Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed that his company will continue expanding its electric vehicle charging network around the U.S., but at a slower pace amid layoffs at the Supercharger department.
“Tesla still plans to grow the Supercharger network, just at a slower pace for new locations and more focus on 100% uptime and expansion of existing locations,” Mr. Musk posted on X.
Some of his fans were unhappy with the announcement, saying EV drivers would have a tough time reaching certain locations.
“EVs are the perfect car … until you want to take your family on a vacation,” one user wrote in reply to Mr. Musk. “This is unbelievable.”
Mr. Musk tried to calm the nerves of Tesla fans by posting, “Sites under construction will be completed, and we will add additional Superchargers anywhere where there are gaps.”
The announcement comes one day after Mr. Musk axed the entire Supercharger group, including its leader, Rebecca Tinucci. Her team oversaw the expansion of Tesla‘s Supercharger network and the adoption of Tesla‘s North American Charging Standard at other competing automakers.
This week’s layoffs are in addition to other cuts announced by Mr. Musk in April, with the CEO saying Tesla will slice 10% of its global workforce.
The layoffs are part of larger belt-tightening measures at the EV giant as economic conditions worsen. Tesla reported slowing sales and disappointing deliveries in the first quarter, with experts citing increased competition and slowing demand as the principal causes.