(Yicai Global) Feb. 17 -- The coronavirus epidemic has shut down some of US electric vehicle producer Tesla's supercharging stations in China, so the company has enlisted third-party ones to substitute for these.

The first set of 20 outsourced pit-stops has been opened, with most located in expressway service areas, Tesla announced yesterday on its account on Tencent Holding's popular WeChat messaging app.

Users should call for site status and cost information before planning travel routes, the EV maker suggests.

Tesla's top-up spots that are still open are providing charging services to the company's domestic customers free of charge.

Editor: Ben Armour