Amidst the devastating wildfires that have ravaged California, Elon Musk, Tesla, and SpaceX have stepped up to provide relief efforts to those affected. With an estimated 150,000 people forced to evacuate, the companies have utilized their resources to help authorities and evacuees in various ways.
One of the initiatives undertaken by Tesla and Musk is the deployment of Cybertrucks equipped with Starlink satellite internet to provide power to areas in LA without connectivity. Some Cybertruck deliveries have been paused to prioritize these relief efforts, with Musk stating that the trucks will be used as mobile base stations. Additionally, SpaceX has announced that it will provide free Starlink terminals to affected areas in LA.
Tesla has also donated Cybertrucks to be used as battery banks in Altadena, providing power to buildings for authorities involved in fighting the fires. The Altadena Mountain Rescue team shared photos of the Cybertrucks being used in this capacity, highlighting the importance of these resources in powering radios, computers, and lights during the firefighting efforts.
In a comprehensive post on X, Tesla outlined the various efforts they have undertaken to support employees and communities impacted by the fires. This includes deploying mobile Megapack charging stations and Powerwalls for Starlink, as well as setting up mobile Superchargers powered by Megapacks in Thousand Oaks.
To further support those evacuating from the fires, Tesla has announced that all Autopilot and Supervised Full-Self Driving (FSD) strikes in California will be forgiven. This initiative aims to alleviate some of the stress faced by individuals evacuating from the affected areas.
One Tesla owner shared their experience using a Cybertruck to keep their household powered during outages using Powershare. The user described using the Cybertruck’s Powershare feature to provide electricity to their home, showcasing the versatility and usefulness of Tesla’s products during times of crisis.
Overall, Tesla, SpaceX, and Musk have demonstrated their commitment to providing support and assistance to those impacted by the wildfires in California. Their efforts to deploy resources, offer free services, and forgive strikes show a dedication to helping communities in need during challenging times.