Elon Musk, the controversial CEO of Tesla and other companies, recently made headlines once again for his clash with the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA). The dispute arose when the NJTA refused to allow Tesla to co-locate its chargers with other types of chargers and requested the decommissioning of 64 existing Supercharger stalls. In response, Musk took to social media to accuse the NJTA of corruption, sparking a heated debate.
The NJTA issued a statement announcing the transition to Universal Open Access EV chargers on June 6, provided exclusively by Applegreen Electric. These chargers are said to be compatible with all makes and models of EVs, although specific details such as port types and charging output were not disclosed. PlugShare revealed that the Vince Lombardi Service Station charger is already operational, featuring seven CCS plugs and one NACS plug.
Tesla claimed to have been preparing for this transition for three years by building 116 charging stalls along the New Jersey Turnpike to replace the decommissioned Supercharger stalls. The automaker also stated that it offered the NJTA above-market commercial terms, including building Superchargers at the New Jersey service plaza with equipment upgrades such as screens and NACS cables equipped with CCS1 “magic docks.”
The removal of Tesla Superchargers, known for their reliability in the U.S. charging network, raises questions about New Jersey’s commitment to EV adoption. The state aims to have all new car sales be zero-emissions by 2035, a goal announced in 2023. This move by the NJTA seems contradictory to the state’s long-term sustainability objectives.
Overall, the clash between Elon Musk and the NJTA highlights the challenges and complexities surrounding the transition to electric vehicles and the infrastructure needed to support widespread adoption. As the EV market continues to grow, it is essential for stakeholders to work together to ensure a seamless and efficient charging network that meets the needs of drivers and supports the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable transportation system.