On Investor Day on March 1, 2023, Tesla announced the arrival of v4 Superchargers in Europe. They succeed Superchargers v3. One of their big news: a longer cable. We explain to you why this changes everything in practice, by solving a seemingly simple problem, but potentially very complicated depending on the situation.
The v4 Superchargers were eagerly awaited. This Wednesday, March 1, 2023, late in the evening, Tesla took advantage of Investor Day to announce their arrival, initially in Europe. Unfortunately, few details were given.
For the moment, we know that the v4 Superchargers will have longer cables than the v3 Superchargers currently installed around the world. What for ? The answer is quite simple, and to look for the opening of Superchargers to all electric cars.
The problem of Superchargers v2 and v3
The v2 and v3 Superchargers that are installed in Europe are equipped with charging cables whose length has been designed for Tesla electric cars, with their hatch on the rear left side of the car. If an electric car with a hatch installed opposite wants to plug into the terminal, the cable is too short. This car is then forced to park in the adjacent parking space, thus blocking access to the terminal there for another electric car.
This situation has already been seen in some charging stations equipped with Superchargers. The consequence: frustrated drivers, because some free terminals can be made inaccessible by a parking space occupied by an electric car from another manufacturer, which charges on the adjacent terminal.
And since Superchargers are seen as an advantage when buying a Tesla, the American manufacturer wants this kind of situation not to multiply. The solution is therefore very simple: extend the charging cables, thanks to Superchargers v4.
Superchargers v4: the information
We would like to know more about these v4 Superchargers, since rumors announced an increased charging power, to 350 kW (as at Ionity), against 250 kW currently on the v3 Superchargers.
It is possible that this power increase will come later, when the Cybertruck hits the market, by this summer. Because to take advantage of such charging power, you need an 800-volt architecture. And precisely, Tesla’s electric pickup should swap the 400-volt architecture of the Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3 and Model Y for an 800-volt electric platform.
In the United States, v4 Superchargers are not yet on the agenda. Since this week, Tesla has opened 10 stations to all electric cars. To do this, the American manufacturer had to set up the Magic Dock, which makes it possible to adapt the CCS1 universal combo port with Tesla’s proprietary port.
In Europe, Tesla announces that Tesla Superchargers have already begun to be rolled out.
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