FYI: In a puzzling move, Tesla’s Supercharger stations on the NJ Turnpike are set to be replaced by Applegreen Electric, impacting EV drivers.
Tesla’s Supercharging Stations to be Removed on NJ Turnpike
In a surprising decision at a time when the U.S. is striving to expand electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, Tesla has been asked to dismantle 64 of its Supercharger stalls along the bustling New Jersey Turnpike. These will be replaced with Applegreen Electric stations—a choice that may pose challenges for many EV commuters.
Background and Implications
Tesla recently shared on social media platform X that the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) has initiated this transition, effective June 2. The NJ Turnpike, a critical transit route for the Northeast, sees significant traffic from New Jersey, New York, and Eastern Pennsylvania. The region has witnessed a surge in EV adoption, making Tesla’s reliable Supercharger network invaluable.
Tesla sought to negotiate a compromise by proposing simultaneous operation alongside Applegreen with improvements for universal EV access at every Turnpike service stop. However, this suggestion was declined by the NJTA.
Tesla’s Position
Tesla criticized the decision, stating the removal hinders New Jersey’s EV adoption aspirations, aiming for 100% Zero-Emission New Car Sales by 2035. The company had prepared for this scenario by establishing 116 alternative Supercharger stalls off the Turnpike. The Tesla onboard trip planner will reroute drivers to these locations. Unfortunately, drivers of non-Tesla EVs, including models from Ford, GM, Rivian, and Hyundai, who also rely on these stalls, will face the inconvenience of adjusting to a potentially less reliable network.
Applegreen vs. Tesla: Charging Station Comparison
Applegreen stations offer charging speeds up to 400 kilowatts and feature Tesla-style NACS cables. Nevertheless, they generally have fewer stalls compared to Tesla’s installations, which routinely include up to 12 dispensers. While Applegreen’s price ranges from $0.35 to $0.59 per kilowatt-hour, Tesla’s rates range between $0.20 and $0.45, varying by time and demand.
Reliability Concerns
Frequent users of the NJ Turnpike report varied experiences with non-Tesla charging stations. Many describe issues with reliability at alternatives like Electrify America, highlighting Tesla drivers’ smoother experiences as they effortlessly charge and continue their journeys. This seamlessness is becoming more accessible to non-Tesla owners as the market increasingly adopts the NACS plugs.
Conclusion
The removal of Tesla Superchargers could serve as a cautionary tale in limiting efficient EV infrastructure. The decision underscores the need for more inclusive charging solutions rather than reducing existing options. As the EV market grows, diverse and extensive charging networks are essential for accommodating this evolution.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
