Tesla's Supercharger Expansion: What It Means for EV Drivers in 2026
Tesla is expanding one of Australia's original Supercharger sites as EV sales soar in 2026. Here's what that means if you're considering a novated lease on an EV.
Tesla is expanding capacity at one of its earliest Supercharger sites in Australia — a signal that the EV charging network is maturing fast alongside surging sales, according to The Driven.
For anyone sitting on the fence about an EV — wondering whether the charging infrastructure will actually support day-to-day driving — this is a meaningful data point. Range anxiety was a real concern in 2020. In mid-2026, it's a shrinking one.
What this means for novated lease customers
Here's the practical read: a more reliable, higher-capacity public charging network makes battery electric vehicles a more convincing everyday car. That matters for novated leasing because the FBT exemption for eligible EVs under a novated lease is still one of the most significant tax benefits available to Australian PAYG employees — and it applies to the vehicle's running costs, including charging, not just the purchase price.
More Supercharger stalls at existing sites means faster turnaround, less queuing, and more confidence that a Tesla (or any EV using a compatible network) will keep up with a busy schedule. Infrastructure is catching up to demand — and demand, per The Driven's reporting, is clearly there.
If you've been watching the EV space and waiting for the 'right time', the gap between EV convenience and ICE convenience is closing. The tax treatment for eligible EVs under a novated lease hasn't changed — the potential savings are still real. The charging network getting stronger just removes one more reason to delay.
Common questions
Does a Tesla qualify for the FBT exemption under a novated lease?
Many Tesla models have qualified for the Australian Government's FBT exemption for low-emission vehicles, subject to the vehicle's dutiable value sitting under the relevant luxury car tax threshold. Eligibility rules can change, so always confirm current thresholds with a licensed novated lease provider before signing anything.
Can I include home and public charging costs in my novated lease?
Yes — eligible EV running costs, including electricity used for charging, can generally be bundled into a novated lease arrangement. This is one of the practical advantages of leasing an EV versus a petrol car, where fuel savings through salary packaging are structured differently.
Is the Supercharger network open to non-Tesla EVs in Australia?
Tesla has been progressively opening parts of its Supercharger network to other EV brands in various markets. The availability and terms in Australia can vary by site and vehicle — check Tesla's official network map and your vehicle's compatibility before relying on it.
Does a better charging network affect the residual value of an EV on a novated lease?
Residual values are set by financiers at the start of the lease term, not adjusted mid-lease based on infrastructure changes. That said, a maturing charging network generally supports stronger long-term demand for EVs, which can influence how lenders assess residuals over time.
EV sales are surging — does that affect wait times for popular Tesla models?
Delivery timelines vary by model and can shift with demand. If you're planning a novated lease, it's worth checking current lead times early — your novated lease term doesn't start until the vehicle is delivered, but planning ahead gives you more options.