Summary
- Tesla software update adds trailer-friendly Supercharger station filtering
- Drivers can find out if Supercharger stalls are trailer-compatible by tapping on pins
- Towing-specific Supercharger stalls show up at the top of search results when Trailer Mode is enabled
- Electric vehicle charging with trailers has been problematic in the past
- Tesla’s update applies to their vehicles only, but other automakers accessing the Supercharger network may include the feature in future updates.
Article
Tesla Software Update Adds Trailer-Friendly Supercharger Station Filter
Tesla recently released a software update that allows drivers to filter for trailer-friendly Supercharger stations. This update is a welcome addition for electric vehicle drivers who need to charge their vehicles while towing a trailer. With the new update, Tesla drivers can tap on any Supercharger pin to find out if there are trailer-compatible stalls available at that location.
Challenges of Charging Electric Vehicles with Trailers
Charging electric vehicles with trailers attached has always been a challenge. Traditionally, drivers would either have to take up multiple charging spots or go through the hassle of detaching the trailer, charging the EV, and then reattaching the trailer. While some pull-through charging stations exist, they are not always easy to locate, especially when traveling long distances with a trailer. Tesla’s new software update aims to address this issue by prioritizing trailer-friendly Supercharger stations in search results.
How the Tesla Software Update Works
After installing software version 2024.44.1, Tesla drivers can enable Trailer Mode to ensure that towing-specific Superchargers show up at the top of the results list when searching for charging locations. The interface design for this feature was recently revealed on the Tesla Charging X account. Additionally, even if the vehicle is not in Trailer Mode, tapping on any Supercharger pin will inform drivers if there are trailer-compatible stalls available at that location.
Benefits of Trailer-Friendly Supercharger Stations
Tesla’s North American Charging Director, Max de Zegher, highlighted the importance of trailer-compatible stalls having signs that read "Priority For Trailers, Please Use Last." This is helpful for EV drivers who are not towing anything but still need to charge their vehicles. While Tesla has not mentioned extending this functionality to non-Tesla EVs, the Supercharger API is now open to other automakers who have agreements with Tesla to use the Supercharger network. Future software updates from companies like Rivian, Ford, and General Motors may include this feature.
Expanding Accessibility for Electric Vehicle Owners
By prioritizing trailer-friendly Supercharger stations, Tesla is making long-distance towing with electric vehicles like the Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Chevrolet Silverado EV much more convenient. This update ensures that EV drivers who are towing trailers have easier access to charging locations without having to navigate the challenges of traditional charging infrastructure. With more automakers joining the electric vehicle market, the inclusion of trailer-specific charging options will become increasingly important for a seamless charging experience.
Conclusion
Overall, Tesla’s latest software update that includes a filter for trailer-friendly Supercharger stations is a step in the right direction for accommodating electric vehicle drivers who need to charge while towing trailers. This feature simplifies the charging process for EV owners and makes long-distance towing with electric vehicles more convenient. As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, we can expect other automakers to follow suit and incorporate similar trailer-friendly charging options in their software updates.Tesla’s commitment to expanding accessibility and convenience for electric vehicle owners sets a positive precedent for the industry as a whole.
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