees. Those who paid idle fees can submit a claim to receive a refund based on Tesla’s records.
Former owners who no longer have an eligible vehicle can claim a US$10 payment. Additional compensation is also available for owners whose Supercharger access was disabled, with payments of US$50 for those with less than 30 consecutive days without Supercharger access, and US$350 for those lasting 30 days or more.
If you fall into one of these categories of owner, you have until September 25, 2026, to file a claim. A final approval hearing is scheduled for December 2, 2026, with payments expected to be issued after the court grants final approval and any appeals are resolved.
For more information and to file your claim, visit teslaidlefeeclassaction.com.
Tesla introduced idle fees in 2017 as the Supercharger network expanded and congestion became more common. The fees were designed to encourage drivers to move their vehicles once charging was complete, but Shenkman argued they violated Tesla’s original commitment of free lifetime Supercharging made to early adopters.
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