FYI: Tesla faces pushback in Sweden as labor strikes hinder the power-up of over 100 Supercharger stations amidst peak holiday travel.
Tesla’s Supercharger Expansion Hampered by Swedish Strikes
Recent holiday travel in Sweden has seen Tesla and other electric vehicle (EV) drivers queuing at Supercharger stations due to delays in activating new charging stalls. This situation arises from solidarity strikes linked to an ongoing dispute between Tesla and Sweden’s largest auto and metalworkers union, IF Metall. These strikes have impeded the activation of more than 100 new charging stalls that were meant to bolster Sweden’s EV infrastructure during the winter season.
For over a year, IF Metall has been at odds with Tesla over the absence of a collective bargaining agreement. The conflict has extended to sympathy strikes with utility providers, preventing Tesla from connecting new Supercharger stations to the electrical grid. This disruption has left many Swedish EV drivers experiencing lengthy waits at charging stations, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing EV infrastructure in the region.
Tesla Charging Director Max de Zegher commented on the challenging circumstances via social media, expressing the company’s commitment to developing new stations. Despite the current gridlock, Tesla is actively expanding its network in places such as Malung, Käppen, Vansbro, Idre, Särna, and Sunne. De Zegher also urged Swedish citizens to appeal to local officials for support in energizing the stalled Supercharger sites.
The strikes come on the heels of Tesla’s recent decision to open its Supercharger network to other EV brands. While the labor disputes persist, the ramifications have reached beyond charging stalls, affecting Tesla’s vehicle imports, licensing, and service operations in Sweden. Initially, dockworkers attempted to block Tesla vehicle imports, leading the company to find alternative delivery methods. The union has also attempted to withhold license plates for Tesla’s newly registered vehicles and restrict repairs and maintenance. Though the latter blockade was lifted earlier this year, Tesla continues to face operational challenges.
As the impasse progresses, Tesla remains determined to advance its workarounds and mitigate the ongoing impact on Swedish EV drivers. The strikes not only affect the company’s operations but also stall the growth of EV infrastructure within Sweden, ultimately hindering the country’s progress in matching the advancements of other regions.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
