Some Tesla owners could get up to $350 in settlement. How to file claim

Some California Tesla drivers could qualify for up to a $350 cash payment as part of a settlement from a class action lawsuit. 

The case stems from idle fees charged to certain Tesla owners, according to the Tesla Idle Fee Class Action Settlement website. 

Here's what to know, including who's eligible and how to submit a claim. 

What is the lawsuit about? 

The class action lawsuit argues that Tesla improperly charged idle fees to customers who purchased Tesla vehicles with free lifetime Supercharging. In addition, the lawsuit argues that when those customers refused to pay idle fees, Tesla disabled or said it would disable those vehicles’ access to Superchargers. 

Tesla argues its conduct was in compliance with the law and agreements with customers and denies any wrongdoing. 

What is an idle fee? 

An

idle fee is a per-minute penalty for drivers who leave their electric vehicles plugged into a charging station after the battery has finished charging. The fee is meant to discourage drivers from leaving their vehicles parked in a charging spot too long.

Tesla charges idle fees at its Supercharger stations. Here’s a breakdown of Tesla’s current idle fee structure: 

• Fees only start if a charging station is at 50% capacity 
• Drivers have a 5-minute grace period to move their vehicles after it's finished charging before idle fees begin to accrue 
• In the U.S., idle fees are usually $0.50 per minute. However, that fee doubles to $1.00 per minute if the station is at 100% capacity. 

Why is there a settlement?  

Because the court could not determine whether the plaintiffs or Tesla were right, both sides agreed to a settlement, subject to court approval. The court will decide whether to approve the settlement. 

Who qualifies for a settlement payment? 

To be eligible for a settlement payment, drivers must meet the following qualifications:  

• Have received a Tesla vehicle in California before Dec. 16, 2016. 
• Have continued owning that vehicle after Dec. 16, 2016. 
• Have been a California resident as of June 21, 2021. 
• Owners must also fall into one of the following eligible vehicle purchase categories: 
  • Purchased a vehicle listed as "Supercharger Enabled" before Dec. 16, 2016. 
  • Purchased a vehicle listed as "Supercharger Hardware" before Dec. 16, 2016. 
  • Purchased a vehicle listed as "Supercharger Hardware & Access" before Dec. 16, 2016. 

What are the benefits of filing a claim? 

Some Tesla owners may be eligible for more than one benefit from the settlement. 

Here’s a breakdown of benefits available to eligible Tesla owners. 

• Supercharger access 
  • For eligible owners who still have their vehicles, Tesla will not disable Supercharger access. 
  • If a vehicle's access was previously disabled, Tesla will restore it. 
  • Tesla will waive any unpaid idle fees accrued before the settlement. 
  • If a driver no longer has an eligible vehicle, they can submit a claim for a $10 payment. 
• Refund of idle fees 
  • Eligible owners can get a refund for idle fees they paid prior to the settlement. 
  • Tesla will use its records to determine a refund amount. 
  • Fees that were unpaid or waived are not eligible for refunds. 
  • Tesla can charge idle fees incurred after the settlement. 
• Payments for disabled Supercharger access 
  • Tesla owners whose vehicle’s Supercharger access was disabled because of unpaid fees may qualify for the following:  
    • A $50 cash payment if access was disabled for less than 30 days. 
    • A $350 cash payment if access was disabled for 30 or more consecutive days. 

When is the deadline to file a claim? 

Eligible Tesla drivers must file a claim by Sept. 25, 2026 

How to submit a claim 

The quickest way to submit a claim form is online on the Tesla Idle Fee Class Action Settlement website.  

You can also download a printable claim form here and mail it to the following address: 

• Tesla Idle Fee Class Action Settlement c/o Settlement Administrator P.O. Box 25226 Santa Ana, CA 92799-9958 

What's next? 

The settlement is pending court approval. A final approval hearing is scheduled for Dec. 2. 

Should the court approve the settlement, there is a chance of appeals. If any appeals are filed, it is uncertain how long those may take to resolve. 

Settlements will be disbursed once the court grants final approval and after any potential appeals are resolved. 

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Some Tesla owners could get up to $350 in settlement. How to file claim