Tesla owners in China have shared that the EV company is currently offering temporary free Supercharging amidst the ongoing coronavirus outbreak in the country. In contrast, gas stations in locked cities within China have shut down temporarily.
News of Tesla China's temporary free Supercharging offer was shared by owners who received the notification through their all-electric vehicles' infotainment systems. Photos of the announcement can be seen below.
The coronavirus outbreak started in Wuhan, China. Since the onset of the outbreak, patients infected with the novel coronavirus have reached about 3,000 cases. According to CNN, about 2,800 cases in China were confirmed on Monday, January 27, 2020. Global Times reported that coronavirus cases have risen to 4, 515 in total and the 106 deaths.
Tesla investor Jason Uy shared with Tesmanian that all transportation and gas stations in cities affected by the coronavirus have been closed to the public. If this is the case, then EVs may be one of the only ways to get around within locked cities to hospitals, other emergency buildings, grocery stores, and places people often go to in their daily routines.
This isn't the first time Tesla has offered free Supercharging or its help during an emergency. During Hurricane Irma back in 2017, Tesla released a software update that temporarily unlocked the maximum battery range for Model S 40 and 60 vehicles so owners could safely escape the storm's path. Tesla temporarily extended the range of selected vehicles like the Model 3 Standard Range for owners affected by California wildfires last year as well.
Reports say that transportation and gas stations are all closed in locked down cities. If you need to move around, you can do so with an EV (especially with bioweapon defence)
— Jason Uy (@jasonuy) January 27, 2020
Earlier in 2019, the innovative tech company also offered free Supercharging to owners in Hurricane Dorian's path in Florida. During the time, Tesla also unlocked extra range for owners with qualified vehicles. This happened as gas stations across the state shut down due to shortage of supply.
Tesla's actions reflect the company's priorities and character. Time and time again, the next-gen auto tech company has proven that it's not just focused on profitability. It has a more ambitious, intangible, abstract goal—which most critics simply can't fathom. But at times like these, Tesla shows its true colors.
To prevent coronavirus infection, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following:
- Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water;
- When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissues away immediately and wash hands;
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever and cough;
- If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider;
- When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals;
- The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk, or animal organs should be handled with care to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.
Note from Tesmanian: Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the coronavirus, including the loved ones of those infected, the doctors, nurses, and other professionals who are trying their best to contain the virus. We wish a speedy recovery to those who have been infected with nCoV.
Featured Image Credit: Global Times, Tesla China
About the Author
Claribelle Deveza
Longtime writer and news/book editor. Writing about Tesla allows me to contribute something good to the world, while doing something I love.
