Summary
- Tesla increased the maximum charging speed of V4 Supercharger stalls to 325 kW
- V4 Superchargers account for 8% of all Superchargers in North America
- Drivers of Cybertruck can take advantage of increased speed, while other Tesla models are still limited to 250 kW
- Other EV models with 800-volt battery packs like Lucid Gravity, Chevrolet Silverado EV, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6 can benefit from the increased charging speed
- Tesla is expanding the number of V4-equipped stations and working on V4 cabinets that can deliver up to 500 kW per stall.
Article
Tesla Boosts Charging Speeds
Tesla has recently increased the maximum charging speed of its V4 Supercharger stalls in North America. This upgrade allows these stations to output a maximum of 325 kilowatts, a significant improvement from the previous 250 kW. However, this increased speed is currently only available for the Cybertruck, which has an 800-volt battery pack. Other Tesla models with 400V battery packs, such as the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X, are still limited to a maximum of 250 kW. As the Supercharger network becomes more accessible to non-Tesla EVs, vehicles with 800-volt batteries, like the Lucid Gravity, Chevrolet Silverado EV, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6, are likely to benefit the most from this speed increase.
Benefits for Non-Tesla EVs
Non-Tesla electric vehicles with 800-volt (and above) battery packs are expected to see the greatest gains from the upgraded V4 Supercharger stalls in terms of reduced charging times. For example, a Hyundai Ioniq 5 can charge from 10% to 80% in about 29 minutes on the previous-generation Tesla Superchargers limited to 250 kW. However, with the increased charging speed of Tesla’s V4 stalls, this time could be significantly reduced, making charging more efficient for these vehicles. This improvement is particularly relevant as more EVs from various automakers join the electric vehicle market, utilizing Tesla’s Supercharger network for charging.
Current Status of V4 Superchargers
Despite the recent upgrade, the number of V4 Superchargers in North America remains relatively small compared to older versions of DC fast chargers. Out of the 2,656 total Supercharger stations across North America, only 222 feature V4 stalls, while the majority still operate V3 dispensers limited to 250 kW. Additionally, there are 682 stations equipped with V2 stalls that can only deliver 150 kW. Tesla is actively expanding the number of V4-equipped stations, with 103 sites currently under construction. There are also plans for further improvements in charging speeds, with a new version of the V4 cabinets capable of delivering up to 500 kW per stall in development.
Future Improvements in Charging Speeds
Tesla’s recent announcement regarding the V4 Supercharger stalls hints at a future upgrade in the form of new V4 cabinets capable of delivering up to 500 kW of power per stall. These upgrades are part of Tesla’s efforts to enhance the charging infrastructure and accommodate the growing demand for electric vehicles across North America. The V4 stalls are easily recognizable by their monolith-like appearance, white-and-black design, and glowing red logo. These stations also come equipped with Tesla NACS plugs and built-in adapters for non-Tesla EVs, making them versatile and accessible to a wide range of electric vehicles.
Implications for Tesla Owners
While the increased charging speed of V4 Supercharger stalls benefits non-Tesla electric vehicles with 800-volt battery packs, Tesla owners will also see some advantages. With the Cybertruck being the only Tesla model currently able to take full advantage of the 325 kW charging speed, future updates and improvements in charging infrastructure may provide faster charging options for other Tesla models with 400V battery packs. As Tesla continues to expand its Supercharger network and improve charging speeds, electric vehicle owners, both Tesla and non-Tesla, can expect more efficient and convenient charging experiences, ultimately supporting the broader adoption of electric vehicles and sustainable transportation solutions.
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