18 September 2026
Tesla is planning a new 16-bay Supercharger facility in Somerset – and drivers won’t need to own one of Elon Musk’s cars to use it.
Tesla wants to build a 16-bay charging facility near Ilminster that would be available to drivers of all compatible electric cars
A planning application has been submitted to Somerset Council for the electric vehicle charging hub at Southfields Enterprise Park near Ilminster.
The proposed facility would sit off the busy Southfields Roundabout at Horton Cross, close to existing Costa and McDonald’s restaurants.
Plans include 16 charging bays alongside a substation, power cabinets, lighting, landscaping and drainage infrastructure.
Documents submitted with the application describe the development as part of Tesla’s wider nationwide expansion of rapid EV charging.
The application said: “Clear demand exists for publicly accessible electric vehicle charging services which will assist in the delivery of a widespread public charging network, particularly for people who travel long distances, or who do not have access to charging points either at home or at work.”
Crucially for motorists, the proposed chargers would not be restricted to people driving Teslas.
The application added: “Tesla’s network is available to all EVs and is not exclusive to Tesla vehicles.”
Tesla argues the facility would support the transition towards ultra-low and zero-emission transport while helping improve the availability of public charging.
It said: “Tesla’s Supercharger network is recognised internationally for delivering fast, efficient, and reliable EV charging.
“The proposed supercharging facility will contribute to the Government’s wider transition towards ultra-low and zero-emission mobility, and will support local ambitions for decarbonisation and improved air quality.”
The proposed site, opposite the former Southwest Motor Homes premises, has remained largely undeveloped and has previously been used for storing motorhomes and caravans from a neighbouring business.
No approval has yet been granted, with the application now due to be considered by Somerset Council planners.
If approved, however, the development would give motorists travelling through the Ilminster area another sizeable location at which to rapidly recharge their electric cars.