Tesla Superchargers may be coming to a Steak 'n Shake near you. The renowned steak and burger chain and the iconic electric vehicle company recently confirmed their upcoming partnership in an exchange of tweets on X, formerly Twitter, according to Drive Tesla Canada. By placing Superchargers at popular restaurant locations, Tesla is making EV charging a part of daily routines. Drivers can charge their EVs while dining, reducing wait times and promoting a new charging culture.
Tesla's partnership with Steak 'n Shake may be its largest food chain partnership to date. Consumers can expect 100 charging stations in the near future, as loosely suggested by Steak 'n Shake. Drive Tesla Canada stated that Tesla Charging has confirmed the finalization of six locations, with "the 20+ mentioned sites should be considered approved." Since the restaurant chain has over 400 locations across the US, if the two companies agree to place Superchargers in 100 of them, that would account for at least 25% of the company's restaurants.
This is only the beginning for Tesla and the food chain industry. In fact, Drive Tesla Canada has reported that the company's Hollywood Diner and Supercharger restaurant is nearing completion in Los Angeles. The 1950s-style diner began construction in 2023 and is a testament to Tesla’s innovative approach in merging dining and EV charging.
According to Tesla's website, there are over 60,000 Superchargers worldwide, and the company is pushing for more charging stations throughout the US. Their goal, as stated on their site, is to give Tesla owners the freedom to travel "at a fraction of the cost of gasoline." More Superchargers also mean greater convenience, reinforcing Tesla's commitment to customer experience.
This initiative comes at a time when Tesla appears to be trying to increase its market share, as its sales have reportedly been slumping globally. Some Tesla locations have faced protests regarding CEO Elon Musk's controversial governmental ties, further compounding the company's challenges. The stock price has also taken a hit, recently falling to under $230 per share after peaking at $488.54 back in mid-December.
Despite its challenges, Tesla’s expansion of EV charging infrastructure is a positive development for the environment. Wider adoption of electric vehicles helps reduce global reliance on dirty energy sources. Tesla also recently announced plans for a new Megafactory aimed at boosting Megapack battery production. This new facility will support cleaner energy on a broader scale by allowing for more renewable energy generation to be stored efficiently, which can be used to charge EVs with a higher percentage of power derived from solar and wind energy.
As Tesla continues to innovate, the partnership with Steak 'n Shake represents a significant step towards making electric vehicles a more practical choice for consumers. By incorporating charging stations into everyday locations like restaurants, Tesla is not just expanding its infrastructure but also changing the perception of EV charging from a hassle to a convenient part of daily life. It enhances the overall electric vehicle experience by providing drivers with options to multitask effectively.
If you’re considering making the switch to an EV, this development could be indicative of a broader trend towards the proliferation of charging stations in frequently visited places. Join the conversation and share what factors you consider most important when choosing an electric vehicle.
