Tesla fires 500 workers in its Supercharger team: “Everyone is in complete shock”
In a startling move, Tesla has laid off 500 employees from its Supercharger division, raising concerns about the company’s charging strategy amidst calls for further expansion from EV enthusiasts. The fallout was swift, with Tesla shares plummeting nearly 6% on Tuesday in response to CEO Elon Musk’s push for additional job cuts.
The news came just a day after Elon Musk fired two Tesla senior executives as part of a broader initiative to trim staff and reshape the company’s trajectory. The decision was reportedly influenced by declining sales and dissatisfaction with the pace of previous job cuts.
Sources indicate that this decision, driven by dwindling sales and dissatisfaction with previous layoff efforts, marks a significant departure from Tesla’s previous approach. “Everyone is in complete shock,” another source told Axios.
Reports from The Information suggest that Musk’s directive was delivered via email to Tesla managers, announcing the departure of key figures such as Senior Director of EV Charging, Rebecca Tinucci, and Director of Vehicle Programs, Daniel Ho. Musk’s frustration with the pace of downsizing was palpable, with insiders describing a sense of shock rippling through the company.
The shake-up is particularly notable considering Musk’s longstanding emphasis on Tesla’s Supercharger network as a cornerstone of its competitive edge and essential for EV market expansion. Notably, the company parted ways with EV charging chief Rebecca Tinucci and a substantial portion of her team, according to sources familiar with the cuts.
As Tesla navigates these internal shifts, the broader implications for its charging infrastructure and market positioning remain uncertain, leaving stakeholders and enthusiasts alike on edge.