[Digital Today reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] Tesla has begun a campaign in Japan offering new car buyers free Supercharger charging fees for 3 years.

Japan's ITmedia reported on April 1 that Tesla's Japan unit said customers who buy a new car and complete delivery by June 30 will receive a 3-year waiver on fees for the Supercharger fast-charging network.

The benefit applies to both in-stock vehicles and custom orders sold by Tesla in Japan. The campaign benefit is provided through linkage with a Tesla account (Tesla Account). Eligible models are limited to the Model 3 sedan and the Model Y SUV.

Tesla also set price conditions. The Model 3 starts from 5,313,000 yen and the Model Y from 5,587,000 yen, including tax. Tesla said both models are eligible for Japan's Clean Energy Vehicle Introduction Promotion Subsidy (CEV subsidy) of 1,270,000 yen. It also explained that buyers living in Tokyo can also receive a metropolitan subsidy of 400,000 yen, up to 800,000 yen.

Tesla promoted the offer in combination with its charging infrastructure competitiveness. The Supercharger is a fast-charging infrastructure designed and operated directly by Tesla, and as of April it is operating 726 chargers at 146 locations nationwide in Japan. Maximum output is 250 kW, and the company said about 15 minutes of charging can add up to 275 km of driving range. Tesla cited the distribution of high-output fast-charging infrastructure and said, "Most charging facilities in Japan with charging performance of 150 kW or more are Superchargers."

The term free does not cover all costs. Tesla excluded used cars from the campaign and said the benefit does not apply to business use such as taxis, ride-sharing and delivery services. It also excludes excess fees that may arise when a vehicle continues to occupy a charger after charging ends.

Delivery conditions could also be a variable. Tesla said delivery may not be completed by June 30 depending on the order date or the progress of registration procedures, adding it "does not guarantee delivery will be completed by that deadline." It also made clear that if delivery is made after the deadline for any reason, the campaign cannot be applied.