Tesla could generate billions of dollars annually by allowing drivers of Ford and other EVs to use its U.S. charging stations.

• On Thursday, Tesla made its Superchargers accessible to drivers of Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning electric vehicles.
• Tesla struck similar partnerships with General Motors and other automakers in North America.
• Tesla could potentially earn between $6 billion and $12 billion in annual revenue from charging fees by allowing access to its charging stations for non-Tesla EV owners by 2030, according to AutoForecast Solutions.

As of Thursday, electric vehicle owners in North America can use Tesla Superchargers to charge their Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning models.

Ford CEO Jim Farley stated on LinkedIn that the charging partnership, utilizing fast-charging adapters, would enhance the EV ownership experience for Ford EV drivers, as he personally tested it and found it to be effective.

Tesla has struck a deal with GM, announced in June, allowing GM customers to use over 12,000 Tesla fast chargers in the US and Canada. As per Mary Barra, GM's CEO, the company anticipates saving up to $400 million of their planned investment in EV charging infrastructure.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has shifted his strategy by forming partnerships, which has necessitated significant investments in technical and business development to become the charging standard and eliminate long lines for consumers.

But Tesla has plenty to gain from working with others.

According to Sam Fiorani, Tesla's efforts to expand its charging infrastructure will eventually result in significant financial gains, such as from environmental credits and charging fees.

Despite a potential slowdown in the adoption of battery electric vehicles in the U.S. and a smaller electric vehicle fleet than initially planned, Tesla could still generate $6 billion to $12 billion annually from its expanded charging business by 2030, according to Fiorani's email.

Although Tesla may lose customers to other brands due to easier charging, AutoForecast stated that there are other factors that attract buyers to Tesla.

"Tesla owners are unlikely to cross-shop at Kia, Ford, or Mercedes-Benz dealerships because they are solely interested in purchasing a Tesla, according to Fiorani. Despite increasing competition, the majority of Tesla owners will remain loyal to the brand and return for future purchases with little or no comparison shopping."

The Inflation Reduction Act allows Tesla to receive federal money if other automakers use its charging network.

Fiorani wrote that Tesla is not afraid to use government regulations to generate income and has been exploring various revenue streams throughout its existence.

Tesla didn't respond to a request for further information.

Tesla includes charging revenue in its "Total automotive & services and other segment revenue," but the company has not disclosed whether it separates revenue from non-Tesla vehicle use of its charging network.

On Thursday, William Navarro Jameson, Tesla's Strategic Charging Programs lead, shared on LinkedIn that reaching this stage with Ford has necessitated extensive "interoperability testing," as well as the development of all the required hardware and software integrations and the resolution of legal issues.

Over the past 18 months, numerous pieces of the puzzle have been put in place, as he wrote.

Tesla advertised the expansion of its charging network in North America on social media and shared a link to attract more retailers to host Superchargers at their locations.

The Tesla charging connector is gaining momentum to become the standard for electric vehicles in North America.