EV automaker, Tesla is in the process of building a new Supercharger station but it's not just a standard charging station. It is set to become the world’s largest on Tesla’s global Supercharger network. The Supercharger station in Firebaugh, California is currently under construction to install 56 stalls of V3 Superchargers capable of charging vehicles at peak rates of 250 kW. It provides a rapid and convenient way for electric vehicle owners to charge up their cars.
Tesla has premier charging stations all around the United States that vary in capacity from 6, 8, 12, or 20 stalls. But stations like the one in Kettleman City and Baker, California, which boasts 40-stall capacities, have first-class lounges, a kids’ play area, a pets’ relief spot, as well as food services. They have everything you need for a pit spot while road tripping with the family. And both sites are located at strategic points on the popular LA to San Francisco and LA to Las Vegas route.
Prior to building the US Supercharger stations, Shanghai was the first to get a massive station with 50 stalls back in 2017 and it held the position of the world’s largest Tesla Supercharger station. But it seems that Shanghai will be relegated to second place when the Firebaugh location comes online. Tesla enthusiast @bryanMackSC recently posted photos of the new super station in its construction phase. The location isn’t listed on the Tesla website and there’s no official announcement of it being built. But fans from the Tesla community were quick to investigate and managed to retrieve records for the Firebaugh site, filed with the County of Fresno Department of Public Works and Planning. The records state there will indeed be 56 Tesla charging stalls: “A total of 56 Tesla EV charging spaces will be provided, 2 of which will be ADA accessible (under a separate permit)”.
While the filing does not specify if the huge Firebaugh Supercharger will be equipped V3 stalls, we cannot imagine Tesla installing such a large unit without them. With Tesla’s fleet expanding at a rapid pace, it makes sense for the EV pioneer to keep its infrastructure updated with additional service centers and charging stations. Tesla’s Supercharging network is a great asset and advantage for the company.
What is of particular interest with the Firebaugh site is that it is being built in the same location as a restaurant and convenience store. At the beginning of 2018, Tesla boss, Elon Musk mentioned on Twitter that he is going to build an old school drive-in at one of his Supercharger locations:
“Gonna put an old school drive-in, roller skates & rock restaurant at one of the new Tesla Supercharger locations in LA”
His drive-in concept seems to be inspired by the classic old diners complete with roller-skating staff and a rock music-themed restaurant. Maybe we’ll see a Model X burger and a Cybertruck milkshake? While we haven’t heard much about his idea since then now could be the time when it all comes together in Firebaugh. It would make total sense being a super Supercharger station at the new Californian location. As we know, Musk likes to put a different spin on things.
While it is being purposefully built as a Tesla charging station, it could very well turn out to be an entertainment hot spot for any passer-by. Building something like this is a good sales strategy to draw in non-Tesla owners who may get amped to join the Tesla family.
