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.
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Tesla has begun to reach out to customers in the United States and is offering demo drives of the Cybertruck on an invite-only basis. @brandonhd on X shared the first invite image, and it looks like it's going out quite quickly to multiple locations that have Cybertrucks on display.
Up until now, display vehicles have been for just that – looking, but no touching. Some Tesla delivery centers and showrooms have also allowed viewers to take a seat inside and open it up, but most are still locked away behind the velvet rope.
It’s exciting to see that Tesla has begun to demo them – and it can only be so long until demo drives open up to everyone.
Advisor-led Demo
This Demo Drive is led by a Tesla Advisor – while you’re driving, the advisor will be in the passenger seat, walking you through the experience. They’ll explain steer-by-wire, off-road controls, and will introduce new-to-Tesla buyers to all the features that are currently available.
The list of locations so far for demo drives appears to be fairly limited, but we will hopefully see demo drives roll out throughout the United States, and eventually Canada too. Here is the current list of city/state locations that have seen demo drive invites.
Actually Smart Summon, the successor to Tesla’s Smart Summon feature, has been confirmed to be coming as soon as next month as per Elon Musk. Colloquially known as “ASS”, Actually Smart Summon is supposed to improve on the regular Smart Summon capabilities, which have historically used ultrasonic sensors (USS) to navigate parking lots.
We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon, and we’re quite excited about what other features will be unlocked once it finally shows up at our doorstep.
Vision-based Improvements
ASS is supposed to bring Smart Summon to vehicles that don’t have USS – using Tesla Vision. Most recently, Tesla has brought Autopark to vehicles without USS, and Vision-based Autopark has been a huge success. It is faster, more reliable, and smoother than the older USS-based solution. It can also park and maneuver in tighter locations.
Today, Smart Summon is sometimes useful at best, usually a party trick, or downright dangerous at worst. It’s excellent and best used in straight lines, where you have a clear line of sight of the vehicle, and can stop it if doesn’t see an obstacle.
I used Smart Summon today, just before writing this article – my 2022 Model Y (with USS) – did manage to show up just fine – in a straight-line location from where I was parked, after exiting the parking spot fairly cleanly. However, I’ve previously used Smart Summon and have had the vehicle turn towards obstacles, such as cart returns or curbs. Overall, it’s a sometimes-useful feature that has a lot of drawbacks right now.
Smart Summon is also restricted to a certain distance – and it's pretty small. The max distance is shorter than most parking lots, being only about 215 ft (65m). If you’re lucky enough to park close, it's very useful to bring your car right to you.
Actually Smart Summon
ASS will bring FSD V12-like capabilities to Smart Summon – the vehicle will primarily use Vision to drive toward you (or the location you’ve indicated). ASS has been supposed to be coming since about September 2022 and has seen many delays – we’re almost at the 2-year point today.
We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon being able to bring the vehicle – safely – right to you. ASS is also one of the key steps towards bringing some other cool features that Elon Musk has previously mentioned – Park Seek and Banish Autopark.
We’re also hopeful that Actually Smart Summon will increase the maximum range a vehicle can be summoned, because the current range is fairly small. Alongside Park Seek and Banish Autopark, we’re closing in on a Robotaxi-based future.
Park Seek and Banish Autopark
When the FSD v12.4 showed up, Elon also mentioned that going forward, vehicles would automatically park themselves when arriving in a parking lot – Park Seek – and that if you got out of the car at the entrance to a business, you could get it to automatically park itself in the parking lot – Banish Autopark. These are two features that are needed for Robotaxi to work – which itself is delayed to October 10th of this year. We’re looking quite forward to them – as in combination with Actually Smart Summon, Tesla has reached the cusp of vehicle autonomy.
A vehicle that arrives, driverless, at the location you’re at, then drives somewhere, parks itself there, and waits for you – is the definition of a Robotaxi.
While we’re likely to have to wait for Banish Autopark and Park Seek just a bit longer, Actually Smart Summon being around the corner is exciting! Gone will be the days of having to run out to your car when you forgot your umbrella – your car will just come right to you instead.
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