Tesla Zapping Out Faster V4 Supercharging for Semis and Cybertruck In 2023
According to the company, the Semi can recharge 70% of its 1000-volt, 1,000kWh battery in 30 minutes. The Cybertruck’s battery capacity has not been disclosed, but this could indicate a quick charge time of just a few minutes.
Musk stated that the supercharger network of Tesla in the US will roll out the faster charging speeds next year. With the launch of Cybertruck next year, it is expected that the Cybertruck will be available in the UK.
This news was announced at an event that marked the delivery to PepsiCo of the first production versions the long-delayed Tesla Semi.
The Daf CF Electric, a rival cab-forward lorry with European styling, is available with a 315kWh lithium-ion battery. It has a 137-mile range in tractor configuration. It weighs in at 37,000kg, which is the maximum combined weight of the HGV/trailer.
The three-motor powertrain, the same as the Tesla Model S Plaid’s 1020bhp Tesla Model S Plaid, drives the rear axles. It can sprint from 0-60 mph in just 20 seconds fully loaded or 5.0 seconds without cargo.
Musk said that the car has “three times as much power as any diesel truck on road right now” but no further details were given.
Tesla’s Semi truck runs at 1000 volts, compared to 800 for the most advanced electric cars or SUVs on the market today. Its electric motors are derived form the Tesla Model S Plaid supersedan.
Tesla Semi engineering chief Dan Priestley stated that there would be more vehicles with the 1000-volt system to meet the needs of attendees. However, he did not name the Cybertruck.
New ‘Mega Chargers’ stations are responsible for the record-breaking charging power. They are dubbed V4 in comparison to Tesla’s existing ‘V3 Supercharger stations that can deliver up 250kW.
The Semi delivery event showed diagrams that the cables are using new “immersion cool technology”. This claims to maintain the cable’s thickness similar to Tesla’s Superchargers but to deliver far more power.
“You are actually immersing your conductor in the coolant. This water-based coolant that you have,” Tesla Semi engineering chief Dan Priestley stated at the event.
“We then do some really neat isolation monitoring at the back end to make sure it’s safe and delivers what it needs.
It allows us to put a lot of current into a very small area. V3 Superchargers have been used to charge cars. The cable is flexible and easy to maneuver.
The Porsche Taycan, Audi E-Tron GT twins and cars on the Hyundai group’s E-GMP architecture – which includes the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Kia EV6, Genesis GV60 – are all electric passenger vehicles that can reach 350kW (and theoretically) in optimal, manufacturer-tested conditions.
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Who can use V4?
The megawatt superchargers were announced at the Tesla Semi production unveil. They will be used to service Tesla’s expanding electric Semi fleet. Production and deliveries will increase next year. Musk also confirmed that the Semis and the Tesla Cybertruck pickup will feature the same megawatt-capable technology. However, it is possible that it may be scaled down for the smaller truck.
Caveats
For now, it’s not clear how Tesla will roll out its megawatt-capable infrastructure. The first supercharger stations that will receive the tech are likely to be brand-new and located along the delivery routes of Tesla’s primary Semi-clients, such as Frito-Lay and Pepsi. Some supercharger stations may also be upgraded to have megawatt-capable charging points. We don’t know how many charging stalls may be available at each station and which vehicles, other than Semis and Cybertrucks, will be able use these stations.
