Electric vehicle (EV) giant Tesla has announced a significant upgrade to its Cybertruck charging capabilities. The company revealed on Friday that Cybertruck owners can now charge their vehicles up to 325 kW on select V4 supercharger posts.
Rollout in Progress
Tesla announced the rollout on social media, stating that it is currently in progress. As a result, Cybertruck customers can now enjoy faster charging times at select locations, including Lebec and Santa Ynez in California, Melissa in Texas, and Harrison in New York, among others. The company has confirmed that more locations will be added in the future.
Technical Specifications
According to Max de Zegher, Tesla’s Director of Charging, North America, V4 supercharging posts are capable of charging up to 500 kW on the V4 cabinet. However, the maximum charging rate for existing V3 cabinets remains at 325 kW. The first charging sites with V4 Cabinets are expected to open in 2025.
Increased Charging Rate
The upgrade represents a significant increase in charging speed, up from the previous maximum of 250 kW. This development is a result of Tesla’s ongoing efforts to enhance its supercharger network, which includes a trial to increase the maximum charging rate on certain superchargers, as announced by Cybertruck lead engineer Wes Morrill in August.
Significance
The upgrade is a notable development for Tesla, which had 6,706 supercharger stations and 62,421 connectors around the globe as of the end of the third quarter. During Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting in June, CEO Elon Musk dismissed rumors of the demise of its supercharger network, following a major layoff in April. The company has committed to investing $500 million in expanding its supercharger network this year.
Background
Tesla’s Cybertruck has been the subject of much attention, particularly regarding its range capabilities, which are less than some of the company’s other offerings, such as the Model S all-wheel drive. In response, Tesla has announced plans to start production of a range extender for the truck in mid-2025. The range extender will be an alternate battery pack that can be fitted into the truck bed.
Future Developments
As the rollout continues, Cybertruck owners can look forward to faster charging times at select locations. With Tesla’s ongoing efforts to enhance its supercharger network, the company is demonstrating its commitment to supporting the growing demand for electric vehicles and providing its customers with a seamless and convenient charging experience.