Tesla Abandons Plans for S.F. Driverless Car Charging Station

Teamsters Union Appeal Leads to Tesla Dropping Autonomous Vehicle Charging Project in Jackson Square

Feb. 3, 2026 at 11:15pm by Ben Kaplan

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Tesla has abandoned plans to operate an autonomous vehicle fleet charging station in San Francisco's Jackson Square after facing pushback from the Teamsters union. The San Francisco Planning Commission had previously granted Tesla conditional use authorization to convert a public parking garage into a part-public, part-private structure with chargers for a fleet of self-driving cars. However, the Teamsters Local 665 union appealed the decision, and a supermajority of eight city supervisors signed onto the appeal, signaling they would likely vote to rescind the authorization. At a public hearing, Tesla representatives stated they were no longer pursuing the project, citing "significant building constraints unrelated to the appeal."

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between tech companies' autonomous vehicle ambitions and labor unions concerned about the impact on jobs. The Teamsters have fought back against automation efforts by companies like Waymo, Zoox, and DoorDash, seeking to protect unionized workers. Tesla's decision to abandon the charging station project in the face of the Teamsters' appeal represents a rare setback for AV companies in San Francisco, where they have generally faced limited resistance.

The details

Tesla had planned to convert a public parking garage at 825 Sansome St. into a part-public, part-private structure that would house electric vehicle charging stations, including chargers for a fleet of autonomous vehicles. After the San Francisco Planning Commission granted Tesla conditional use authorization for the project in November, the Teamsters Local 665 union appealed the decision. A supermajority of eight city supervisors signed onto the Teamsters' appeal, indicating they would likely vote to rescind the authorization. At a public hearing, Tesla representatives stated the company was abandoning the project, citing "significant building constraints unrelated to the appeal." The Teamsters had been seeking an agreement to ensure any workers at the charging station would be unionized employees.

  • On Nov. 13, the San Francisco Planning Commission granted Tesla conditional use authorization for the project.
  • In December, the Teamsters Local 665 union filed an appeal of the Planning Commission's decision.
  • In early February 2026, Tesla representatives stated the company was no longer pursuing the project.

The players

Tesla

An electric vehicle company founded by Elon Musk that had planned to operate an autonomous vehicle fleet charging station in San Francisco.

Teamsters Local 665

One of the largest unions in San Francisco that appealed Tesla's plans for the autonomous vehicle charging station, seeking to protect unionized workers.

San Francisco Board of Supervisors

A supermajority of eight city supervisors signed onto the Teamsters' appeal, indicating they would likely vote to rescind the authorization granted to Tesla by the city.

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What they’re saying

“Companies like Waymo, Zoox (which is Amazon) and today Tesla have decided they don't just want humans out of the driver's seat. They want them out of the garages like 825 Sansome where our members have worked for 100 years.”

— Tony Delorio, Principal Officer of Teamsters Local Union No. 665

“There was a path forward. And they decided to just leave.”

— Mark Gleason, Spokesperson for the Teamsters

What’s next

The Teamsters' appeal was granted unanimously by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, with minimal discussion.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between tech companies' autonomous vehicle ambitions and labor unions concerned about the impact on jobs. Tesla's decision to abandon the charging station project in the face of the Teamsters' appeal represents a rare setback for AV companies in San Francisco, where they have generally faced limited resistance.