Source: AFP
Tesla boss Elon Musk said on Friday that the electric vehicle maker will invest more than $500 million this year to install new superchargers, days after reports of mass layoffs at that branch of the company.
“Just to reiterate: Tesla will spend well over $500 million to expand our Supercharger network to create thousands of NEW chargers this year,” Elon told X.
“This only applies to new sites and extensions, not counting operating costs, which are much higher,” he added.
According to tech news outlet The Information on Monday, Tesla has moved to dismantle its supercharger division, laying off more than 500 employees as well as its top manager.
The revelation raised questions about the future growth of Tesla’s network of more than 50,000 fast chargers — the most extensive in the world, according to Tesla — which can add 200 miles (320 kilometers) of range to a quarter hour.
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Fears of inadequate charging infrastructure are one of the reasons electric vehicle sales are progressing less quickly than expected in the US, and Tesla’s well-developed network has been seen as key to reassuring customers.
In the spring of 2023, several competitors — Ford, General Motors, Rivian — entered into partnerships with Tesla so that their vehicles could use its fast-charging network in Canada and the United States.
A few weeks later, seven automakers — BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis — announced the creation of a joint venture to install, beginning this summer, at least 30,000 fast chargers in North America, accessible to all electric vehicles.
The reported layoffs came shortly after Tesla reported a 55% drop in quarterly profit to $1.1 billion, reflecting a decline in EV sales.
Source: AFP