Tesla Obliged to Eliminate 64 Superchargers from New Jersey Turnpike After State Agrees on Partnership with Another Charging Company
Tesla Faces Setback in New Jersey as Superchargers Are Decommissioned
Tesla, a leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has faced a setback in New Jersey as the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) has denied the company the opportunity to co-locate its Superchargers on the New Jersey Turnpike. This decision has resulted in Tesla having to decommission 64 Supercharger stalls on this roadway.
The NJTA awarded an exclusive contract to a third-party charging provider, Applegreen Electric, instead of Tesla. This move has been met with controversy, as Tesla's Superchargers are a crucial part of the fast-charging infrastructure for EV drivers.
Tesla's Superchargers are currently undergoing upgrades with new liquid-cooled cables to allow higher charging rates and improved user experience. However, these improvements will now be limited in reach in New Jersey due to the contract award.
The decision by the NJTA might also be seen in the broader context of competition and infrastructure control on major corridors. Tesla claims that the NJTA's decision undermines New Jersey's clean transportation goals.
Impacts on New Jersey's Clean Transportation Goals
The potential impacts of this decision include reduced charging availability for Tesla owners on a major travel corridor, which could discourage EV adoption or limit long-distance EV travel convenience in the state. It could also slow progress toward statewide EV infrastructure goals, as Tesla's Supercharger network is a proven fast-charging solution integral to many EV drivers.
Moreover, it could lead to delays or complications in expanding fast-charging networks critical to encouraging drivers to switch from gasoline vehicles to EVs, which is essential for meeting greenhouse gas reduction and clean transportation targets.
Alternative Charging Locations
In response to this situation, Tesla's in-car Trip Planner will now automatically redirect drivers to alternative charging locations. Installations of Applegreen Electric chargers will continue through the summer and fall at other rest stops.
Tesla has constructed 116 Supercharger stalls off the Turnpike to ensure uninterrupted service for its customers. Despite this setback, Tesla remains committed to expanding the best charging infrastructure off the Turnpike to serve EV drivers in New Jersey.
The NJTA plans to activate new Applegreen Electric chargers on June 6 at six major service areas. However, the cost per kilowatt-hour for Tesla's Superchargers is approximately 30% lower compared to alternatives, offering superior reliability with 99.9% uptime and less than 1% wait times.
Tesla's proposed upgrade included displays and NACS "Magic Dock" adapters that support both Tesla and non-Tesla vehicles. This decision, while a setback for Tesla in New Jersey, highlights the need for comprehensive, competitive, and efficient EV charging infrastructure deployment to fully realize clean transportation ambitions.
Sources: [1] https://www.tesla.com/support/charging [2] https://www.nj.com/transportation/2021/03/tesla-loses-supercharger-contract-on-nj-turnpike-as-competition-heats-up.html [3] https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-supercharger-stalls-decommissioned-nj-turnpike/ [4] https://www.nj.com/opinion/2021/03/opinion-tesla-losing-superchargers-on-nj-turnpike-is-a-missed-opportunity-for-cleaner-transportation.html
- This decision by the NJTA, decommissioning Tesla's Superchargers on the New Jersey Turnpike, may discourage electric vehicle (EV) adoption and hinder the growth of technology-driven transportation lifestyle, as it limits the availability of fast-charging infrastructure for EV drivers.
- The competition for charging station provision on major corridors, such as the New Jersey Turnpike, is intensifying, raising questions about the control of technology in the EV charging industry and its impact on electric cars and clean transportation goals.
