Tesla, the global titan in electric vehicles (EVs), has always been on the forefront of EV technology, pushing boundaries and setting new standards. Now, the company is charging ahead yet again with its new Tesla V4 Supercharger. As the future of fast-charging stations, the V4 Supercharger is poised to redefine EV charging experiences around the globe.
The V4 Supercharger: Taller, Powerful, and more Accommodating
Revealed first in the Netherlands in March, the V4 Supercharger station is distinctly different from its predecessors1. The V4 charging stall is taller than the previous generations and includes a much longer cable, a modification made to accommodate a variety of EV models.
The increased height and length of the cable mean that non-Tesla EVs no longer have to park at awkward angles to reach the charging port, thus improving the overall charging experience.
High Power Charging: V4’s Leap Forward
While the design modifications are notable, what truly sets the V4 Supercharger apart is its superior charging power. The V4 has been revealed to have the potential to be twice as powerful as the previous generation, a significant leap from the 250 kW cap of the Supercharger V3. This leap in charging power means significantly reduced charging times for EVs, thus enabling EV users to get back on the road faster.
Expanding Charging Accessibility: A Game-Changer for the Industry
In addition to its impressive specifications, what makes the V4 Supercharger truly groundbreaking is its compatibility with non-Tesla EVs. The new Supercharger comes with a CCS (Combined Charging System) solution, known as the Magic Dock, to allow charging for a wide range of electric vehicles2.
Additionally, the V4 Supercharger comes equipped with a credit card reader, marking a significant departure from Tesla’s past practice of automatic charging activation for Tesla owners only through an in-car system and its mobile app3. This change is another step towards making the Supercharger network more accessible to all EV users.
A Sustainable Future: Solar Integration
The V4 Supercharger is also part of Tesla’s commitment to sustainability. As hinted by Tesla’s first known Supercharger V4 station plans in Arizona, Tesla intends to integrate energy storage and solar power at charging stations4. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has long-promised that Tesla will power all Supercharger stations with solar and batteries, and the V4 Supercharger is a key part of this vision.
In conclusion, the V4 Supercharger isn’t just a charging station—it’s a testament to Tesla’s relentless drive to revolutionize EV technology.
Sources:
Ricker, T. (2023) Here’s the world’s first Tesla V4 supercharger charging a VW Id buzz, The Verge. Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/19/23689247/tesla-v4-supercharger-ev-first-specs-rollout (Accessed: 14 July 2023).
Lambert, F. (2023a) First look at Tesla’s first V4 supercharger station, Electrek. Available at: https://electrek.co/2023/03/14/tesla-first-v4-supercharger-station-first-look/ (Accessed: 14 July 2023).
Lambert, F. (2023b) Tesla unveils V4 supercharger with credit card reader, subsidy measure?, Electrek. Available at: https://electrek.co/2023/07/14/tesla-unveils-v4-supercharger-credit-card-reader/ (Accessed: 14 July 2023).
Lambert, F. (2022) Tesla’s first supercharger V4 station with Megapack and solar gives a glimpse at the future, Electrek. Available at: https://electrek.co/2022/09/12/tesla-supercharger-v4-station-megapack-solar-glimpse-future/ (Accessed: 15 July 2023).