Tesla Unlocks 320KW Supercharging ๐
TLDRTesla has unlocked unprecedented 320KW charging speeds for the Cybertruck, exceeding previous capabilities. Despite the lack of V4 cabinets, Tesla's V3.5 superchargers, with enhanced dispensers and V3 cabinets, have achieved this feat by increasing amperage. This experiment hints at potential upgrades for Model S and X, suggesting faster charging could be a way to boost their appeal in a competitive EV market. The focus now is on balancing charging efficiency with infrastructure costs, as Tesla considers its next moves.
Takeaways
- ๐ Tesla has activated faster charging speeds for the Cybertruck, reaching up to 320 KW at a V4 supercharger, a record for Tesla's charging speed.
- ๐ DC fast charging stations consist of two parts: the dispenser, which interacts with the customer and vehicle, and the cabinet, which supplies power.
- ๐ ๏ธ Tesla has been rolling out V4 dispensers but not V4 cabinets, limiting current superchargers to 250 KW output despite the dispensers' higher voltage capabilities.
- ๐ The Cybertruck's charging at 320 KW was achieved with a V3 cabinet, indicating an experimental approach to higher charging speeds by increasing amperage.
- ๐ Higher amperage leads to more inefficiencies and energy loss in the charging process, contrasting with the preferred method of high voltage charging.
- ๐ก The experiment suggests that Tesla might be considering cost-effectiveness in their charging infrastructure, possibly prioritizing V3 cabinets for now.
- ๐ There's speculation that Tesla could upgrade the Model S and X to take advantage of the new V4 dispensers for faster charging, even on the existing 400-volt architecture.
- ๐ The efficiency of charging is highlighted by comparing the Cybertruck's 320 KW charging session to the Model 3's efficiency, which translates to more miles per hour.
- ๐ค The video raises questions about Tesla's strategy for the Model S and X in the face of increasing competition and the need for innovation to maintain their appeal.
- ๐ The discussion also brings up the idea of whether Tesla should continue with the Model S and X or shift focus to newer models like the Roadster.
- ๐ The video suggests that Tesla is exploring ways to improve and justify the Model S and X, possibly through faster charging capabilities or other upgrades.
Q & A
What is the current maximum charging speed that Tesla's CyberTruck can achieve with its existing infrastructure?
-The CyberTruck can currently achieve up to 250 KW due to the limitations of Tesla's existing charging infrastructure.
What is the difference between a dispenser and a cabinet in DC fast charging stations?
-A dispenser is the part of the charging station that the customer interacts with, responsible for providing the cable and keeping it cool. The cabinet is the backend, responsible for supplying enough power for all dispensers.
Why are Tesla's V4 superchargers still limited to 250 KW output despite having upgraded dispensers?
-The limitation is due to the use of older V3 cabinets, which do not support the higher power output that the upgraded V4 dispensers are capable of.
How did a CyberTruck manage to charge at 320 KW at a V4 supercharger?
-The CyberTruck achieved this by using a V3.5 supercharger, which has an upgraded dispenser but still uses a V3 cabinet, by pushing more amps into the vehicle.
What does the term 'V3.5 supercharger' refer to in the context of Tesla's charging infrastructure?
-A 'V3.5 supercharger' refers to a charging station with upgraded V4 dispensers but still using a V3 cabinet, allowing for higher amperage and thus higher charging speeds.
Why might Tesla be experimenting with higher amperage at lower voltage instead of rolling out true V4 superchargers?
-Tesla might be doing this to keep charging infrastructure costs low, as V4 cabinets could be more expensive, and they may be able to roll out V3 cabinets more economically.
What is the potential advantage of high voltage charging stations over those that rely on high amperage at lower voltage?
-High voltage charging stations can run with less amperage, resulting in less energy loss, less heat loss, and less need for active cooling, making them more efficient.
How might Tesla improve the Model S and X to stay competitive in the premium EV market?
-Tesla could potentially upgrade the battery management system and active cooling, or take advantage of the new V4 dispensers to allow for faster charging speeds for the Model S and X.
What is the current range difference between the cheapest Model 3 and the Model S in terms of miles per kWh?
-The Model 3 long range gets approximately 4.5 miles per kWh, while the Cybertruck gets around 2.5 to 2.7 miles per kWh.
What could be a strategy for Tesla to justify the continued production of the Model S and X given the current market competition?
-Tesla could consider introducing faster charging capabilities for the Model S and X, or even retool the production lines for other models like the Roadster if the demand for the Model S and X does not justify mass production.
Outlines
๐ Tesla Cybertruck's Unexpected Fast Charging Discovery
The script discusses the surprising ability of the Tesla Cybertruck to charge at speeds of up to 330 kW at Electrify America stations, exceeding the initially promised 250 kW. It explains the components of DC fast charging stations, distinguishing between the 'dispenser' and 'cabinet', and how Tesla's current infrastructure, including the new V4 dispensers with old V3 cabinets, limits charging speeds. The discovery at a V4 station in the Bay Area, where a Cybertruck achieved the fastest charging speed at a Supercharger yet, led to the revelation that Tesla is experimenting with 'V3.5' Superchargers. These use V4 dispensers but V3 cabinets and push more amperage to achieve higher charging speeds. The summary also touches on the inefficiencies and potential reasons behind Tesla's approach, suggesting cost might be a factor in not rolling out full V4 cabinets.
๐ The Future of Tesla's Charging Infrastructure and Model S/X
This paragraph delves into the implications of Tesla's charging experiments for the Model S and X, which are facing competition in the premium EV market. It speculates on Tesla's strategy with the V3.5 Superchargers and whether they might upgrade the battery management and cooling systems of the Model S and X to take advantage of the higher amperage charging. The summary considers the possibility of Tesla using the V3.5 Superchargers to offer faster charging for existing models, potentially revitalizing the Model S and X in the face of new competition. It also contrasts the charging efficiency of the Cybertruck with that of the Model 3, highlighting the importance of energy efficiency in EV charging.
๐ข Viewer Engagement and Support Acknowledgement
The final paragraph is a call to action for viewer engagement and an expression of gratitude for the support of the channel's sponsors and viewers. It encourages viewers to share their thoughts in the comments and thanks them for their contributions, which help the channel significantly. The script ends with a musical note and a wish for the viewers to have an excellent day.
Mindmap
Keywords
๐กSupercharging
๐กCybertruck
๐กElectrify America
๐กDispenser
๐กCabinet
๐กV4 Superchargers
๐กAmps
๐กEfficiency
๐กModel S
๐กModel X
๐กModel 3
Highlights
Tesla has started activating faster charging speeds on the Cybertruck, exceeding initial expectations.
Cybertruck was expected to support over 250 kW charging, but charging infrastructure limited it to this capacity.
Tesla owners discovered they could achieve up to 330 kW charging at Electrify America stations.
DC fast charging stations consist of a dispenser and a cabinet, each with distinct functions.
The dispenser's role is to keep the cable cool and ensure power delivery at the correct speed.
Tesla has been rolling out V4 dispensers but not the corresponding V4 cabinets.
V4 superchargers with V3 cabinets can only output 250 kilowatts, limiting charging speed for vehicles like the Cybertruck.
Non-Tesla EVs are limited to 50-90 kW charging at V4 stations due to the outdated cabinets.
A Cybertruck achieved a record 320 kW charging at a V4 supercharger, indicating a new approach to fast charging.
The Cybertruck's battery pack remained split, operating at sub-400 volts, suggesting it was not a true V4 supercharger.
Tesla is experimenting with higher amperage charging at select V4 stations, referred to as v3.5.
The new V4 dispensers can support more amperage even at lower voltage, enabling faster charging.
High voltage charging is more efficient, reducing energy loss and heat generation.
Tesla may be prioritizing lower-cost charging infrastructure over efficiency.
The Model S and X could potentially benefit from the new V3.5 superchargers for faster charging.
The Model 3's efficiency at 250 kW charging translates to more miles added per hour compared to the Cybertruck.
Tesla faces competition in the premium EV market, which may influence their strategy for the Model S and X.
There is speculation about the future of the Model S and X, including the possibility of faster charging or discontinuation.