Japan is considering extending subsidies for the construction of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to include Tesla’s Supercharger system, as part of ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, local broadcaster TBS reported on Saturday.
Currently, Japan limits public subsidies to EV charging stations using the CHAdeMO standard, which was developed domestically. Tesla’s proprietary Supercharger network, which is widely used in the United States and other markets, is not eligible under the existing program.
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The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has raised concerns about the exclusion of Tesla’s infrastructure, and has urged Tokyo to address the issue, TBS said.
Japan is reportedly aiming for a third round of tariff talks with Washington as early as next week, and its top trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, may travel to the U.S. capital to lead discussions.
In a separate report, the Nikkei business daily said Japanese officials are signaling a willingness to negotiate a reduction—rather than full elimination—of U.S. tariffs on Japanese goods. Current tariffs include a 25% levy on automobiles and auto parts and 24% on other categories.
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Akazawa has previously maintained that Tokyo’s position is to seek full exemptions for auto-related tariffs, describing the issue as a central priority for Japan’s export-driven economy.
“We have consistently conveyed our stance that U.S. tariffs on automobiles and auto parts should be removed entirely,” Akazawa said in earlier public statements.
The proposed subsidy change for Tesla Superchargers could be seen as a goodwill gesture aimed at resolving U.S. trade concerns, while also supporting broader EV adoption in Japan.
Source: Reuters