New Jersey Turnpike to Remove 64 Tesla Superchargers in Controversial Infrastructure Shift

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) has made a controversial decision not to renew Tesla's contract, leading to the removal of 64 Superchargers from the busy roadway. This move has sparked concerns about the availability of EV charging infrastructure and its impact on New Jersey's electric vehicle adoption goals.

A Controversial Decision

On Friday, Tesla announced that the NJTA opted for a sole third-party provider for its electric vehicle infrastructure, effectively ending Tesla's presence on the Turnpike. This decision not only prevents the renewal of Tesla's contract but also mandates the decommissioning of all 64 existing Supercharger stalls.

Key Takeaways

• The New Jersey Turnpike Authority chose a single third-party charging provider.

• Tesla's contract for 64 Superchargers on the Turnpike will not be renewed.

• Tesla has been requested to decommission all existing Supercharger stalls.

• This decision raises concerns about EV charging accessibility on a major East Coast thoroughfare.

Tesla's Response and Preparations

Tesla revealed that it had anticipated this possibility for three years and has proactively built 116 Superchargers in nearby locations to ensure continued charging access for drivers. The company also stated that its Trip Planner would automatically adjust to reflect the changes.

Tesla expressed its disappointment, highlighting its efforts to maintain a beneficial relationship with the NJTA. The automaker offered various "above-market commercial items," including proposals to build Superchargers at all New Jersey Service Plazas and provide equipment upgrades like screens and adapters for other charging companies.

Impact on EV Adoption Goals

Tesla criticized the NJTA's decision, emphasizing that it contradicts the broader goal of accelerating EV adoption. The company argued that removing, rather than adding, critical charging infrastructure is a setback for New Jersey's ambitious target of 100% Zero-Emission New Car Sales by 2035. Tesla pointed out that its Superchargers offer:

• Reliability: 99.9% uptime.

• Low Congestion: Less than 1% wait times.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Approximately 30% lower cost per kWh.

Tesla reiterated its willingness to invest in Turnpike sites if the Authority or New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy were to reconsider the decision, advocating for more infrastructure and co-location with additional third-party charging providers to drive down costs and enhance capacity.