Tesla set to open Supercharger stations

While Tesla's much-anticipated electric semitruck unveiled on 16 November grabbed most of the attention, the imminent launch of its largest Supercharger stations to date in the US almost went largely unnoticed.

Electrek posted a few photographs this week related to the imminent opening of two stations in California, each with 40 Superchargers for Tesla's electric cars.

While one is located in Kettleman City (population around 1,400), about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, just off Interstate-5, the other is in Baker on Interstate-15, between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

A Supercharger is capable of replenishing a Tesla car's battery in ultra-quick time compared to regular charging systems. For instance, in the space of only 30 minutes a Supercharger can grant a Model S 170 miles of driving range.

According to Electrek, the new stations form part of Tesla's strategy to construct larger charging stations with facilities that people can enjoy during and after their vehicle charges. These are aimed at long-distance drivers, hence they are located in small communities along busy highways connecting major cities.

The stations include solar arrays above the carports providing some of the power for the chargers (during busy times the stations will have to tap into the local grid), while a large ''lounge'' area on the site will reportedly showcase Tesla Energy products such as its solar panels and Powerwall battery packs.

According to CEO Elon Musk, Tesla's ultra high-powered Megacharger will be capable of replenishing 400 miles of range in 30 minutes flat. However, unlike a Supercharger with a power output of roughly 120 kW, Tesla's Megacharger will see over 10 times the power levels.

According to Tesla's website, the semi-truck will consume ''less than 2 kWh / mile''. If a worst case scenario of 2 kWh of energy per mile were to be factored in, this would equate to 800 kWh of energy consumed in 400 miles (644 km) of travel.