Drivers of Tesla electric cars will be able to charge up at two stations the auto maker plans to install at New Jersey Turnpike service areas

Authority commissioners approved an agreement Tuesday morning with Tesla to install charging stations in the Molly Pitcher and Joyce Kilmer services areas —both in Middlesex County — at no expense to toll payers.

Tesla officials approached the Turnpike Authority last year about installing charging stations on the Turnpike. At the time, legislation was being debated in the assembly about the authority install charging stations at service areas, said John O’Hern, authority deputy executive director.

“This was a better approach, it lets the market dictate what’s installed,” he said.

Four parking stalls will be wired for Tesla charging stations, which O’Hern said won’t interfere with parking or traffic in the service areas. Tesla also will wire the charging stations in case other manufacturers of electric cars decide to install charging stations, he said.

Teslas use a charger that is specific to their vehicles, which doesn’t fit other electric cars. The charging stations could be operational by the end of the year, depending on how long it takes for Tesla to obtain permits needed to do the work, O’Hern said. Tesla owners would not be charged to power up their vehicles, he said.

Future expansion to other turnpike service areas or to the Garden State Parkway will depend on driver demand, he said.

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook.