As electric cars become more integrated in society, charging stations are no longer isolated and in random spots. They can be found en masse in shopping centre car parks, at petrol stations along highways and, for those willing to invest, in home garages.

But Elon Musk is charging ahead with a completely new concept for Tesla charging stations. Hollywood in Los Angeles will soon be home to a 24-hour Tesla Supercharging station where there will be 28 charging stalls, two drive-in theatre screens and a diner.

Now, Tesla has kept details of the project under wraps since its construction began last year, but Bloomberg reported that the screens will show films that last 15 to 30 minutes, which is about how long it takes for a Tesla vehicle to charge. 

When Musk first announced the concept of a Supercharging station in 2018 he described it as an “old school drive-in, roller skates & rock restaurant.” Since then Musk has posted about the project to X in 2023 writing, “Our Tesla futuristic diner (Grease meets The Jetsons with Supercharging) in LA should be ready later this year.” While the next gen charging station didn’t quite meet the 2023 deadline, a recent photo taken in the LA neighbourhood has revealed the progress Tesla has made. 

In true Tesla fashion, the circular two-story building has a shiny, futuristic-looking metallic exterior, a step up from your regular petrol station, but also not somewhere we’d want to stay longer than necessary. While some Tesla stations are already equipped with amenities like vending machines and lounges, this Supercharging station will be Musk’s attempt to make charging stations into destinations in and of themselves, which, imo, isn’t making sparks fly. 

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