Tesla to Open Its First Outdoor Restaurant and Cinema

This page is translated from the original post "Tesla va ouvrir son premier restaurant et cinéma en plein air" in French.

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The American company has obtained a building permit to create a charging area equipped with a restaurant and an open-air cinema in Los Angeles.

The art of working on one’s cool. While Porsche or Audi open charging stations where their customers can quickly, and in a reserved setting that meets their standards of exclusivity, have a meal or use the toilets, Tesla once again wants to appear different. Which is not raising questions…

The facts first: according to American media, documents for a permit to build a Diner & Drive-in Movie Supercharger have leaked. It reveals that a new charging area with 32 stations will open in Santa Monica, part of the Greater Los Angeles metropolis (18.6 million inhabitants). This will be accompanied by a typically American restaurant, reminiscent of the 1950s, and two large cinema screens so visitors can watch a movie while charging their vehicle. That’s the cool factor that will make this place a must-stop for all brand fans passing through LA someday…

But this decision still raises questions: Tesla charging station occupancy rates are very high in the United States, and some customers’ impatience is leading to new tensions. In May 2023, a Tesla owner killed a man in Denver (Colorado) claiming his charging was taking too long

. We also sometimes see lengthy queues, like in France during refinery strikes…

Therefore, Tesla’s choice to extend charging times with this restaurant and cinema is contrary to the trend: that of ultra-fast charging to free up stations for other customers. Moreover, Tesla has a policy that imposes fees for unjustified occupation. This is also why Ionity initially charged for charging by the minute rather than by the kilowatt, encouraging customers to limit themselves to 80% battery to be recharged in 20-30 minutes, and avoid aiming for 100%.

The 32 stations at this restaurant will be constantly occupied, or even reserved in advance, which is sure to create frustration and negative experiences. Time will tell.

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