California Tesla drivers can score cash from giant settlement



Plug in, cash out?

Some California Tesla owners could be in line for up to $350 from a class-action settlement over Supercharger “idle fees” — but they’ll need to move fast.

The lawsuit centers on fees charged when a Tesla stayed plugged into a busy Supercharger after it had finished charging.

A general view of a Tesla car dealership and Tesla vehicles is seen in Paramus, NJ, on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Christopher Sadowski
Elon Musk, chief executive officer of Tesla Inc., arrives at federal court in Oakland, California, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Bloomberg via Getty Images

It alleged that some drivers who didn’t pay the fees had their Supercharger access disabled or were threatened with losing it.

Tesla denied wrongdoing, but agreed to settle the case and shell out money to affected drivers.

For qualifying owners, the settlement could come with a few different payouts.

Tesla has agreed to refund all eligible idle fees, with its records determining the amount.

Drivers whose Supercharger access was disabled because of unpaid idle fees could also receive $50 if the restriction lasted less than 30 days.

If access was shut off for more than 30 days, that payment can climb to $350.

A general view of a row of Tesla Cybertrucks parked in a lot on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Paramus, New Jersey. Christopher Sadowski

Still driving an older Tesla?

There’s potentially more good news: Supercharger access will be restored and unpaid idle fees waived.

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Even former owners can get in on the action.

Those who no longer have the affected vehicle may still qualify for a $10 payment.

A general view of a Tesla car dealership and Tesla vehicles in Paramus, NJ, on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Christopher Sadowski

But the eligibility rules are strict.

California residents must have purchased a Tesla before Dec. 16, 2016, still owned it as of that date and bought a vehicle whose agreement described it as “Supercharger Enabled,” “Supercharger Hardware” or “Supercharger Hardware & Access.”

A visitor uses a smartphone to photograph the passenger cabin of a gold-colored Tesla Cybercab displayed with its butterfly doors open at the ELEMENTS shopping mall on Thursday, September 10, 2026, in Hong Kong, China. Getty Images

No endless charging-session wait required.

The claim deadline is Sept. 25, and eligible drivers can file online or by mail.



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