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Tesla is set to remove 64 Supercharger stalls from eight stations along the New Jersey Turnpike after local authorities opted to switch providers. Previously, Tesla had an agreement with the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) to deploy their charging stations, but the contract has expired, and the NJTA chose Applegreen as the new exclusive provider.

The New Jersey Turnpike, a crucial 100-mile segment of New Jersey highways, will now see Applegreen implement chargers at all 21 service stops along the turnpike. Tesla expressed disappointment over the decision but noted they had anticipated this outcome. Over the past three years, Tesla has prepared for such a scenario by erecting 116 new Supercharger stalls off the turnpike to ensure continuous service for their customers.

In a public statement, Tesla remarked, "The New Jersey Turnpike Authority ('NJTA') has chosen a sole third-party charging provider to serve the New Jersey Turnpike and is not allowing us to co-locate. As a result, NJTA requested 64 existing Supercharger stalls on the New Jersey Turnpike to not be renewed and be decommissioned." Tesla emphasized their preparedness by enhancing their off-turnpike infrastructure, which aims to alleviate potential service interruptions for their users.

Despite Tesla's strategic foresight, CEO Elon Musk made headlines by labeling the decision as "corruption" without providing evidence to support his claim. Critics argue that while it is unfortunate Tesla has to remove their stations, the company might have avoided such a predicament had they included longer-term operational clauses in their initial agreement with NJTA.

Applegreen's exclusive contract to manage the service stops includes deploying chargers, which critics fear may create a monopolized situation detrimental to EV users. The term "universal charger" used by NJTA in addressing the new setup has also drawn skepticism, especially as many are transitioning to North American Charging Standard (NACS), making current CCS chargers less compatible in the future.

Many believe that a diverse range of charging options is more beneficial to consumers. This situation has highlighted the risk of exclusive agreements, which can limit user choice and convenience. Some argue that Tesla's approach of declining exclusive arrangements has been a public service, promoting competitive and widely accessible EV infrastructure.

Ultimately, the shift to Applegreen may lead more Tesla drivers to seek charging options off the turnpike, affecting the revenue from amenities at rest stops. Nonetheless, Tesla's proactive measures and significant off-turnpike investment indicate a commitment to maintaining uninterrupted service to their customers, despite the recent setback.