Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk has finally shed light on the recent dismissal of the entire Supercharger team amid the wider layoff in the company’s global workforce.
Tesla explains rationale for dismissing Supercharger team
On Tuesday, EV-a2z reported Tesla’s decision to lay off several senior executives in fresh job cuts. The company shakeup affected the Tesla Supercharger Senior Director Rebecca Tinucci and all her subordinates in the Supercharger team.
It was only a small portion of the electric automaker’s wider effort to cut 10% of its total workforce.
The move stimulated concerns among Tesla investors and fans, prompting CEO Elon Musk to speak up.
According to the Tesla boss, the company remains committed to expanding the Supercharger network. However, he explained that the expansion pace would now be slower than originally planned.
“Tesla still plans to grow the Supercharger network, just at a slower pace for new locations and more focus on 100% uptime and expansion of existing locations.”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk
Supercharger network opens to more non-Tesla EVs
Tesla has started to open its enormous Supercharger network to some of the first OEMs who signed the NACS deal, including Ford and Rivian.
As part of the deal, electric automakers pledged to adopt the NACS plug and integrate the port on their next-gen vehicles as standard in 2025 and beyond. Before that, some brands like Ford and Rivian are relying on NACS adapters to access the Supercharger network as early as this year.
Considering the expected surge of non-Tesla EVs with Supercharger compatibility, the sudden decision to scale back the network expansion plans seems peculiar.
Apprehensions
Tesla’s odd Supercharger strategy shift prompted several enthusiasts and owners to express concerns about the decision.
Tesla content creator and Model 3/Y owner @cybrtrkguy declared that the move is a “goddamn disaster.” He also asserted that the Supercharger network must be the second top priority of the company outside of the Full Self-Driving (FSD).
“… You’re opening up the network to practically every EV driver on the continent without building with urgency? I’m honestly floored at this decision.”
The Cybertruck Guy (@cybrtrkguy on X)
The increasing number of electric vehicles gaining access to the Supercharger network in North America poses potential challenges related to charging convenience.
