Tesla is serious about its Mobile Service stations. The company says that it tripled its service capacity in 2017 by adding 100 new service centers, 1400 technicians and 350 mobile service vans.
“In service, since more than 80% of our repairs are so minor that they can be done remotely, we are expanding our mobile repair service that allows Tesla to make vehicle repairs at an owner’s home or office.” – Tesla
Customers are still warming up to the idea of calling on Mobile Service units for repairs. Tesla says 80% of repairs are minor and it can be fixed by its Mobile Service fleet. But in 2017, only 30% of all service jobs in North America were fixed by its mobile fleet.
As Tesla ramps up Model 3 production, the company is pulling out all stops to improve its service capacity and reach.
Will soon enable Tesla owners to request service from their phone with a few taps. Tesla Ranger will come to you to take care of your car. No need to bring the car in yourself & zero paperwork.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 20, 2018
Now Tesla has started an experimental program by parking a Mobile Service van at supercharging stations and make use of your charging time to fix minor niggles.
“Stopped by Kettleman City SC yesterday to top off. Saw a Mobile Service van parked at the end of the lot. Thought he might have been there for a quick break, but wanted to bend his ear about the mechanical nuances of the model S and model 3.
Was I surprised – Tesla started an experimental program in which they park a Mobile Service van at a supercharger and offer to do minor repairs while one charges. That morning he had already found a new owner whose autopilot had not been turned on despite having paid for it. He had made three other repairs.
The technician looked up the Vin, found that he had purchased the autopilot and turned the autopilot on for the gentleman. The technician showed me the van with its numerous tools and replacement parts. What car company goes into the community to find service problems on their vehicles and fix them. Impressed.” – Tesla Customer (via Teslamotorsclub)
But why is Tesla aggressively pushing the Mobile Service option?
Because it costs less and its easier to scale. Adding a bunch of Tesla Rangers is easier than building a service station. Then there is the cost of running those service stations while Mobile fleet can operate 24/7.
It’s one thing to get 7000 cars on the road every week but it’s another thing to take care of all those customers.
