Tesla (TSLA.O) is set to allocate upwards of $500 million this year towards the expansion of its rapid-charging infrastructure, as confirmed by CEO Elon Musk on Friday. This announcement comes shortly after a wave of sudden layoffs within the company’s charging business division.
Musk took to his social media platform X to underscore Tesla’s commitment, stating, “Just to reiterate: Tesla will spend well over $500M expanding our Supercharger network to create thousands of NEW chargers this year.” He clarified that this substantial investment pertains specifically to the establishment of new charging sites and the enhancement of existing ones, excluding operational expenses which are significantly higher.
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Following the recent workforce reductions, Musk had previously indicated a shift in strategy towards a more measured expansion of the Supercharger network for new locations. Despite this adjustment, Tesla remains dedicated to bolstering its charging infrastructure to accommodate the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs).
The adoption of Tesla’s North American Charging Standard by other EV manufacturers has positioned the company’s superchargers as a burgeoning industry norm, overshadowing the rival Combined Charging System. However, the restructuring within Tesla’s electric-vehicle charging team has thrown a wrench into plans for the rapid deployment of new fast-charging stations, potentially delaying President Joe Biden’s initiatives to electrify US highways.
The Biden administration’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, which aims to build 500,000 EV chargers across states with a $5 billion investment over five years, has seen Tesla emerge as a prominent beneficiary of federal funding. However, the recent shake-up within Tesla’s charging division raises concerns about the timely execution of infrastructure projects crucial for advancing the adoption of electric vehicles nationwide.
