You can already see them in Germany from time to time; the Tesla Supercharger V4. In their new look, they are clearly distinguishable from their predecessors - and under the hood, the improvements in the Tesla V4 Supercharger are much more than just cosmetic.
Tesla plans to release the full functionality of the new charging experience at the beginning of 2025, initially in the USA. But what exactly makes the new charging stations so special
Tesla Supercharger V4: Modern design
In the fourth version of Tesla's own charging network, the charging station loses its previous visual element: the large hole in the middle, in which the cable was previously stowed, disappears and makes way for a modern, simple, white solid structure. Although "making room" is probably the wrong word here, as more space is being filled than before. But well.
The cable is now attached to the outside of the pillar and - important for vehicles of other brands - is now also considerably longer. In any case, the V4 charging points are designed more than ever before for "third-party chargers", as evidenced by the card terminal for quick payment of the electricity used. This means that the bill no longer has to be paid via the Tesla app, which is less practical for non-Tesla drivers.
Tesla V4 Supercharger: current status
If you want to marvel at the latest Tesla charging infrastructure, you still have to search a little, as only a few stations are currently in operation. The start was made in the Netherlands at the beginning of 2023, and the Tesla V4 Supercharger also reached Germany a little later.
And what has actually changed for the user? There is (still) a simple answer: nothing at all. So far, the new charging stations are no more than nice to look at, charging takes place at a maximum of 250 kW, as with the predecessor V3. But of course it shouldn't stay that way.
What will remain the same for the foreseeable future, however, is the susceptibility of the charging port to dirt and moisture. With a practical charging socket cover, you can easily and safely protect your Tesla from this danger.
Tesla V4 Supercharger: Technical details
Tesla promises its customers up to 1.2 megawatts of charging power at the V4 Supercharger - at least those who drive a Tesla Semi. An impressive 500 kW is to be available for the Cybertruck with its 800-volt system. This suggests that third-party vehicles with similar high-voltage systems (e.g.B. Porsche Taycan) could also benefit from this.
The S3XY vehicles, on the other hand, still have to make do with 250 kW peak power; the 400-volt system of these models is to blame.
Tesla Supercharger V4 Germany: difference in the control cabinet
The real difference to the old V3 is not in the charging capacity, but in the design of the control cabinets. Previously, such a cabinet supplied 4 charging stations, but this number has now been doubled to 8.
This halves the need for control cabinets, which means less space is required, shorter construction times and lower costs. According to Tesla, the efficiency has also been improved by 2 % to minimize losses due to waste heat.
V4 Supercharger Tesla: Just under 1 MW for eight 500 kW columns
Interestingly, the power requirement of the cabinets themselves is normally less than one megawatt. Thanks to optimized load distribution, eight charging vehicles can almost always be supplied with up to 500 kW peak power at the same time.
Tesla is therefore continuing to optimize and innovate with the Superchargers, further strengthening its leading position in the charging infrastructure - at least as soon as the V4 Superchargers are actually fully usable. It will still take some time until then; the first locations in the USA are scheduled to start operations in 2025.
Have you already spotted a Tesla Supercharger V4? Let us know in the comments below!
2 comments
Hans Klaus
Heure in Bad Rappenau bei neuer Tesla Säule geladen, ad hoc , Peugeot 208e.
Konnte den Ladevorgang nicht beenden , erst bei 100 %. Ich kann Ladevorgang vom Auto aus mittels Software nicht beenden. Hotline hatte
keine Ahnung von den neuen Säulen.wollre unbedingt die Nummer der Säule wissen, es gibt da aber keine.
Heure in Bad Rappenau bei neuer Tesla Säule geladen, ad hoc , Peugeot 208e.
Konnte den Ladevorgang nicht beenden , erst bei 100 %. Ich kann Ladevorgang vom Auto aus mittels Software nicht beenden. Hotline hatte
keine Ahnung von den neuen Säulen.wollre unbedingt die Nummer der Säule wissen, es gibt da aber keine.
Tobias Jungblut
Moin, in Wittenburg steht neue Säulen. Aber ich glaube alte Transformatoren.
Moin, in Wittenburg steht neue Säulen. Aber ich glaube alte Transformatoren.