Skip to main content

Tesla is about to flip the switch on its largest U.S. Supercharger stations

Tesla Supercharger station
Tesla
With most of the attention on Tesla’s much-anticipated electric semitruck unveil on Thursday night, November 16, news of the imminent launch of its largest Supercharger stations to date in the United States almost slipped under the radar.

A bunch of photos posted by Electrek this week indicate the imminent opening of two stations in California, each with 40 Superchargers for Tesla’s electric cars.

One is located in tiny Kettleman City (population around 1,400), about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, just off Interstate-5, while the other is in even-smaller Baker on Interstate-15, between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

As its name suggests, a Supercharger can replenish a Tesla car’s battery in ultra-quick time compared to regular charging systems. For example, in the space of just 30 minutes a Supercharger can grant a Model S 170 miles of driving range.

As Electrek points out, the new stations are part of Tesla’s strategy to construct larger charging stations with facilities that people can enjoy during and after their vehicle charges. They’re really aimed at long-distance drivers, hence their placement in small communities along busy highways connecting major cities.

The stations include solar arrays above the carports that will provide some of the power for the chargers (during busy times the stations will have to tap into the local grid), while a large “lounge” area on the site will reportedly showcase Tesla Energy products such as its solar panels and Powerwall battery packs.

Tesla
Tesla

The new stations look to be completed and ready to launch, and insiders reportedly told Electrek that Tesla is “rushing to bring them both online soon.” Some media reports suggest they could flip the switch before the weekend to coincide with the semitruck unveiling.

As more Tesla cars hit the road, we’re going to see an increasing number of these bigger Supercharger stations appearing along major routes. Hopefully the greater capacity will mean less frustration among drivers who can find themselves waiting for a charging spot, though this is usually in built-up areas where some users leave their car parked long after charging has finished. The isolated locations of the two new stations, away from large communities, should mean these sites escape the problem of Supercharger hoggers.

While these two California sites will be the largest Supercharger stations to open in the U.S., Shanghai is still home to the largest in the world, with a station offering 50 Superchargers.

Editors' Recommendations

Trevor Mogg
Contributing Editor
Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…
Tesla’s Elon Musk can build his unusual Supercharger station
The design of Tesla's proposed Supercharger station that will include a 1950s-themed diner.

Aside from building electric cars, batteries, and solar panels, Tesla is also looking to build a Supercharger station with a difference.

The automaker has reportedly received planning permission to construct an all-night diner and drive-in movie theater in Los Angeles, Teslarati reported recently.

Read more
Tesla launches more affordable Model S and Model X, but there’s a catch
A 2021 Tesla Model S.

Tesla has launched more affordable versions of its Model S sedan and Model X SUV in the U.S. and Canada, though they come with shorter driving ranges. Deliveries of the new vehicles will begin next month.

The new Model S "standard range" vehicles cost $78,490 and offer a range of up to 320 miles (515 kilometers), which is considerably shorter than the pricier regular dual-motor and tri-motor Plaid versions that feature a range of 405 miles and 396 miles, respectively, Reuters reported.

Read more
Amazon expands its virtual healthcare service across the U.S.
Amazon Clinic on a smartphone.

Amazon is expanding its Clinic healthcare platform to all 50 U.S. states, plus Washington D.C.

Amazon Clinic launched in November 2022 to help people seek medical help for more than 30 common health conditions such as migraines, sinus infections, and pink eye.

Read more