FYI: The New Jersey Turnpike Authority has decided against renewing Tesla’s contract for its Superchargers, appointing a sole third-party for EV infrastructure instead.
Tesla is set to remove 64 Superchargers from the New Jersey Turnpike following a decision by the Turnpike’s governing body not to renew its agreement with the automaker.
New Jersey Turnpike Authority’s Decision
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) has chosen an exclusive third-party provider for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure along the highway. Consequently, Tesla’s contract was not renewed, leading to the removal of 64 Supercharger stalls from this major thoroughfare. This move could potentially make EV charging less accessible on the busy route.
Tesla’s Response and Preparations
In anticipation of this change, Tesla has spent the past three years installing 116 Superchargers in nearby areas to ensure that their customers continue to have access to reliable charging facilities. Additionally, Tesla’s Trip Planner tool will be updated automatically to reflect these changes.
Proposals from Tesla
Tesla expressed disappointment with the NJTA’s decision. The company had offered several enhancements, including building Superchargers across all New Jersey Service Plazas and upgrading equipment with new screens and plug adapters compatible with both NACS and CCS1 standards.
Advocacy for Enhanced Infrastructure
Tesla advocates for the expansion of EV infrastructure, emphasizing that it promotes competitive pricing and accelerates EV adoption. The company estimates that 30 times more fast-charging capacity will be necessary to reach the goal of full EV adoption. The NJTA’s choice to cut back on charging stations seems counterintuitive to New Jersey’s ambitions of achieving 100% Zero-Emission New Car Sales by 2035.
Future Possibilities
Despite this setback, Tesla remains open to investing further in the Turnpike’s charging sites should the NJTA or Governor Phil Murphy reconsider this decision.
Conclusion
Tesla’s proactive steps to enhance EV charging infrastructure reflect its commitment to broadening accessibility despite the recent contractual setback. The company continues to support initiatives that align with sustainable transportation goals.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
