[m-i-l]

Tesla did have battery swap stations where the battery would be swapped in around 90 seconds (less time than it takes to fill up a tank)[0]. However, uptake was apparently very small so focus was shifted to building the network of supercharger stations[1].

[0] https://www.teslamotors.com/blog/battery-swap-pilot-program

[1] http://www.engadget.com/2015/06/10/tesla-battery-swap/

[toomuchtodo]

Tesla's battery swap station was a compliance tool in order to collect ZEV credits in California. A battery swap station costs ~$500K, while a Supercharger station with charging stalls costs $150K.

Tesla has determined that Supercharging is adequate for Tesla owners, and continued uptake of the product seems to confirm that hypothesis.

[shpx]

Here's a close up demonstration

https://youtu.be/CH-H3-F4Ztc?t=2m8s

[andygates]

The more interesting question, then, becomes "why didn't you swap your battery?" to drivers who charged instead.

[greglindahl]

You had to swap back to your own battery on the way home. When I drive SF/LA, I go down on I5 (passing the swap station) and come back up the coast.

If Teslas had leased batteries it would be easier, but they do not.

[m-i-l]

Charging is currently free, whereas the battery swap was US$60.