Energy
UK-based Model S driver sets out to prove rural reliability of Tesla Supercharger network
In Tesla’s earnings report earlier this week, CEO Elon Musk and other executives ensured investors and Tesla drivers alike that the Supercharger network would not only be able to handle the added weight of hundreds of thousands of Model 3s, but that it would allow customers to drive anywhere.
The key for Musk and his team is figuring out where to continue to place those chargers so that transportation within cities and between regions is not only feasible, but convenient.
“There’s long distance root enabling between cities, and then there’s also within the cities,” said Jonathan McNeill, president of global sales and services for Tesla during the call. “We’ve put those (long distance) stations in place to serve travel between the cities, but they can absorb a lot more cars.”
One man from England is already looking to get a jump start on proving that the Tesla Supercharging network is reliable.
Matt Porter and his 75-year-old father will set out across the U.K. in a Tesla Model S 100D to prove to “cynics” that Teslas can thrive in rural areas.
Porter, who is also known as the gadget man, plans to begin his 1,200-mile journey in early October with his father, according to the East Anglian Daily Times. Porter runs a tech blog and is a correspondent on BBC Radio Suffolk’s Mark Murphy Show, and will broadcast his adventure to the world through a livestream.
“By far the most common question I receive about electric cars is ‘what is it’s range?’ and ‘how long does it take to charge?” Porter said. “Tesla have very kindly provided a Model S 100D for our challenge; a car with a range of more than 300 miles between charged and recharge times as fast as 30 minutes.”
“We are very confident we can achieve our challenge using their network of charging points along the way.”
The father-son duo will head out from Lowestoft Ness and drive up the country to Ardnamurchan, Scotland. Based on Teslarati’s app, there are many Superchargers along the prospective route.
Porter’s journey is another in a wave of drivers looking to prove to the world that sustainable vehicles can exist in rural and remote areas.
Robert Dean recently made a 3,356 mile trek along the western coast of Australia in his 2015 Model S. Afterward, it was announced that more than 70 electric vehicle charging stations would be established along the route.
Likewise Alan Williamson completed a 1,600 mile trip from Orlando, Florida, to Richmond, Virginia. While this journey was certainly less remote than Dean’s, it’s still a clear example that the Tesla network is a reliable option for drivers looking to make long road trips.
Williamson highlighted how smooth his journey was in his Tesla Model S, citing autopilot, relaxed charging times and an enjoyable driving experience for what made his trip unique. He hopes to one day drive across the United States.
Based on their experiences, it seems the only challenge a Tesla drivers face on long road trips is planning which Superchargers to stop at.
These Superchargers could get a nice boost as well. Musk teased a “mega” Supercharger idea during the call that would offer fun amenities for drivers while their vehicles charged.
“We — experimenting with our first sort of — I don’t know what we call it — mega supercharging location, like really big supercharging location with a bunch of amenities,” Musk said. “I think we’ll get a sense for just sort of how cool it can be to have a great place to — if you’ve been driving for three, four hours — stop, have great restrooms, great food, amenities, hang out and for half an hour and then be on your way.”
These mega centers could provide long distance drivers with an even better Tesla experience.
Energy
Tesla Powerwall distribution expands in Australia
Inventory is expected to arrive in late February and official sales are expected to start mid-March 2026.
Supply Partners Group has secured a distribution agreement for the Tesla Powerwall in Australia, with inventory expected to arrive in late February and official sales beginning in mid-March 2026.
Under the new agreement, Supply Partners will distribute Tesla Powerwall units and related accessories across its national footprint, as noted in an ecogeneration report. The company said the addition strengthens its position as a distributor focused on premium, established brands.
“We are proud to officially welcome Tesla Powerwall into the Supply Partners portfolio,” Lliam Ricketts, Co-Founder and Director of Innovation at Supply Partners Group, stated.
“Tesla sets a high bar, and we’ve worked hard to earn the opportunity to represent a brand that customers actively ask for. This partnership reflects the strength of our logistics, technical services and customer experience, and it’s a win for installers who want premium options they can trust.”
Supply Partners noted that initial Tesla Powerwall stock will be warehoused locally before full commercial rollout in March. The distributor stated that the timing aligns with renewed growth momentum for the Powerwall, supported by competitive installer pricing, consumer rebates, and continued product and software updates.
“Powerwall is already a category-defining product, and what’s ahead makes it even more compelling,” Ricketts stated. “As pricing sharpens and capability expands, we see a clear runway for installers to confidently spec Powerwall for premium residential installs, backed by Supply Partners’ national distribution footprint and service model.”
Supply Partners noted that a joint go-to-market launch is planned, including Tesla-led training for its sales and technical teams to support installers during the home battery system’s domestic rollout.
Energy
Tesla Megapack Megafactory in Texas advances with major property sale
Stream Realty Partners announced the sale of Buildings 9 and 10 at the Empire West industrial park, which total 1,655,523 square feet.
Tesla’s planned Megapack factory in Brookshire, Texas has taken a significant step forward, as two massive industrial buildings fully leased to the company were sold to an institutional investor.
In a press release, Stream Realty Partners announced the sale of Buildings 9 and 10 at the Empire West industrial park, which total 1,655,523 square feet. The properties are 100% leased to Tesla under a long-term agreement and were acquired by BGO on behalf of an institutional investor.
The two facilities, located at 100 Empire Boulevard in Brookshire, Texas, will serve as Tesla’s new Megafactory dedicated to manufacturing Megapack battery systems.
According to local filings previously reported, Tesla plans to invest nearly $200 million into the site. The investment includes approximately $44 million in facility upgrades such as electrical, utility, and HVAC improvements, along with roughly $150 million in manufacturing equipment.
Building 9, spanning roughly 1 million square feet, will function as the primary manufacturing floor where Megapacks are assembled. Building 10, covering approximately 600,000 square feet, will be dedicated to warehousing and logistics operations, supporting storage and distribution of completed battery systems.
Waller County Commissioners have approved a 10-year tax abatement agreement with Tesla, offering up to a 60% property-tax reduction if the company meets hiring and investment targets. Tesla has committed to employing at least 375 people by the end of 2026, increasing to 1,500 by the end of 2028, as noted in an Austin County News Online report.
The Brookshire Megafactory will complement Tesla’s Lathrop Megafactory in California and expand U.S. production capacity for the utility-scale energy storage unit. Megapacks are designed to support grid stabilization and renewable-energy integration, a segment that has become one of Tesla’s fastest-growing businesses.
Energy
Tesla meets Giga New York’s Buffalo job target amid political pressures
Giga New York reported more than 3,460 statewide jobs at the end of 2025, meeting the benchmark tied to its dollar-a-year lease.
Tesla has surpassed its job commitments at Giga New York in Buffalo, easing pressure from lawmakers who threatened the company with fines, subsidy clawbacks, and dealership license revocations last year.
The company reported more than 3,460 statewide jobs at the end of 2025, meeting the benchmark tied to its dollar-a-year lease at the state-built facility.
As per an employment report reviewed by local media, Tesla employed 2,399 full-time workers at Gigafactory New York and 1,060 additional employees across the state at the end of 2025. Part-time roles pushed the total headcount of Tesla’s New York staff above the 3,460-job target.
The gains stemmed in part from a new Long Island service center, a Buffalo warehouse, and additional showrooms in White Plains and Staten Island. Tesla also said it has invested $350 million in supercomputing infrastructure at the site and has begun manufacturing solar panels.
Empire State Development CEO Hope Knight said the agency was “very happy” with Giga New York’s progress, as noted in a WXXI report. The current lease runs through 2029, and negotiations over updated terms have included potential adjustments to job requirements and future rent payments.
Some lawmakers remain skeptical, however. Assemblymember Pat Burke questioned whether the reported job figures have been fully verified. State Sen. Patricia Fahy has also continued to sponsor legislation that would revoke Tesla’s company-owned dealership licenses in New York. John Kaehny of Reinvent Albany has argued that the project has not delivered the manufacturing impact originally promised as well.
Knight, for her part, maintained that Empire State Development has been making the best of a difficult situation.
“(Empire State Development) has tried to make the best of a very difficult situation. There hasn’t been another use that has come forward that would replace this one, and so to the extent that we’re in this place, the fact that 2,000 families at (Giga New York) are being supported through the activity of this employer. It’s the best that we can have happen,” the CEO noted.
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