Photos taken in the Los Angeles neighborhood showed the latest developments in Elon Musk’s project, which he first teased in an X post in 2018. The dirt lot where construction began last September now hosts what appears to be a two-story building with a shiny metallic exterior.
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Former Tesla employee Alex Ingram also shared footage of construction efforts in April when he was the company’s chief designer.
The company has remained tight-lipped on the project, but Bloomberg reported that the site will be a Supercharging station with 28 stalls and two movie screens that can accommodate over 200 people. The screens will show films that last 15 to 30 minutes, about how long it takes to charge a Tesla vehicle.
A project description referenced by the outlet said guests can view two movie screens: from the rooftop seating area or their Tesla vehicles.
When Musk first mentioned the project six years ago, he described it as an “old school drive-in, roller skates & rock restaurant.”
Tesla filed an application with the US Trademark Office to use the brand in restaurant services in 2021 but did not submit plans for a 24-hour Supercharging station to Los Angeles officials until 2022.
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Musk posted about the project again in August 2023, writing, “Our Tesla futuristic diner (Grease meets The Jetsons with Supercharging) in LA should be ready later this year.”
Although Musk’s reach extends to several industries, his decision to create a diner and drive-in will throw him into the world of immersive experiences. These in-person, hands-on experiences are resonating with consumers who are still shaking off the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s a world ruled by companies like Disney, which owns several theme parks and brands worldwide. But others are vying for a piece of the pie. Netflix House venues will open at two malls in the United States next year, marking the media company’s ambitious plan to meet fans in person instead of through a screen.
Several Tesla charging stations already have amenities like vending machines and lounges, but this project could be an attempt to transform charging stations into coveted destinations themselves.
Representatives for Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.