The chapter delves into the repercussions of the Tesla supercharging team layoffs on the maintenance, growth, and reliability of the supercharger network, sparking debates on the justifiability of the decision. It also explores the potential impact on software issues, competition within the industry, and the exclusivity of Tesla's superchargers with the involvement of other automakers. Additionally, it scrutinizes the profitability and sustainability of the supercharger network in relation to Tesla's business model and the broader implications on the company's competitiveness.
From Elon Musk's decision to fire the entire Supercharging team as part of Tesla's "pivot to self-driving," to recent fundraising rounds by Motional and Wayve, the entire mobility tech space is caught between the hard work of growing up and doubling down on the AI hype fundraising game. Not everyone can be choosing wisely.