Tesla V4 Superchargers (carbuzz.com)
Tesla’s latest Supercharger upgrade accommodates non-Tesla EVs and features enhanced convenience.
Tesla has commenced the rollout of its next-generation V4 Supercharger stalls in the United States, offering EV owners a glimpse of the updated charging stations. Notable features of the new V4 Superchargers include credit card readers and CCS1 (Combo Charging System) adapters, aimed at enhancing the convenience and compatibility of the Supercharging network.
One standout feature of the V4 Superchargers is the inclusion of a credit card reader. This innovation allows EV owners, including those who do not own a Tesla, to charge their electric vehicles at Supercharger stations without the need to sign up for a Tesla account. The credit card reader simplifies the payment process, eliminating the requirement for a Tesla-specific account.
Another significant addition to the V4 Supercharger stalls is the CCS1 adapter, commonly referred to as the “Magic Dock.” The CCS1 adapter enables non-Tesla electric vehicles to connect to the Supercharger network, expanding compatibility beyond Tesla’s own North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector. Several automakers, including Ford, Rivian, General Motors, Kia, and Nissan, have agreed to adopt the NACS connector in their future EV models. This collaborative effort grants access to the extensive Tesla Supercharger network in the United States and Canada, with over 12,000 Supercharger stations expected to be available to participating non-Tesla EVs by 2024. By the following year, these vehicles will feature the NACS connector, ensuring compatibility with the Supercharger network.
The introduction of these V4 Superchargers aims to accommodate a broader range of electric vehicles from various manufacturers. The updated charging stalls are equipped with longer cables and are designed to facilitate the convenience of EV owners, especially those without Tesla-specific connectors.
Furthermore, reports suggest that the V4 Superchargers will eventually support charging speeds of up to 350 kW for electric vehicles with an 800-volt architecture, such as the Kia EV6. While Tesla’s own electric vehicle models currently do not charge at such high speeds, the V4 Supercharger stalls retain the same 250 kW power output as their predecessors.
Tesla’s expansion of the V4 Supercharger network extends beyond the United States, with these charging stations being deployed in Europe and other parts of the world. Notably, the first V4 Supercharger installation in Asia was unveiled at Lee Garden One in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.
The integration of credit card readers and CCS1 adapters in the V4 Supercharger stalls represents a significant step toward making the Tesla Supercharger network more accessible and versatile for electric vehicle owners, regardless of their vehicle’s make or model.