The New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) has sparked controversy by opting for a sole third-party electric vehicle (EV) charging provider, effectively shutting Tesla out of co-locating its Superchargers along the Turnpike. According to posts from Tesla’s official Tesla Charging account on X, the NJTA has requested that 64 existing Tesla Supercharger stalls not be renewed, leading to their decommissioning. This decision has ignited a firestorm of criticism from Tesla, EV advocates, and the public, with many alleging corruption or political bias as the driving force behind the move.

Tesla claims to have offered above-market commercial terms, including plans to build Superchargers at all New Jersey service plazas with upgraded equipment like screens and NACS with CCS1 “magic docks.” Despite these offers, the NJTA declined to allow co-location, a decision Tesla argues is a setback for New Jersey’s ambitious goal of 100% zero-emission new car sales by 2035. Tesla emphasized that its network boasts a 99.9% uptime, minimal congestion, and costs roughly 30% lower per kWh compared to competitors, making the removal of its infrastructure a puzzling choice for a state pushing EV adoption.

A Preemptive Response from Tesla

In anticipation of this outcome, Tesla has spent three years building 116 replacement Supercharger stalls off the Turnpike to ensure no interruption for its customers. As noted by Sawyer Merritt on X, Tesla’s proactive planning means its drivers will likely face minimal inconvenience, with Trip Planner automatically adjusting routes to nearby stations. However, the broader implications for EV drivers, particularly non-Tesla owners, remain a concern, as the decision limits overall charging options along one of the state’s busiest corridors.

Public sentiment on X has been overwhelmingly critical of the NJTA and Governor Phil Murphy. Users like Jon and Frank Granara have labeled the move as “criminally absurd” and a clear sign of corruption, arguing that Tesla’s superior charging experience benefits all EV drivers. Mikey Likes echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the decision prioritizes political grift over public interest, while blanky mcblank questioned whether animosity toward Tesla, possibly fueled by external narratives, influenced the choice.

Allegations of Corruption and Political Bias

Historical anecdotes shared on X further fuel speculation of systemic bias against Tesla in New Jersey. David Havasi, a former Tesla employee, recounted a 2012 encounter with state transportation officials who allegedly told the company, in “mob-style” fashion, that it would never be allowed to operate in the state, forcing Tesla to find creative workarounds. Meanwhile, Ⓜ️att the Phoenix criticized the decision as an example of Democrats using political power to make life worse for constituents, framing it as a deliberate political statement.

Tesla remains open to reversing the situation, publicly calling on the NJTA and Governor Murphy via X to reconsider. Without a change, the company vows to continue expanding off-Turnpike infrastructure to serve New Jersey’s EV community. For now, the decommissioning of 64 Superchargers stands as a contentious issue, raising questions about transparency, fairness, and the state’s commitment to its clean energy future.