Tesla’s original plan to open its industry-leading charging network in North America for other electric vehicles has encountered delays due to the recent layoffs that have affected the entire Supercharging team, according to Quartz.
Tesla layoffs hit Polestar, GM charging plans
General Motors, Polestar, and Volvo were on track to gain access to the robust Tesla Supercharger network in North America this Spring.
A total of 15,000 Supercharger stalls will supposedly accommodate non-Tesla electric vehicles, making charging sessions more convenient for EV drivers across the US and Canada.
However, the Musk-led company suddenly dismissed its entire Supercharging team, including its Senior Director of Charging Infrastructure, Rebecca Tinucci, earlier this year. The move is part of the wider layoff push that affected 10% of Tesla’s global workforce to help sustain cash.
In effect, the sudden reorganization reportedly affected the plans of several of Tesla’s NACS partners. Some of them were pushed to delay their anticipated access to Tesla’s charging network.
According to PC Mag, GM and Polestar confirmed they postponed their originally planned acquisition of NACS adapters from Spring to Summer. Meanwhile, Volvo has yet to confirm the news.
Tesla backtracks from the layoffs
Tesla has recently hired back some employees of the approximately 500 Supercharger team members CEO Elon Musk laid off in late April 2024.
While the total number of rehired Supercharger team members remains vague, Max de Zegher confirmed his return to Tesla as the North American Charging Director.
George Bahadue also announced his come back as the company’s Sr. Manager of Site Acquisition and Business Development for Commercial Charging on the social networking website LinkedIn.
“Two weeks ago, I was asked to return to Tesla in my previous capacity heading up business development and site acquisition for Tesla charging – I accepted.”
George Bahadue, Tesla Supercharger Manager
Moreover, CEO Elon Musk also reiterated plans to continue expanding the Supercharger network. However, it will apparently observe a slower pace than 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
The Tesla boss’ decision to lay off the Supercharger team seems a wrong idea, considering how it impeded the wider adoption of NACS in the region. It also compromised the plans of its partners, potentially disappointing their current and future customers.
As of now, only Ford and Rivian have gained access to Tesla’s Supercharger network through NACS adapters.
Considering GM and Polestar’s confirmation of delayed access, all other OEMs in line behind will certainly encounter similar delays. For context, the order in which automakers signed up for the Supercharger network will likely determine the order in which they gain access to the network.
