Elon Musk announced the decision to disband Tesla’s supercharger team as part of a larger effort to reduce the company’s workforce by approximately 10%. The rationale behind this move was to slow down the growth of the Supercharger network and instead focus on ensuring 100% uptime and expanding existing locations. Although Tesla still plans to expand the network, the emphasis will now be on maintaining and enhancing the current infrastructure. In a separate development, Tesla has opened Supercharger access to several other automakers, including Rivian and Ford.
More than 10 major car companies are expected to receive charging capabilities at North American locations, with many opting to adopt the NACS connector for their vehicles in 2025 and beyond. The decision to slow down the expansion of the Supercharger Network has sparked concerns among some Tesla enthusiasts, who argue that convenient and easily accessible charging infrastructure is vital for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in North America. They point out that with more cars gaining access to the network, particularly in states with fewer Superchargers or in rural areas, the move may not be ideal for ensuring convenient charging options. The question posed is whether one agrees with the decision to slow down the expansion of the Supercharger Network in light of the increasing number of electric vehicles gaining access to it.