Tesla is taking matters into its own hands when it comes to electrifying long-haul trucking. The company is pushing forward with plans to build a massive 1,800-mile electric truck charging station corridor of 9 locations stretching from Texas to California, despite being snubbed by a lucrative federal funding program.
This news comes on the heels of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocated significant funds for the development of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs). However, Tesla’s ambitious project, dubbed “TESSERACT,” or “Transport Electrification Supporting Semis Operating in Arizona, California, and Texas” wasn’t among the chosen recipients.
Undeterred, Tesla remains committed to its vision. As reported by Men’s Journal, the company views this as an opportunity to shape the future of long-distance electric freight transport. TESSERACT would establish a network of strategically placed electric truck charging stations along major routes, enabling both regional and long-haul trucking with zero emissions.
Bloomberg reported Aug. 1 that, based on emails viewed by the news agency, Tesla was seeking $100 million in federal money to build nine electric tractor-trailer charging stations, each equipped with 750-kilowatt chargers for its own trucks and others for large trucks built by competing companies.
Tesla Inc. recently closed escrow on a 25-acre parcel in west Kern County and will be a crucial point along their electric truck charging station corridor stretching from the Northern California manufacturing plant in Fremont and the Texas-Mexican border.
While the initial scope of the project might change due to the lack of federal funding, Tesla is exploring alternative options. According to TechCrunch, the company might adjust its initial proposal, potentially seeking funding from other sources like state grants or future rounds of the federal program.
This move by Tesla signifies a bold step towards a cleaner future for the transportation industry. The success of TESSERACT could pave the way for widespread adoption of electric big rigs, drastically reducing emissions and revolutionizing long-haul freight. While the lack of federal funding presents a hurdle, Tesla’s determination to forge ahead demonstrates the company’s commitment to leading the charge in electric vehicle innovation.
Stay tuned to ZEV Lane for further updates on Tesla’s TESSERACT project and other advancements in electric truck charging station infrastructure!
