Analyzing Tesla Supercharger Locations

Analyzing a popular Tesla Supercharger map, it’s easy to see the wide range of supercharger locations throughout the United States. Let’s dig into the data to visualize how Tesla determines their supercharger locations. What are the key factors to consider?

 

 

First we need to get our hands on the data. Let’s explore the data tab from this source to visualize the data table and all associated attributes. After a bit of searching within the forum, we’ve come across a nice JSON version of the data.

 

 

The data here is in a JSON format, but we can simply copy and paste everything in a JSON to CSV converter to get our desired CSV table. Once converted, CSV tables can be dragged and dropped directly onto an ArcGIS Online map.

 

 

Let’s add our CSV table to a new map in ArcGIS Online. Once we add the table to the map, we’re prompted to set the coordinates based on attributes within the table. Simply matching the latitude and longitude fields in this instance, will drop a pin on the location of each Tesla Supercharger on the map.

 

 

The attribute table for this data set comes with a status for each supercharger: OPEN, CONSTRUCTION, PERMIT, CLOSED_PERM, or CLOSED_TEMP. Let’s symbolize each supercharger based on its status rather than mere location, for a clearer view of what’s ready for use, and where future superchargers are being constructed.

 

 

The spread of superchargers throughout the United States isn’t random. Each charging station location is the result of a site selection process to determine the most ideal locations. Charging stations should be placed in locations that provide the best experience for Tesla owners. Logically, superchargers are built along popular driving routes, such as major highways and interstates throughout the United States.

 

 

After adding data for major US highways, it’s easy to see how well superchargers match the paths of major US highways. This makes complete sense, as these are the main routes for ground transportation throughout the states. Therefore, creating a set network of superchargers all along these routes will provide adequate support for all Tesla charging needs, no matter where you’re headed.

 

 

Let’s dig into the data to see just how many superchargers follow this pattern of close proximity to a major highway. First, we’ll need to create a buffer surrounding each US highway.

 

 

With our highway buffer in place, we can now select features by location to identify all the superchargers that fall within the new highway buffer. As shown in the table of selected features, 765 of the 837 supercharger locations fall within the highway buffer, roughly 92% of all superchargers in the United States.

 

 

Removing the superchargers that fall within the highway buffers, we can see all remaining supercharger locations. These charging spots represent some of Tesla’s destination superchargers, meant for users to stay for several hours or overnight. Many of these superchargers are located at hotels, restaurants and shopping centers.

 

 

Tesla sells electric cars with driving ranges up to 370 miles on a single charge. And that’s certainly enough to get you from point A to point B. The map below depicts a radius surrounding each Tesla supercharger location, which represents a driving range of 350 miles. It’s clear to see how many superchargers can be reached from any given point in the United States. And with more and more superchargers on the way, Tesla’s charging network will only get better.

 

 

 

There are hundreds of existing superchargers throughout the United States already, and many more planned or currently under construction. The most important factor for each supercharger? Location.