In a shocking move, Tesla has gutted its charging team in a new round of layoffs, despite recently solidifying its position as a leader in the electric vehicle market. The company’s Supercharger network, known for its reliability and widespread availability, has been a key selling point for Tesla vehicles. The connector technology used by the network, known as the North American Charging Standard, has also been adopted by major automakers in the region.
CEO Elon Musk announced the layoffs in an overnight email to executives, emphasizing the need for cost reduction and efficiency. The entire global charging organization was let go, including senior leaders like Rebecca Tinucci and Daniel Ho. The unexpected move has left many in the industry surprised and uncertain about the future of Tesla’s charging network.
One of the team leads, Will Jameson, took to social media to share the news, expressing uncertainty about the impact of the layoffs on the charging network and industry collaborations. Musk also hinted at a slowdown in the expansion of the Supercharger network, focusing only on critical locations and ongoing construction projects.
In addition to the charging team, Tesla is also dissolving its public policy team, further signaling a shift in the company’s priorities. These layoffs come on the heels of a company-wide restructuring and workforce reduction, as Tesla aims to focus on autonomy and innovation in the competitive EV market. With Musk’s ambitious goals and ongoing challenges, the future of Tesla’s charging infrastructure and overall strategy remains uncertain.