Tesla will temporarily offer free access to 10 Supercharger sites in Japan's Kyushu region after a powerful earthquake struck Kumamoto prefecture with a maximum seismic intensity of 7. The move is intended to support travel and charging for electric vehicle users during a disaster.

On July 29, Japan's ITmedia reported that Tesla’s official charging account, Tesla Charging, said it will allow free use of Superchargers in Kyushu from that day until 0000 on Aug. 5.

The free-access program covers a total of 10 Supercharger locations across five Kyushu prefectures. The list includes 1 each in Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Oita and Kagoshima. In Fukuoka prefecture, 6 sites are covered: Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Fukuoka-East, Fukuoka-Hakata Station South, Fukuoka-Nakasu Kawabata and Fukuoka-West.

Tesla explained it decided on the emergency support after taking into account the earthquake that hit Kumamoto prefecture on July 28 with a maximum seismic intensity of 7.

Supercharger is Tesla’s rapid-charging network built and operated directly by the company. In Japan, it operates 150 charging stations and 744 chargers nationwide as of end-May 2026.

The move is seen as part of a response aimed at securing mobility for residents in affected areas and EV users by opening charging infrastructure during disasters. Tesla has previously provided similar support during natural disasters. During the Noto Peninsula earthquake in January 2024, it opened Superchargers in the Hokuriku region for about a week to support emergency charging.

After the earthquake, charging and power support measures have continued locally. Inforich, operator of mobile battery sharing service CHARGESPOT, announced on the same day it will lend mobile batteries for free for up to 48 hours at 84 locations in Kumamoto prefecture. Anker Japan also said it plans to provide support to local governments in affected areas.

The industry assesses that EV charging infrastructure in disasters plays a role in supporting both mobility and emergency power supply. Tesla’s free access is also expected to help improve travel convenience for residents in affected areas and boost emergency response capabilities.

However, the current support is limited to 10 Supercharger sites in Kyushu, and the free-use period is also limited to 0000 on Aug. 5. Whether Tesla will extend the period or expand the coverage is expected to draw additional attention.