Drivers on the New Jersey Turnpike may face new challenges in accessing reliable electric vehicle charging as Tesla prepares to remove over 60 Superchargers from the major highway. The decision, initiated by state authorities, reflects a growing tension in the rapidly expanding EV infrastructure sector. While the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) has not publicly detailed the selection criteria leading to the change, some EV users worry about the effect on charging accessibility and flexibility. The move comes at a key moment as the competition for EV charging partnerships intensifies, raising broader questions about public access and provider selection on heavily trafficked routes.
Coverage earlier this year focused on emerging partnerships between state agencies and third-party charging companies, but did not indicate Tesla would be required to dismantle existing Supercharger sites. Reports from several months ago suggested that Tesla’s presence on the Turnpike would expand to support more drivers, as the Supercharger Network opened to vehicles from multiple manufacturers. Recent announcements mark a shift in policy and public communications, with state authorities now prioritizing a unified third-party provider over maintaining multiple established networks.
Why Is Tesla Shutting Down Turnpike Superchargers?
The NJTA, responsible for managing the toll road, has directed Tesla to close 64 Superchargers following the agency’s agreement with a single outside company to supply EV charging services. The requirement affects one of the nation’s busiest highways, where Superchargers served not only Tesla vehicles but also other brands as interoperability expanded.
How Has Tesla Responded to State Decisions?
Elon Musk expressed skepticism of the move, raising doubt about the underlying intent:
Sounds like corruption
. Despite no confirmed evidence linking the decision to anti-Tesla sentiment, Musk’s statement reflects a perception of exclusion from public EV infrastructure projects. Tesla appears to have anticipated the possibility, as the company constructed 116 additional charging stations in proximity to the Turnpike, aiming to serve continued demand from EV drivers.
What Could Be the Broader Consequences?
Some observers question whether political considerations influenced the removal of established Tesla infrastructure, particularly as officials in other states have openly criticized both the company and its CEO. The decision highlights the complexity of balancing public-private partnerships, technological compatibility, and broader access to charging networks for growing numbers of EV owners.
The shift in New Jersey illustrates ongoing uncertainty within the EV charging sector regarding the roles of private companies and government agencies. For drivers, the displacement of Tesla’s widely used Superchargers suggests a changing landscape where access may depend more on state contracts than on existing infrastructure or consumer choice. Industry stakeholders, including other automakers and charging service providers, will likely monitor the impact on convenience and reliability as states overhaul partnerships. Consumers may find it helpful to check for alternate charging locations or network affiliations before embarking on long journeys along major corridors. As more vehicles join the road requiring electric service, transparent criteria in infrastructure selection and transition could reduce user disruption during periods of rapid network change.
