Tesla has built up a global network of charging stations, which Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas pointed to as a possible "competitive moat" that offers protection from other electric vehicle makers.

"We estimate Tesla's chargers may account for 30 percent to 40 percent of total US charging outlets counted by the US Dept. of Energy," Jonas said in a note to investors on Tuesday. Jonas is widely followed on Wall Street for his thoughts on Tesla and electric vehicles.

Tesla upped its network of global "supercharger" stations to nearly 13,000 by the end of last year, while also increasing its total "destination chargers" to more than 21,000. Superchargers refuel most Tesla batteries in about an hour, whereas destination charging stations provide longer charging times more suited for long stays at malls or overnights at hotels.