Tesla's V4 Superchargers are capable of speeds up to 600kW
@EstherKokkelman (Edited by Not a Tesla App)
Tesla has opened the first V4 Superchargers, which appear to have the potential to be twice as powerful as the model it replaces. The world is starting to learn more about this newest addition to Tesla's portfolio of DC fast-charging stations. Tesla started constructing its first fourth-generation Superchargers in the Netherlands earlier this month and officially opened them up to the public on March 15th.
Further details regarding the Supercharger V4's capabilities are now available courtesy of a recent peek at the new charging station by nearby Tesla owners. According to the charger's electric car specifications, it has a maximum power output of 600 kW and a maximum current of 615A at 1,000V.
This is the potential maximum for the new Supercharger V4, even if the highest-rated power is rarely maintained. The current restriction is at the level of the vehicle, as most, or potentially all Teslas today cannot manage to be charged at those levels.
This development might provide a glimpse into Tesla's upcoming electric vehicle ambitions. At Tesla's Semi delivery event, Tesla revealed that the Tesla Semi and Cybertruck would be the vehicles that would be able to take full advantage of Tesla's upcoming V4 Superchargers.
Longer Cables and Lights in V4 Superchargers
Although V4 Superchargers feature a simpler design, the TESLA lettering on the new Superchargers does light up to make the Superchargers easier to spot.
The cables at V4 Superchargers are also significantly longer than in previous generations. Tesla's previous Superchargers included fairly short cables that are about 6.5 feet (2m) long, but for V4 they've extended the length of the cables to almost 10 feet (3m) to make it easier to charge various types of vehicles.
During Investor Day, Tesla confirmed increasing manufacturing in preparation for a swift rollout. The new charger is projected to offer a higher charge rate than the Supercharger V3's existing 250 kW ceiling for existing vehicles. They will also likely have a solution for CCS charging compatibility for electric vehicles not made by Tesla, by having a built-in Magic Dock in the U.S.
After a post on X, Tesla has confirmed that it recently exported its 1 millionth car from Giga Shanghai. That’s a massive number of vehicles from a factory that only opened in December 2019.
Since Q3 2021, Giga Shanghai has been responsible for producing over 50% of global EV production – with the single exception of Q2 2022 – where production fell to about 40% while the factory was retooling. That’s a jaw-dropping figure for a single factory.
1 Million Exports
Giga Shanghai produces Teslas for practically the entire world, including the European, Australian, Chinese, and other Southeast Asian markets. For now, it also produces cars for Canada; however, an upcoming tariff could change this.
Giga Shanghai also celebrated the shipping of 100,000 vehicles to Australia with the 1 million vehicles exported mark. While the majority of vehicles end up in Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia are still massive markets for Tesla.
Going forward, Giga Shanghai, with its continued expansions, will be at or above 1 million vehicles produced per year. A good chunk of these vehicles stay within China, while the rest are exported. Tesla sells on average 40 to 80,000 cars per month in China, depending on the season, with an average of 90,000 cars produced per month in 2024 so far.
Automated Production
This is all thanks to Giga Shanghai’s 95% automated production line. Giga Shanghai is likely one of the most automated and advanced factories in the world, a testament to Tesla’s manufacturing and engineering expertise. Giga Shanghai produces one vehicle every 40 seconds.
We’re looking forward to seeing how Tesla’s expansions and factory innovations continue in the coming months and years.
Giga Shanghai operates a 95% automated production line, enabling a cycle time of less than 40 seconds! From taking 2.5 years for the first million cars to be produced, the second million was done in just 12 months 🚘🪄 pic.twitter.com/IF1w27AFPr
Tesla’s last app update, version 4.37.1, introduces support for critical alerts on the iPhone. These alerts are designed for emergency situations and will override standard notification settings, including the mute switch, Focus modes, and Do Not Disturb. This ensures that owners are notified when immediate action is required, even if their phone is set to silent.
How to Enable Critical Alerts
Activate Dog Mode: Open the Tesla app and turn on Dog Mode.
Main App Screen: After activating Dog Mode, go back to the main section of the app.
Enable Critical Alerts: A new option called Critical Alerts will appear under Live Camera and the quick action icons (Tip: You can add up to 5 quick actions). It’ll state, “Grant permissions to receive critical notifications.” Tap it, and you’ll see a system dialog asking for permission to allow critical alerts for the Tesla app.
Confirm Permission: Choose to allow the Tesla app to send critical notifications, which will grant the app special privileges for sending urgent alerts.
This new feature is likely intended for situations where Dog Mode needs to be turned off unexpectedly. For example, if the vehicle’s battery drops below 20% or if the temperature inside the cabin rises or falls drastically outside of your set temperature, the Tesla app is expected to send a critical alert to the owner, ensuring they are informed right away.
What Are Critical Alerts?
Critical Alerts are a type of iOS notification available only to approved apps, which must meet specific criteria set by Apple. These alerts are designed to be used in emergencies and bypass all standard notification restrictions. This means that regardless of whether your phone is silenced or in Do Not Disturb mode, the alert will play a sound and appear prominently.
By adding support for Critical Alerts, Tesla is prioritizing the safety of pets who may be left inside the vehicle with the expectation that Dog Mode will keep conditions safe. This change makes the app more reliable for alerting owners when immediate attention is needed, ensuring they are always kept informed—even when their phone’s settings would typically prevent other notifications from coming through.