Tesla Urgently Opens Supercharger Stations in Kyushu
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, on July 28. Tesla promptly announced that from July 29 until midnight on August 5, it will open 10 Supercharger stations in the Kyushu region free of charge for all compatible electric vehicles. This measure covers five prefectures: Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Oita, Kagoshima, and Fukuoka, with six of the stations located in Fukuoka Prefecture, including Kitakyushu and Fukuoka City.
Tesla stated that this initiative aims to ensure transportation and charging needs for residents in the disaster area during emergencies, demonstrating the critical role of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in disaster response. As of the end of May this year, Tesla has established 150 Supercharger stations across Japan. This free access initiative continues the company’s response model during major disasters such as earthquakes.
Power Support Initiatives Launched in Disaster Areas
In addition to Tesla, Inforich, the operator of the shared mobile power service ChargeSPOT, announced that it will offer free mobile power rentals for up to 48 hours at 84 locations within Kumamoto Prefecture to help residents cope with power outages or emergency power needs. Anker Japan stated that it is evaluating providing assistance to local governments in the disaster area but has not yet announced specific plans.
Tesla’s Supercharger stations have played a role in disaster response before. Following the Noto Peninsula earthquake in January 2024, the company launched a week-long free charging service in the Hokuriku region, which was also open to non-Tesla electric vehicles. Industry experts noted that electric vehicle charging facilities not only support traffic evacuation during disasters but can also serve as auxiliary power sources. Tesla’s current measures are expected to effectively enhance mobility for residents in the disaster area.