A Tesla Model Y driver encountered an unexpected problem at a Supercharger station in Orlando, Florida, where internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles occupied all available charging stalls. With the vehicle’s battery depleting to a mere 11%, and the next charging option 26 minutes away, the driver and other Tesla owners were met with frustration instead of the anticipated quick recharge.
Supercharger Stalls Occupied by Non-EV Cars
Upon arrival at the Disney-area Supercharger, the drivers found the station fully blocked by ICE vehicles. There were no visible signs to deter such parking or promise towing, and there was no security on site to enforce the parking rules. This lack of oversight allowed for the ICE-ing of Supercharger stalls, leaving electric vehicle owners without a place to charge.
Legal Restrictions on Blocking EV Charging Spots
Despite the inconvenience faced by the Model Y owner, Florida statutes explicitly prohibit the obstruction of EV charging spaces by vehicles that cannot utilize them. The law states that violators can be charged with a noncriminal traffic infraction, yet enforcement at this particular Supercharger station appeared to be absent.
Faced with no alternatives, the Model Y driver resorted to parking over a curb to connect to a Supercharger cable. This makeshift solution was captured in images and shared online, highlighting the lengths to which EV drivers sometimes must go to charge their vehicles. Other Tesla drivers at the site had to adopt similar measures.
The EV community’s response to this incident was mixed. Some suggested Tesla should inform drivers when Superchargers are blocked, while others called for stronger collaboration with law enforcement to deter ICE-ing more effectively. These propositions become increasingly pertinent as Tesla’s Supercharger network opens up to all automakers adopting the North American Charging Standard (NACS).
The situation underscores the ongoing challenges facing EV infrastructure, particularly the need for clear signage, enforcement, and communication to ensure that dedicated charging spaces remain available for their intended use.
