Tesla Layoffs Delay Supercharger Access for Polestar, GM
Tesla’s recent decision to lay off its entire Supercharger team has led to delays in the timeline for connecting more non-Tesla brands to its charging network.
Initially, Tesla’s website stated that Volvo, GM, and Polestar drivers would gain access to 15,000 eligible stations by spring 2024. However, Polestar has indicated that the timeline has shifted. “The timeline has been adjusted to later this summer, but we donât have further details to share at this time,” a Polestar representative told PCMag.
On Thursday, Sanaz Marbley, director of global strategic technology communications at GM, mentioned that adapters would be “available to purchase through our GM vehicle brand apps later this year,” suggesting a potential delay beyond the spring 2024 rollout. Marbley later clarified that the target is still spring 2024 but noted that GM does not have “a specific date” for when adapters will be available, adding that summer is just a few weeks away.
After the layoffs, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced the company would be investing over $500 million into new Superchargers this year.
The adapters are designed to allow non-Tesla drivers to use Supercharger stations by converting the Tesla-designed NACS port to the CCS port used by other electric vehicles. Rivian and Ford, which gained access to the Supercharger network earlier this year, are currently in the process of providing their drivers with these adapters.
All EV brands in the US were initially scheduled to gain access to the Supercharger network by the end of this year or in 2025, though this rollout may now face delays or adjustments.