A series of attacks against electric vehicle company Tesla has escalated with the intentional setting fire of seven charging stations at a shopping center outside Boston, authorities said. The incidents occurred early Monday morning in Littleton, Massachusetts, approximately 30 miles from Boston.
According to police, 12 charging stations were initially present but were reduced to none after four more caught fire. The fires were extinguished after the power was shut down by local authorities. Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.
The attacks follow protests and vandalism targeting Tesla showrooms and dealerships nationwide since Elon Musk’s partnership with former President Trump. Such incidents have been linked to Mr. Musk’s recent political moves, including his efforts to reform the federal bureaucracy and reduce federal jobs.
A Colorado resident was charged with malicious destruction of property for allegedly spray-painting “Nazi” on a Tesla dealership and planting an incendiary device near a vehicle. The move has sparked debate among car owners, with some selling their Teslas to distance themselves while others have purchased vehicles in support of Elon Musk’s stance.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/04/us/politics/tesla-charging-stations-arson-boston.html