Tesla: 304 Supercharger Stations and 16 Megachargers in California

Tesla never does things by halves, and the Firebaugh project in California is the most striking proof of this to date. The American manufacturer is set to transform this already impressive charging site into a true cathedral of electric mobility: 304 charging stations in total, thus shattering all world records. But what makes this announcement even more strategic is the integration of 16 Megachargers dedicated to the Tesla Semi, the electric heavy-duty truck expected to enter mass production in 2026.

Located on Interstate 5, this vital artery connecting northern to southern California, this site was not chosen at random. It embodies Tesla’s vision: to deploy massive infrastructure BEFORE demand explodes, thus removing the main barrier to electric vehicle adoption.

Let’s explore together this infrastructure-first strategy that could well reshape the future of electric mobility, for both individuals and freight transport.

A Supercharger Site That Shatters All Records

Firebaugh, a small agricultural town nestled in the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley, is set to become a global benchmark. Currently equipped with 72 Superchargers, this site will undergo a spectacular expansion with 232 additional charging stations, bringing the total capacity to 304 charging stations.

To put this figure into perspective: the former record holder, Lost Hills (also in California), has 168 charging stations. Firebaugh therefore represents almost double Lost Hills, a record set only a few months ago. This race for capacity perfectly illustrates Tesla’s ultra-aggressive deployment strategy on the American West Coast.

But why invest so much in this particular site? The answer lies in its strategic location on Interstate 5, this major highway axis that draws an intense flow of private AND commercial vehicles. Between San Francisco to the north and Los Angeles to the south, the distance necessitates an intermediate charge, making Firebaugh an almost mandatory stopover point.

For freight transport, the I-5 constitutes a true vital nerve of the Californian economy, connecting port areas to distribution centers and agricultural zones. Tesla understands this well: whoever controls the charging infrastructure on this axis controls a significant part of the electrification of road transport.

Megachargers Are Arriving: Tesla Prepares for the Semi’s Arrival

16 Megachargers Dedicated to Electric Heavy-Duty Trucks

Beyond the raw record of charging stations, the real revolution lies in the integration of 16 Megacharger stations specifically designed for the Tesla Semi. This is the first infrastructure of this scale dedicated to electric heavy-duty trucks, a strong signal Tesla is sending to the road transport market.

The difference between Supercharger and other charging types is already significant for passenger vehicles, but Megachargers represent an even more impressive technological leap. Where a Supercharger V4 can deliver up to 250 kW, Megachargers are designed for much higher power outputs, adapted to the Semi’s massive batteries, which will need to charge quickly despite their colossal capacity.

Dan Priestley, head of the Semi program at Tesla, highlighted the strategic importance of this I-5 corridor for freight transport in California. The first Tesla Semis are already in operational test with PepsiCo and other pilot customers, but Firebaugh represents the first commercial infrastructure of this magnitude. It’s a full-scale test site that proves Tesla builds infrastructure BEFORE mass vehicle production.

The Electrification of Road Freight Becomes a Reality

With production scheduled for 2026, the Tesla Semi is no longer a futuristic concept but an imminent industrial reality. The announced driving range of 800 kilometers (depending on the version) makes it a credible competitor to diesel heavy-duty trucks on medium-distance routes, precisely those that use the I-5.

Firebaugh demonstrates that Tesla is not solely focused on passenger vehicles. The manufacturer’s vision is clear: to electrify ALL road mobility, from the Model 3 to the 36-ton Semi. This global approach explains why the Supercharger network deployment strategy now systematically integrates heavy-duty truck infrastructure on major routes.

Infrastructure Designed for the Future of Electric Mobility

Tesla’s infrastructure-first strategy involves massive investment BEFORE demand peaks. It’s a financially risky bet in the short term, but one that eliminates range anxiety, this major argument still wielded by electric vehicle detractors.

Another major development: the Supercharger network is now accessible to other manufacturers. Tesla’s NACS (North American Charging Standard) is gradually becoming THE standard, with Ford, GM, Rivian, and others joining the ecosystem. The 304 charging stations in Firebaugh are not sized solely for Teslas: they anticipate this diversification of the rechargeable vehicle fleet, while offering a new revenue stream through paid access for third-party brands.

California, a pioneering state for electrification, has set the ambitious goal of an end to new internal combustion vehicle sales by 2035. Firebaugh is not designed for today, but for the next 10 to 15 years, when tens of millions of electric vehicles will crisscross Californian highways. This model is obviously replicable on other strategic axes, in the United States as elsewhere in the world.

And for us, Tesla Owners in Europe, What Does That Mean?

Lessons for European Deployment

If Firebaugh impresses with its scale, what about Europe? The largest current stations on our continent remain significantly more modest, with capacities ranging between 40 and 60 charging stations at the best-equipped sites. But the stakes are comparable, especially on our major highway axes.

In France, the A7 (Autoroute du Soleil), the A10, or the A6 play a similar role to California’s I-5: vital corridors for tourism and freight transport. Highway charging is already well developed, but the potential arrival of the Semi in Europe (probably around 2027-2028) will require Megacharger infrastructure comparable to Firebaugh.

European regulations already mandate the installation of charging stations for electric heavy-duty trucks on the TEN-T (Trans-European Transport Network) routes. Tesla could well position itself as a major provider of this infrastructure, replicating in Europe the model tested in California.

Outlook for European Tesla Owners

The European Supercharger network is already dense and efficient, but the question of capacity arises with the opening to other brands. Some Tesla owners fear site saturation during major holiday departures. Firebaugh provides a reassuring answer: Tesla designs for ample capacity and anticipates growth.

The massive investment in sites of this size proves that the manufacturer is not improvising. It is building a sustainable infrastructure, capable of absorbing the growth of the electric fleet while diversifying its revenue streams. For us, Tesla owners, it’s the guarantee that our future road trips won’t be spoiled by endless queues at charging stations.

The Firebaugh project is part of a broader trend of road transport electrification, a sector that is subject to in-depth sectoral analyses, particularly regarding environmental impact and economic viability. This profound transformation of the logistics sector will have repercussions far beyond California.

I am personally impressed by the scale of this project: 304 charging stations, it makes one dream for our future long-distance trips. And you, would you like to see a site of this size in France? On which highway do you think it would make the most sense? The A7 towards the South, or perhaps the A10 towards the Atlantic?