Tesla Motors founder Elon Musk is intent on making owning one of his electric sedans as easy and mainstream as owning a gasoline-powered vehicle. Musk is so big on the idea that he just gave the green light to expand the company's network of charging stations to 105 in Manhattan by March 31.
According to the New York Post, there are currently 40 gas stations on the isle of Manhattan. But that number is beginning to dwindle, fast, as developers begin to tear them down in favor of more lucrative projects. On the flip side, Tesla has already outfitted 68 Manhattan garages with "destination chargers." These devices can add about 60 miles of range to a Model S or Model X.
Alexis Georgeson, a public relations rep for Tesla Motors, says that the auto maker had historically installed these devices at hotels and restaurants. But as of last year, "in an effort to tackle the need for urban charging, we expanded the program and partnered with public garages that offer parking both by the hour or the month," she said.
These chargers will also eliminate waiting on line at a gas pump, which the New York Post also says can take up to 40 minutes. Tesla owners likely won't have to wait to plug in and recharge.
In addition, Tesla says that New York City residents will find a charging station every three blocks as soon as September. The electric auto maker has also installed "supercharger stations" along highways across the country. These plug-in equivalents of gas stations can charge a Tesla in a little as 40 minutes.