A Tesla Supercharger station powered by Megapack batteries near Stockholm Arlanda Airport remains operational, drawing continued ire from the Swedish labor union IF Metall. The charging facility, situated in Arlandastad, is reportedly functioning despite ongoing union-imposed blockade measures linked to a protracted labor dispute involving Tesla in Sweden.
Site Operation Sparks Union Concern
IF Metall representatives have voiced their concerns regarding the Arlandastad Supercharger site, which features eight charging stalls supported by a Megapack battery system. This unique setup allows the station to operate independently of a direct grid connection, utilizing stored energy from the large battery installation.
According to reports from Swedish publication CarUp, the station was able to become operational even with sympathy measures enacted by Sweden’s electricians’ union. These measures are intended to prevent other companies from collaborating with Tesla as part of the broader labor conflict.
Union Accuses Tesla of Circumventing Blockades
Jesper Pettersson, IF Metall’s press manager, stated that the union was unaware the Superchargers had already been activated. “We do not know the details around this. But it is further proof of how Tesla systematically finds loopholes to circumvent the sympathy measures through active strikebreaking. Every time this happens it gives us reason to sharpen our conflict measures,” Pettersson commented.
Union officials have also raised questions about the power source for the Megapack system, noting that electrical cables appear to be routed through the surrounding terrain. The exact method of electricity supply is currently under scrutiny.
Regulatory Scrutiny Over Power Supply
IF Metall has formally lodged a complaint with Sweden’s Energy Market Inspectorate, requesting a review of the electricity supply arrangement to ensure compliance with national regulations. Reports indicate that the Megapack is being charged using electricity sourced from a local company, although the provider’s identity has not been disclosed.
Peter Lydell, an ombudsman at IF Metall, previously highlighted that Swedish law strictly governs electricity trading. “The legislation states that only companies that engage in electricity trading may supply electricity to other parties. You may not supply electricity without a permit, then you are engaging in illegal electricity trading. That is why we have reported this… This is about a company that helps Tesla circumvent the conflict measures that exist. It is clear that it is troublesome and it can also have consequences,” Lydell explained.
Ongoing Labor Conflict
The labor dispute between IF Metall and Tesla Sweden has been ongoing for over two years, encompassing various industrial actions and legal challenges. The activation of the Megapack-powered Supercharger station has become a focal point in the continued friction between the union and the electric vehicle manufacturer.