Wildfires are wreaking havoc across Los Angeles. Around 150,000 people have been forced to evacuate.
Tragically, lives have been lost. Homes and properties have been reduced to ashes.
In response, Elon Musk, Tesla, and SpaceX are stepping in to help.
The Cybertruck and Starlink satellite internet are at the forefront of their efforts.
Video: Cybertrucks Deliver Starlink to Firefighters—Elon Musk Joins the Effort:
BREAKING: $TSLA CYBERTRUCKS DROPPING OFF STARLINKS TO FIREFIGHTERS
— TheSonOfWalkley (@TheSonOfWalkley) January 13, 2025
Elon Musk was in one of them !
pic.twitter.com/4Mfm2S4HZC
These tools are being deployed to support two key groups: emergency responders and evacuees.
The goal is to provide power, connectivity, and resources where they’re needed most.
Here’s a breakdown of the relief efforts underway, along with firsthand accounts from those benefiting from these initiatives.
Cybertruck Deliveries Delayed for Relief Efforts, Starlink Offers Free Service
On Sunday, Elon Musk announced on X that some Cybertruck deliveries in California would be delayed as Tesla is repurposing these vehicles to support fire relief efforts.
Musk explained that the Cybertrucks are being used as mobile power stations to provide electricity for Starlink internet terminals in areas of LA without connectivity.
In his post, Musk wrote:
“Apologies to those expecting Cybertruck deliveries in California over the next few days. We need to use those trucks as mobile base stations to provide power to Starlink Internet terminals in areas of LA without connectivity. A new truck will be delivered by the end of the week.”
In a follow-up post, Musk added:
“We are going to position Cybertrucks with Starlinks and free WiFi in a grid pattern in the areas that most need it in the greater LA/Malibu area.”
Tesla Donates Cybertrucks as Battery Banks in Altadena
Over the weekend, Tesla donated several Cybertrucks to serve as battery banks for emergency responders in Altadena.
These vehicles are being used to power essential equipment, such as radios, computers, and lights, at a local sheriff’s station that lost electricity due to the fires.
The Altadena Mountain Rescue team shared photos of the Cybertrucks on Instagram, captioning the post:
“A donation of Cyber Trucks from Tesla Motors to be utilized as battery banks at the station until power is restored. This will greatly help the team to power radios, computers, and lights as we work into the dark.”
Tesla’s Relief Efforts
In a detailed post on X, Tesla outlined the various ways it is supporting both its employees and the broader community affected by the fires.
Here’s a summary of their efforts:
1. Support for Impacted Employees
Tesla is providing housing accommodations, transportation, and meals for employees who have lost their homes or had them destroyed by the fires.
2. Supercharger Stations
All Supercharger sites are operational except for the Pasadena location, which was directly impacted by the fires.
3. Megapack Chargers (MPCs)
Two units were deployed in Thousand Oaks to assist with evacuation efforts and power outages caused by Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS).
Another unit was sent to Altadena to support first responders with power and Starlink connectivity.
4. Mobile Powerwall Units (MPUs)
Deployed in Altadena and Topanga Canyon with Starlink and power for devices and refrigerators.
5. Cybertrucks with Starlink
Three Cybertrucks are stationed at the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department in Altadena, two in Pasadena, and three in Zuma Beach and Malibu.
These vehicles are equipped with Starlink and stocked with water and snacks.
6. Mobile Superchargers
Powered by Megapacks, these chargers are available at the Thousand Oaks Supercharger site, offering up to 16 stalls at 250kW.
7. Free Wi-Fi
Starlink is providing free internet access to anyone in need.
8. Charging for All EVs
Tesla has made its charging infrastructure available to all Electric vehicles, not just Teslas.
9. Palisades Command Center Visit
Elon Musk & Starlink teams visited the Palisades Command Center to help the firefighters with internet and power.
Visited the Palisades Command Center tonight to help the firefighters with power, along with @elonmusk and the Tesla and Starlink teams.
— John Shahidi (@john) January 13, 2025
Hundreds of firefighters from other states are in town. They're all sleeping on the beach because there aren't enough hotel rooms for them.… pic.twitter.com/TCJzOXS7D8
Tesla Forgives Autopilot and FSD Strikes for Evacuees
Tesla announced on Thursday that it would forgive all Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised strikes in California to assist those evacuating from the fires.
The company’s North America account on X posted:
“To support people evacuating from the fires in the LA area, all Autopilot & FSD Supervised strikes are being forgiven in the state of California.”
Cybertruck Owner Shares Powershare Experience
Amid Tesla’s broader relief efforts, one Cybertruck owner shared a personal story of how the vehicle’s Powershare feature kept their household running during a power outage.
In a post on the Cybertruck Owner’s Club forum, the Orange County resident described using the Cybertruck to power their home for six hours, consuming about 25 miles of range in the process.
According to the Tesla app screenshot shared by the user, the vehicle still had 202 miles of range remaining, equating to over a day’s worth of energy.
A Community Coming Together
Tesla and SpaceX are stepping up in a big way. They’re using their tech to help where it’s needed most. From free internet to mobile power, they’re making a difference.
These efforts are giving people hope. They’re also providing real, practical support. It’s a reminder of how communities can come together in tough times.
GREAT JOB ELON