Electric vehicle enthusiasts and Tesla users have been met with a mix of uncertainty and excitement regarding the future of Tesla’s Supercharger team. Recent developments have shown that the automaker is testing higher outputs at some of its DC fast-charging stations, offering a glimpse into potential improvements for its charging network.
YouTuber TesLatino shared on social media about discovering a Supercharger station that was delivering a significantly higher output than usual. Instead of the typical 250 kW, TesLatino witnessed a peak of 323 kW, sparking curiosity among Tesla enthusiasts. Lead engineer for the Tesla Cybertruck, Wes Morrill, responded to the discovery, explaining that this was part of a trial Tesla was conducting on V3+ Supercharger stations. These stations are equipped with a V3 cabinet and V4 charge post, offering the potential for higher power levels for Tesla drivers.
During the charging experience, Green Car Reports friend Kyle Conner from Out Of Spec Studios noted that the charger was outputting over 900 amps to achieve the 320-plus kW charging rate, highlighting the advanced technology Tesla is incorporating into its charging network. The Cybertruck itself was recently unveiled in production form, but some aspects, such as the $39,900 starting price and a range of up to 500 miles, have not been met as initially suggested by Tesla.
Despite the recent firing of nearly the entire Tesla Supercharger team by CEO Elon Musk, there seems to be a positive outlook for the expansion of the charging network. Musk promised a $500 million expansion funding for “thousands” of new chargers, indicating a commitment to enhancing the charging infrastructure. Additionally, the decision to withdraw from Supercharger operations has not deterred plans from Ionna, a charging network funded by seven automakers, to build a network of more than 30,000 high-power connectors.
As the future of Tesla’s Supercharger team remains uncertain, the recent testing of higher outputs at some charging stations signifies potential improvements for Tesla drivers. With the promise of expanded funding for new chargers and the commitment from other charging networks, the outlook for electric vehicle charging infrastructure appears promising. Stay tuned for further developments in Tesla’s Supercharger network as advancements are made to enhance the charging experience for Tesla users.