Additional Specs Revealed About Tesla's V4 Superchargers

V4 Superchargers

MarcoRPi1

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 Increases Price of Model S; Starts Offering Free Lifetime Supercharging

Not a Tesla App

For the first time in quite a while, Tesla has increased the price of one of its vehicle offerings. The Model S Long Range and the Model S Plaid have both received a hefty price increase. However, not all is bad - as Tesla also added a new benefit for buyers.

Price Increase

The price increase for the Model S is $5,000 - currently only in the United States. This price increase will likely impact other markets, including Canada, in the coming days.

The Model S Long Range now starts at $79,990, while the Model S Plaid now starts at $94,990. The Model S and Model X now have the same starting price. Interestingly, that’s also the same pricing point for the Cybertruck AWD and Cyberbeast Trimotor non-Foundation Series. 

The vehicle configuration does not appear to have changed, so the new pricing is simply an increase rather than the addition or removal of features. Tesla previously cut the price of the Model S and Model X by 15% in 2023, so this could simply be an adjustment to ensure that the vehicle pricing stays in line with inflation and other factors.

Free Lifetime Supercharging

For those on the fence about ordering a Model S, Tesla has brought back Free Lifetime Supercharging when you order a new Model S on or after December 13, 2024. As always, Free Lifetime Supercharging is restricted to the buyer’s Tesla account and to that specific vehicle. It cannot be transferred to another vehicle or another owner after ownership transfer. It’s worth noting, that it also doesn’t exclude the owner from receiving Supercharger idle fees or congestion fees. There is currently no end date for this promotion.

There are currently no changes to the Model X, neither a price increase nor the addition of Lifetime Superchargering. However, when Tesla makes changes to one of their premium vehicles, it usually affects the other one as well. So be on the lookout for potential changes to the Model X offering in the coming days.

We’ve seen Tesla value Lifetime Supercharging at $5,000, so this falls in line with the price increase we’re seeing. It’s possible that Tesla will begin to bring back Lifetime Supercharging as a perk for buying into their more premium Model S and Model X cars, or this could be another temporary promotion to get buyers who are on the fence to go ahead and make their purchase while this promotion lasts.

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Tesla’s Optimus Robot Learns to Walk Without Vision [VIDEO]

Optimus Falls - but catches itself!

Not a Tesla App

Tesla recently showed off a demo of Optimus, its humanoid robot, walking around in moderately challenging terrain—not on a flat surface but on dirt and slopes. These things can be difficult for a humanoid robot, especially during the training cycle.

Daily walks help clear your mind pic.twitter.com/dUsW58trS6

— Tesla Optimus (@Tesla_Optimus) December 9, 2024

A Look Behind the Curtain

Most interestingly, Milan Kovac, VP of Engineering for Optimus, clarified what it takes to get Optimus to this stage. Let’s break down what he said.

Optimus is Blind

Optimus is getting seriously good at walking now - it can keep its balance over uneven ground - even while walking blind. Tesla is currently using just the sensors, all powered by a neural net running on the embedded computer. 

Essentially, Tesla is building Optimus from the ground up, relying on as much additional data as possible while it trains vision. This is similar to how they train FSD on vehicles, using LiDAR rigs to validate the vision system’s accuracy. While Optimus doesn’t have LiDAR, it relies on all those other sensors on board, many of which will likely become simplified as vision takes over as the primary sensor.

Today, Optimus is walking blind, but it’s able to react almost instantly to changes in the terrain underneath it, even if it falls or slips. 

What’s Next?

Next up, Tesla AI will be adding vision to Optimus - helping complete the neural net. Remember, Optimus runs on the same overall AI stack as FSD - in fact, Optimus uses an FSD computer and an offshoot of the FSD stack for vision-based tasks.

Milan mentions they’re planning on adding vision to help the robot plan ahead and improve its walking gait. While the zombie shuffle is iconic and a little bit amusing, getting humanoid robots to walk like humans is actually difficult.

There’s plenty more, too - including better responsiveness to velocity and direction commands and learning to fall and stand back up. Falling while protecting yourself to minimize damage is something natural to humans - but not exactly natural to something like a robot. Training it to do so is essential in keeping the robot, the environment around it, and the people it is interacting with safe.

We’re excited to see what’s coming with Optimus next because it is already getting started in some fashion in Tesla’s factories.

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