Tesla CEO Elon Musk has laid off the department responsible for Tesla’s electric vehicle chargers, raising concerns in the auto industry about the future of Tesla’s charging network, CNBC reports.
Tesla’s Supercharger network, with over 2,200 fast-charging stations nationwide, has been pivotal in addressing concerns about EV charging infrastructure. The move, which affects around 500 employees, has raised questions about the future integration of non-Tesla EVs into the Supercharger network. While Ford affirmed its commitment to joining the network, General Motors expressed caution, stating that it is monitoring the situation.
The move comes amid Tesla’s efforts to cut costs due to declining sales and demand for electric vehicles. Musk stated that Tesla still plans to expand the Supercharger network but at a slower pace with a focus on uptime and existing locations. Tesla’s stock has dropped over 27% this year, although it saw a slight rally after its first-quarter earnings conference call.
