Tesla Idle Fee Settlement
Tesla, Inc. settled allegations that it improperly charged “Idle Fees” to certain customers who bought Tesla vehicles with free lifetime Supercharging, and disabled or threatened to disable Supercharger access when customers refused to pay. Tesla, Inc. denies any wrongdoing and the court made no finding of liability.
A settlement for certain California Tesla owners over “Idle Fees” charged despite free lifetime Supercharging. Class Members can have unpaid fees waived, keep Supercharger access, and claim a refund of Idle Fees paid; former owners may claim a $10.00 payment.
- Estimated payment
- fees waived plus refund; $10.00 for former owners
- Claim deadline
- Who is eligible
- People who received a Tesla vehicle in California before December 16, 2016, continued to own it after that date, were California citizens as of June 21, 2021, and fall within one of the three Liability Subclasses defined on the official settlement website.
- How you get paid
- For eligible current owners, Tesla will not disable Supercharger access, will restore it if previously disabled, and will waive unpaid Idle Fees. Class Members who submit a valid Claim Form may receive a refund of Supercharger Idle Fees paid. A Class Member who no longer owns an eligible vehicle may instead claim a $10.00 payment.
- Proof required
- Submit a valid Claim Form. Former owners attest to their class membership; refund claims are drawn from Tesla's records of Idle Fees paid.
This information is not a substitute for legal advice.
Verified on . Based on Official Settlement Website — Shenkman v. Tesla, Inc. (No. RG21102833, Superior Court for Alameda County, California) (Simpluris, 2026). See the method.