Tesla’s ongoing clash with Swedish labour union IF Metall has taken a new turn as the automaker uses humour and symbolism to highlight the challenges it’s facing. As the strike extends into its second year, Tesla has responded with a mix of snark and perseverance, reigniting public interest and regulatory scrutiny.
IF Metall, alongside sympathetic unions, has successfully blocked the activation of multiple newly constructed Tesla Supercharger stations across Sweden by leveraging the collective agreements of local energy companies. These agreements prevent employees from connecting Tesla’s charging infrastructure to the grid.
This tactic has left five Supercharger sites, equipped with a total of 72 chargers, stranded without power.
Despite these hurdles, Tesla has chosen to make light of the situation. At the affected Supercharger sites, Tesla has installed charging posts emblazoned with various messages aimed directly at IF Metall. One sign reads, “Here, all electric car drivers could charge for emission-free journeys. It contributes to a sustainable Sweden.” Accompanying the messages is Tesla’s new mascot – a hedgehog clad in a high-visibility vest, paying homage to the hedgehog displayed on Tesla’s website after ordering a new car.
The vest also has symbolism, mirroring those worn by IF Metall members during the strike, but the hedgehog’s vest bears the phrase, “Thank you, I’m good,” reflecting the feelings of Tesla employees who have declined to unionize.
However, the regulatory side of the conflict is more serious. The Swedish Energy Markets Inspectorate is currently investigating whether local energy companies are legally permitted to deny Tesla access to the grid. Under existing laws, such denials are only permissible if there is insufficient network capacity or “special reasons.” Whether a union blockade qualifies as a special reason remains uncharted territory.
“Historically, we haven’t encountered many cases involving denied grid connections. This investigation will set a precedent on whether union actions can influence energy infrastructure decisions,” said Jerker Sidén, an analyst at the Energy Markets Inspectorate to local media outlet Allt om Embil. The inquiry is expected to conclude by the spring of 2025.
Tesla’s Supercharger head, Max de Zegher, weighed in following the battle, noting on X that the number of inactive Superchargers has now risen to 88, with projections suggesting 100 will be offline by year-end. “Sweden is on track to have the longest EV charging wait times in Europe, especially during weekends. This could have been avoided if these Superchargers were operational,” de Zegher stated.
