New Jersey is forcing Tesla to shut down 64 Superchargers on the state’s busiest highway — and Elon Musk is calling it out for what it looks like: “Corruption.”
Yes, you read that right. Despite Tesla’s Superchargers being known as the most reliable and fastest-charging EV network in the U.S., the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) has ordered Tesla to decommission all 64 of its Superchargers along the New Jersey Turnpike — one of America’s busiest and most vital travel corridors.
But… Why Shut Down Something That Works?
That’s the big question on everyone’s mind. Tesla Superchargers aren’t just for Teslas anymore — they’re open to other EVs too. And let’s be honest, most EV drivers trust Tesla’s charging stations more than anyone else’s. They’re fast, rarely down, and conveniently placed.
So why remove them? According to NJTA, the state has decided to go with a single third-party company to take over EV charging on the Turnpike. The identity of this company hasn’t been made public yet, but the deal excludes Tesla entirely.
Elon Musk Breaks Silence – “Sounds Like Corruption”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk didn’t hold back. After the news went public, he responded in classic Elon fashion — directly and sharply:
“Sounds like corruption” — Elon Musk, May 30, 2025
Sounds like corruption
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 30, 2025
His brief but powerful response is stirring up major conversations online. Many EV supporters and Tesla fans are calling the NJTA’s move anti-consumer and politically motivated.
Is This Politically Motivated?
There’s growing speculation that politics may be playing a role here. Musk has had a rocky relationship with government officials — especially after he launched the satirical “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), a jab at government bureaucracy.
Add to that the fact that prominent political figures like Minnesota Governor Tim Walz have publicly criticized Tesla and Musk in the past, and things start to look… interesting.
So while there’s no concrete proof of corruption, the decision to completely remove already-existing, perfectly functioning Superchargers makes little sense from a consumer or infrastructure standpoint.
Tesla Isn’t Backing Down
The good news? Tesla saw this coming. Over the past few years, the company quietly installed 116 additional charging stalls near the Turnpike, outside NJTA’s jurisdiction. So, while the decommissioning will definitely inconvenience some drivers, Tesla owners won’t be left stranded.
Musk and Tesla are playing the long game. And given the company’s dominance in the EV space, they have more than enough power — and fans — to weather this storm.
What This Means for EV Drivers
If you’re driving an electric vehicle — Tesla or not — this could be a sign of things to come. More states might start cutting exclusive EV charging deals that limit access and competition. That’s bad news for drivers, especially as EV adoption continues to rise.
The big question now is: Will New Jersey drivers accept this decision quietly, or will public pressure force a reversal?