Tesla photo angers Aussie EV owners – but it actually shows a useful new change
Despite garnering some negative attention online, the electric car owner's seemingly bold move is not what it seems.
Whether you love them or hate them, it's no secret that Teslas and electric cars are a source of constant controversy around Australia. A photo circulating of a Tesla driver's act in a car park was quick to ignite a strong reaction from fellow EV owners.
The image shows a white Tesla parked at a supercharger station in Yandina on Queensland's Sunshine Coast — with a massive boat being towed behind it. The boat is seemingly blocking the entire car park. Aussies were quick to brand the driver's move a "poor effort" and "lazy" — but the truth is far more surprising.
"This charger is designed for EVs with a trailer to drive in forward," Aussie Tesla owner Stephen told Yahoo News Australia. "There is a clear area with no parking spaces where the trailer is, so that it is not blocking anyone's path."
It's a welcome sight for Stephen who said previously when he travelled with his boat he would "need to disconnect the trailer to reverse into the charger. This saves a lot of time and effort."
Tesla's move proves ScoMo's bold trailer claim wrong
The convenient design change is a far cry from the absurd claims from then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison who in 2019 declared that an electric vehicle would never be able to tow a boat or trailer.
"[An electric vehicle] won't tow your trailer. It's not going to tow your boat. It's not going to get you out to your favourite camping spot with your family," he told reporters in comments that drew widespread derision at the time.
Now in Yandina stands a physical testament to the ridiculousness of his statement as six Superchargers are available to both Tesla and other brands of electric cars, with one space at the end of the car park for cars that are towing boats or caravans.
And the availability of charging spaces for those towing is growing across the country. In April, it was reported by the Tesla owners club of Western Australia that four trailer-friendly supercharging stations opened to cater to drive-thru fast charging.
Electric car towing and charging remains a challenge for drivers
Despite the welcome sight at select car parks across Australia, towing electric cars continue to face challenges. Yahoo previously reported a Tesla that was forced to mount the kerb to power up with a caravan trailer being towed behind.
Carola Jonas, CEO and Founder of Everty, a software platform for EV charging stations, previously told Yahoo it's a problem charging station owners and operators must "pay close attention to".
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
