- Tesla pushed an update to Supercharger V4 posts allowing 325-kw peak with Cybertruck
- True 500-kw, 800-volt charging comes later, with V4 cabinets
- Peak will be brief, but enough to shave a few minutes off total charge time
Tesla claims to be getting 325 kw of power from its V4 Supercharger DC fast-charging stations. But if you’re a Cybertruck driver, no it’s still not the 800-volt charging you’ve probably been waiting for.
All Superchargers designated V4 can now charge at that new peak output, the automaker said Monday on X, the social media platform owned by Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
V4 will technically allow charging at 800 volts, or up to 1,000 volts. But current V4 locations aren’t yet the complete hardware set. While they may use the new V4 charging posts and connectors, they’re still backed by Tesla’s V3 cabinet (or a modified version of it)—and thus, still not able to take advantage of the Cybertruck’s 800-volt charging.
So prior to the arrival of true V4 cabinets, it appears Tesla is doing this by running their more capable V4 cables and connectors at a potentially scorching current levels well beyond other fast-charging allows at 400 volts. Although Cybertrucks only hit that new peak for a short time—maybe a minute or less by initial accounts—it could shave more five minutes off the Cybertruck’s initial 40-minute 10-80% charging time.
Tesla Supercharger
Tesla had been testing higher output for Supercharger stations since at least last year, using so-called V3+ stations that combine a V3 cabinet and V4 charge post. Tesla’s announcement specifically mentioned “V4 posts,” indicating that these stations will also offer 325-kw charging. That’s compared to 250 kw for standard V3 Superchargers.
Tesla announced V4 Supercharger hardware in 2022 and made some first installations in 2023—at that time pegged to provide higher-power charging for the Semi and Cybertruck.
Tesla Supercharger
The Cybertruck is the only vehicle in the automaker’s lineup that currently boasts 800-volt charging. But some EVs from other brands offer that capability as well—and will soon be appearing at Supercharger stations as more automakers gain access to the network. With this in mind, Tesla has also been adding longer cables to accommodate vehicles with charge ports in different positions than its own.
Instead of simply waiting for Tesla to upgrade its hardware, Stellantis has also tried to patent a system for boosting output of 400-volt DC fast-charging stations for 800-volt EVs that can handle the extra power. That could allow the automaker’s future EVs to charge at higher power levels from 400-volt Superchargers. The Lucid Gravity, which gets Supercharger access Jan. 31, also claims a sustained 225-kw on 500-volt chargers or up to 400 kw on 1,000-volt chargers.
