Tesla has announced a new feature to pre-heat batteries for select Model 3 and Y vehicles at its supercharger posts in cold climates. This enhancement aims to speed up the charging process during extremely cold weather conditions.
What’s Changed
The company has introduced supercharger battery heating at V3 and V4 posts, which will benefit standard-range rear-wheel drive Model 3 and Y vehicles. By sending an alternate current ripple through the battery, the supercharger will help warm it up, reducing the time it takes to charge in cold weather.
Benefits of the New Feature
According to Tesla executive Max de Zegher, Director of Charging for North America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific, this feature can help cold-soaked vehicles get back on the road up to 4 times faster. However, pre-conditioning the battery before reaching a supercharger is still recommended for optimal charging performance.
Why It Matters
The introduction of this feature is part of Tesla’s efforts to improve the overall charging experience, especially during peak periods. The company is forecasting an increase in supercharger usage over the last two weekends of the year and is working to ensure 100% uptime for all its superchargers. Additionally, Tesla is deploying attendants and Megapack-powered chargers at its busiest sites and continues to open new superchargers.
Recent Developments
Earlier in December, Tesla reduced the price for charging at its supercharger network to accelerate EV adoption and make it more financially sustainable. The company has nearly 30,000 supercharging ports in the U.S. and is committed to expanding its network.
Future of Mobility
As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, companies like Tesla are investing in infrastructure and technology to support the adoption of EVs. With its enhanced supercharger network and features like battery pre-heating, Tesla is working to make EV ownership more convenient and accessible.