Elon Musk is helping California wildfire victims by deploying Tesla Cybertrucks around the area as mobile power stations using Starlink internet terminals to provide Californians with free Wi-Fi, as regular internet and phone services are down.
Elon posted on X explaining: "We are going to position Cybertrucks with Starlinks and free Wi-Fi in a grid pattern in the areas that most need it in the greater LA/Malibu area".
"This was in reply to a previous post on X, where the SpaceX and Tesla boss said: "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 end of week".
- Read more: Starlink and T-Mobile work together to enable satellite SMS for Los Angeles wildfire victims
The official Tesla account on X also provided an excellent summary of what the company is doing to help in California, with impacted employees who lost their house seeing Tesla covering housing accommodations, supporting employees with transportation and meals. Tesla says that all of its Supercharger sites are back online except for the Pasadena Supercharger, which "was in the middle of the fire".
Tesla has Megapack Chargers (MPCs) on the ground, with 2 units deployed on January 10 to relieve congestion in Thousand Oaks for evacuation and families losing power due to Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). Tesla has also deployed Mobile Powerwall Units (MPUs) with support from third-party non-profits in Altadena and Topenga Canyon, with Starlink and power for devices and fridges.