X user,@MarcoRPi1, known for Supercharger updates, posted details on Tesla's new V4 Supercharger, offering an unprecedented look at the next-gen charging tech. This unofficial, but credible source revealed some additional details on Tesla’s V4 Superchargers. The specs list the units as capable of outputting the current 250kW, although this is expected to increase in the future. The stalls boast a wide voltage range to accommodate various EV models. The post, which the user warns might be deleted later, showed that Tesla continues to push the envelope in EV charging capabilities.
V4 Supercharger
MarcoRPi1
The V4 Supercharger supports a wide array of international charging standards, such as Tesla’s NACS, as well as CCS1, CCS2, and GB/T, possibly catering to other manufacturers who wish to buy and white label Superchargers. Recently Tesla sold 100 million dollars worth of Superchargers to BP Pulse. The V4’s universal cable reach ensures a more vehicle-agnostic charging experience, bolstering consumer confidence in EV adoption. Key features of this advanced charging post include support for global and open communication standards, unmatched ergonomics, a revenue-grade DC energy meter, and an optional payment module that is required in some regions. It has a flood tolerance of up to one meter and a compact design, making it an ideal solution for space-constrained urban environments.
First Reactions to Specs: Concerns Over Practicality
The detailed specs, however, were met with immediate skepticism. @IeZSC2Maps was quick to criticize, citing personal experiences of the charging cable disconnecting in harsh weather, mocking the claim of a "best in class user experience."
This criticism echoes a sentiment we've previously reported. A Tesla enthusiast and Model 3 owner, @RoamingNorway, expressed grievances with the V4 Supercharger. He pointed out that the heavier cables compromised flexibility, and design flaws led to frequent disconnections during use. Despite a modest following, his observations struck a chord within the Tesla community and signaled to the company that all was not well. Tesla's official charging account, @TeslaCharging, did not turn a deaf ear to these complaints. They acknowledged the feedback, promising swift action to refine the cable dock and improve flexibility.
Expanding Horizons: Tesla's V4 Network Growth
The ongoing expansion of the V4 Supercharger network across Europe, including new installations and upgrades from older versions, indicates Tesla's commitment to universal charging standards. With over 55,000 Superchargers worldwide, Tesla is paving the way for the future of clean transportation.
The V4 Supercharger's advanced technology, paired with Tesla's readiness to address and rectify user concerns, paints a picture of a company that is relentless in its pursuit of innovation yet grounded in customer experience. As Tesla forges ahead with upgrades and network expansion, the V4 Supercharger is set to become the new gold standard in EV charging, so the company better get it right.
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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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Tesla Android Project enables you to run Android apps in your Tesla. The platform is Open Source and you can deploy it on your own Raspberry Pi 4. Consider supporting the initiative by donating or purchasing the Compute Module 4 Bundle that delivers the best experience. Get $20 off by using the code: NotATeslaApp
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