NEWS: Elon Musk confirms that Cybertrucks equipped with Starlink and free Wi-Fi are being strategically deployed in a grid pattern in LA and Malibu to help the areas with the greatest need. | HO

As a sign of support for the communities affected by the ongoing wildfires in Southern California, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that the company had donated several Cybertrucks to improve power supply and connectivity in Los Angeles County.

The donation, which Musk shared on X (formerly Twitter), was sent to the Altadena station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, north of Pasadena, to assist with power outages caused by the fires.

Cybertrucks Serve as Battery Storage at the LA Sheriff’s Department

The Cybertrucks, equipped with Tesla’s energy storage capabilities, will serve as battery storage at the sheriff’s station, providing emergency power to critical equipment until normal power is restored. Additionally, these vehicles will provide free Wi-Fi and utilize Starlink, Tesla’s satellite internet service, to offer connectivity in areas affected by power outages.

The Altadena Mountain Rescue Team, which works with the sheriff’s department, stated on social media that the donation would help keep radios, computers, and lights operational as the team continues its work during dark hours.

Tesla Plans More Cybertruck Deployments Amid Eaton Fire

As the Eaton Fire continues to rage in the region, burning thousands of acres and threatening homes, Tesla plans to send additional Cybertrucks equipped with Starlink terminals to other affected areas, including parts of Los Angeles and Malibu.

Musk stated that this initiative would delay some planned Cybertruck deliveries in California. “We need to use these trucks as mobile base stations to power Starlink internet terminals in areas of LA with no connectivity,” Musk wrote.

Cybertrucks Provide Emergency Power for Up to Three Days

Cybertrucks, which can provide emergency power for up to three days, are expected to play a crucial role in supporting first responders and residents. Tesla’s website highlights that a single truck can supply enough energy to power a café for multiple days—an essential resource in a region where many areas remain without electricity.

Although the vehicles themselves are not mobile hotspots, Musk confirmed that each Cybertruck would be equipped with a Starlink terminal, allowing them to create a Wi-Fi network that supports communication.

Cybertrucks and Starlinks Headed to LA’s Hardest-Hit Neighborhoods

In a follow-up post, Musk mentioned that more aid would be deployed in the coming days, aiming to establish a network of Cybertrucks and Starlinks to maximize coverage in the most affected neighborhoods.

The donation comes amid a state of emergency declared by California authorities as wildfires, fueled by strong winds, continue to spread. Mandatory evacuations are in effect for parts of Los Angeles County, where at least 24 people have died and 16 remain missing.

As conditions are expected to worsen, California Governor Gavin Newsom described the fires as potentially the worst natural disaster in the state’s history in terms of cost and scale.

Musk’s response to the fires has also sparked discussions on social media, with some expressing gratitude for the Wi-Fi and power provided by the Cybertrucks. Others, including Musk himself, have criticized regulations related to wildfire prevention, suggesting that more proactive measures could have mitigated some of the destruction.