Summary
- Tesla Supercharger V4 posts now allow 325-kw charging with Cybertruck
- True 500-kw, 800-volt charging coming later with V4 cabinets
- Cybertruck peak charging will shave off a few minutes of total charge time
- V4 Supercharger hardware was announced by Tesla in 2022
- Stellantis is patenting a system to boost output for 800-volt EVs on 400-volt Superchargers
Article
Tesla recently updated its Supercharger V4 posts to allow for a peak charging output of 325 kw, although this is not yet the 800-volt charging that Cybertruck drivers have been anticipating. While the V4 Superchargers can technically support charging at 800 volts, current locations are still using a modified version of the V3 cabinet, preventing them from fully taking advantage of the Cybertruck’s capabilities. However, Tesla is running its V4 cables and connectors at higher current levels to provide a brief boost in charging speed for Cybertruck drivers.
The V4 Superchargers are a significant advancement over the V3 Superchargers, with the V4 posts allowing for 325-kw charging compared to the 250 kw offered by the V3 stations. Tesla had been testing higher output for Supercharger stations since last year and began installing the V4 hardware in 2023, initially aimed at providing higher-power charging for the Semi and Cybertruck. The Cybertruck is currently the only Tesla vehicle with 800-volt charging capabilities, but other EVs from different brands are also beginning to offer this feature and will soon be able to utilize Tesla’s Supercharger network.
As Tesla continues to expand its Supercharger network and improve its charging infrastructure, other automakers are also exploring ways to enhance the charging capabilities of their EVs. Stellantis, for example, has patented a system for increasing the output of 400-volt DC fast-charging stations to support 800-volt EVs. This would enable future Stellantis EVs to charge at higher power levels from existing 400-volt Superchargers. The Lucid Gravity, which will gain access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, claims to sustain 225-kw on 500-volt chargers and up to 400 kw on 1,000-volt chargers.
In anticipation of the arrival of true V4 cabinets, Tesla is temporarily using the V4 cables and connectors at current V4 locations to provide an increased charging speed for Cybertruck owners. Although the Cybertruck only reaches the 325-kw peak for a short period, it can reduce charging time by more than five minutes, lowering the overall charging time from 10-80%. This temporary measure is aimed at improving the charging experience for Cybertruck drivers until the full V4 cabinets are available.
The development of higher-power charging capabilities for EVs reflects the growing demand for faster and more efficient charging solutions. Tesla’s efforts to enhance its Supercharger network and introduce V4 hardware demonstrate the company’s commitment to meeting the needs of its customers and improving the overall charging experience. As more automakers begin to offer 800-volt charging capabilities in their EVs, the expansion and enhancement of charging infrastructure will become increasingly important to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles. Tesla’s Supercharger network continues to play a crucial role in facilitating convenient and rapid charging for EV drivers across various makes and models.
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