The Tesla Supercharger network has long been a beacon for electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts, providing fast and reliable charging solutions across the United States. As more automakers adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS), the dependency on Tesla’s network is growing, highlighting its critical role in the EV landscape. However, recent technical hiccups have raised questions about the reliability of this system when faced with unforeseen disruptions.
Last week, a planned charging test with the 2026 Kia EV9, equipped with a factory-installed NACS port, hit a snag due to an unexpected glitch with the Tesla app. The test was set to be conducted at a Tesla Supercharger station in Harrison, New York, but the app failed to function properly, leaving many users stranded.
Photo by: Suvrat Kothari
The disruption coincided with a significant outage at Amazon Web Services (AWS), which disrupted various online services globally, affecting industries from airlines to payment systems. Although Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk claimed that his social media platform X was unaffected by the AWS issues, the Tesla app did not fare as well.
Users attempting to initiate charging sessions reported that the Tesla app would not load properly, with some describing the experience as a “spinning logo” leading to a blank screen. This was not an isolated incident, as similar complaints surfaced on social media platforms such as Reddit and Facebook. Reddit users and Facebook posts indicated widespread issues among Tesla owners.
Efforts to rectify the situation included standard troubleshooting steps such as reinstalling the app and rebooting devices, yet many users found these ineffective. The link between AWS and Tesla’s app issues remains speculative, as Tesla has not officially commented on the matter. Nonetheless, Tesla’s reliance on cloud infrastructure, which includes AWS expertise, suggests a probable connection.
For those affected, the disruption was a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in cloud-dependent systems. As more non-Tesla EVs utilize the Supercharger network, such incidents could pose significant challenges, especially in areas lacking alternative charging options.
While Tesla’s Superchargers are known for their reliability, the recent app issues underscore the importance of ensuring robust backup solutions. As the EV industry expands, reliability must extend beyond hardware to include the digital infrastructure that supports these vehicles.
In the wake of the incident, there is a renewed call for balancing technological convenience with reliable contingency measures, ensuring that EV drivers are not left stranded due to app or network failures. As observed, traditional fuel stations are largely unaffected by such digital dependencies, highlighting a key area for improvement in the EV sector.
Got a tip? Email the author: suvrat.kothari@insideevs.com
Original Story at insideevs.com