Tesla has reportedly transferred responsibility for its Supercharger charging network to its team overseeing the solar and battery storage business, following a tumultuous period of layoffs and reorganization within the company. The move comes after Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Supercharger team, leading to the dismissal of former Supercharger boss Rebecca Tinucci and her entire 500-member team.
According to a recent Reuters report, Tinucci had initially laid off around 15 to 20 percent of her team at the request of management, but Musk was not satisfied and demanded further staff cuts. When Tinucci expressed concerns that additional cuts would undermine the charging business, Musk decided to remove her and her team from their positions.
Subsequently, Tesla’s energy team, responsible for selling solar and battery storage products, was tasked with taking over the Supercharger business. However, this team is reportedly already stretched thin with its current responsibilities.
Despite the layoffs, Musk has pledged to continue expanding the Supercharger network. He recently announced on social media plans to create “thousands” of new charging stations this year with a $500 million investment, although this figure is reportedly lower than the original budget for 2024.
There are indications that some of the employees who were laid off may be rehired to help coordinate the expansion of the charging network. Bloomberg reported that Tesla has already begun rehiring some employees, including Max de Zegher, who is now overseeing Tesla’s charging business in North America. However, Tinucci is unlikely to be among those rehired, as she recently confirmed her resignation from Tesla.
Despite the changes, there has been recent activity from the Supercharger division on social media, indicating that Tesla remains committed to supporting and growing the network. Tesla’s Supercharger network has been a key part of the company’s mission to provide reliable travel freedom since 2012, and the company expressed gratitude to operators and suppliers for their patience during the internal reorganization.
Tesla has faced challenges in recent months, including declining sales and business figures for the first quarter. The company has also experienced several high-profile departures, including its Head of Engineering Drew Baglino and Head of Policy Rohan Patel, as well as other key managers.
