When Elon Musk abruptly shut down Tesla’s Supercharger division in May 2024, the electric vehicle world was left wondering: Where would all that top-tier talent go next?

Turns out, at least three of Tesla’s former charging network masterminds weren’t ready to leave the EV revolution behind. Instead, they’ve teamed up to tackle one of the industry’s biggest challenges—city charging—with an ambitious new startup called Hubber.

Meet the Founders: From Tesla Trailblazers to Urban Charging Pioneers

The brains behind Hubber are Harry Fox, Hugh Leckie, and Connor Selwood—three ex-Tesla employees who played key roles in rolling out the Supercharger network across the UK and Ireland. When their entire department was let go in a single sweep, they took their insider expertise and turned it into a fresh vision: ultra-rapid charging stations designed specifically for urban environments.

Their mission is both simple and game-changing:
“We believe that abundant ultra-rapid charging in cities will unlock mass market adoption of EVs,” they declare on the Hubber website.

While Tesla’s Supercharger network still dominates in the US, Hubber sees massive potential in the UK—where electric vehicles now rack up more miles than their petrol-powered counterparts.

A New Kind of Charging Experience

So, how does Hubber plan to stand out from the Tesla Supercharger model? It’s not just about putting more plugs in the ground. Hubber envisions destination-style charging hubs packed with amenities and comfort.

Early renderings reveal solar-paneled rooftops, sleek retail units, vending machines, restrooms, and dedicated fleet charging areas. In short, these are charging stations where you’ll actually want to spend time—not just wait for your battery to fill up.

A Rival to Tesla’s Diner Concept

This approach is a stark contrast to Tesla’s latest venture—the flashy West Hollywood diner, complete with 80 Supercharger stalls and a retro, spaceship-inspired vibe. The diner opened to much fanfare, customers raving about the presentation and staff gratuities, but has already trimmed its menu after a chaotic debut.

While Tesla chases nostalgia and spectacle, Hubber is all about practicality, comfort, and scalability. By focusing on the real needs of urban EV drivers, these ex-Tesla employees are turning a corporate curveball into a bold new chapter—and maybe, just maybe, redefining the future of city charging.