Study finds that using Superchargers frequently doesn't cause a significant difference on battery life
Recurrent
It has long been believed in the industry that frequent DC fast charging for your Tesla or any EV is terrible for battery longevity. However, a new report from Recurrent, which analyzed data from over 12,500 Tesla vehicles in the US, clearly shows little to no difference in battery degradation between frequent and rare fast charging.
Recurrent studied fast charging on thousands of Tesla vehicles in the US to learn if the software and safety mechanisms in the battery management system (BMS) prevent damage to the battery. With Labor Day travel coming up, this is the perfect time to share what is fact and fiction when it comes to fast charging.
The Recurrent Study: A Comprehensive Analysis
Your electric vehicle battery uses direct current (DC) power. However, the electricity from the grid (or from an outlet) is alternating current (AC). In-home charging, which is AC charging, the car’s onboard charger converts the AC electricity to DC and then sends it to the battery. The onboard charger has a built-in limit on how quickly it can do this. The maximum speed is usually around 11 kW, so AC charging can generally add 20-40 miles per hour, depending on the vehicle.
On the other hand, DC charging happens when the conversion to DC energy happens outside of the car. This is almost exclusively reserved for public charging stations and Tesla Superchargers. Since the electricity going into the car bypasses the onboard converter, it can refill the battery much faster. One of the biggest concerns with fast charging is that it can, theoretically, damage the battery by pushing too much energy into the battery too quickly. This would lead to irreparable, long-term range loss.
Key Findings: No Significant Impact on Battery Degradation
Will fast charging hurt my EV battery? The short answer is that occasional fast charging is fine. The study compared cars that fast charge at least 90% of the time to cars that fast charge less than 10% of the time. In other words, people who almost exclusively fast charge their car and people who rarely fast charge.
The results show no statistically significant difference in range degradation between Teslas that fast charge more than 90% of the time and those that fast charge less than 10% of the time.
Initial analysis by the team at Recurrent suggests that the study findings can be applied across Tesla models and other EV manufacturers. However, detailed research is being conducted on other popular vehicles Recurrent supports. In short, the robust thermal, voltage, and battery management systems that EV makers have invested in protect their batteries from damage with routine fast charger use.
Tesla specifically does an excellent job regulating power to and from the battery based on the temperature of the battery pack, its state of charge (charge percentage), and other environmental factors such as external temperature.
When Fast Charging Can Cause Damage
When is fast charging more likely to cause damage? There are several times when fast charging may impact your EV battery more. Avoid fast charging in extreme heat without preconditioning your battery. Preconditioning is when the car’s thermal management system pre-cools or heats the battery to accept a higher charge rate.
Typically, the battery will be preconditioned if you set your car’s navigation to a fast charge station. Similarly, precondition the battery before fast charging in extreme cold. Driving a bit before fast charging is often enough to warm up the battery or get to the fast charger using your car’s navigation. Avoid fast charging your EV at very low states or very high states of charge since battery resistance will be higher.
Overall, this study adds to the growing body of knowledge regarding EV battery longevity and charging practices. Nonetheless, being mindful of battery health during extreme temperatures is still encouraged.
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It's not a good day to be named Max and work at Tesla or on the security team assigned to the Cybertruck. You can't help but wonder how a daring individual found himself in the driver's seat of this highly anticipated vehicle. This perpetrator spoke in Russian and joked that a bag in the truck belonged to Elon Musk before zooming in to a name tag reading "Max."
While we certainly don't condone breaking the law, we were provided with a risky reveal of the Cybertruck's interior courtesy of a mysterious and perhaps too-bold-for-his-own-good infiltrator.
Cyber-Theme UI
The video is less than a minute long but provides new information, notably on the updated user interface (UI). For weeks we've had Cybertruck sightings, but this is our best look at the Cybertruck's display.
Updated Icons and Font
The UI appears designed specifically for the Cybertruck; icons possess subtle sharp edges, mirroring Cybertruck's angular aesthetics. This design philosophy also extends to the unique font choice, giving the UI a rugged, distinct look.
Visualizations
A further advancement is the seamless transition between vehicle visualization and maps. The once-clear partition is a fading background, allowing for a more unified appearance. This unity is further emphasized with the vehicle now being depicted atop a 3D polygon terrain, which has been discovered before in firmware updates.
Icon Placement Changes
One of the first distinctions users would notice is the transition from horizontal app icons. This design has been the hallmark of previous Tesla models, to a vertical arrangement along the lefthand side of the screen.
The vehicle control icon is at the bottom, followed by climate controls and other apps. The gear indicator has evolved, too, switching from its usual horizontal layout to a vertical orientation in the screen's top left portion.
A closer look at the Cybertruck's UI
Vladvein/YouTube
The status icons, such as time, temperature, Tesla profile used to grace the top of the display, but they have now been realigned to the left side and can now be found directly above the vehicle visualization.
Cameras, Front Camera Confirmed
Another intriguing update revolves around the Camera app. Where previously users had to decipher camera views, they are now labeled for convenience, as showcased in the video with marked "Left" and "Front" camera views. Yes, there is a front camera view, finally answering the question of Tesla introducing the front bumper camera. We previously had a look at how we expect Tesla's updated Camera app to work with the front bumper camera.
Battery Icon
One of the standout features in the video is the battery display. Gone are the traditional battery icons. Instead, we are introduced to slanted lines, each symbolizing 10% of the battery charge. This visual representation is intuitive and integrates with the Cybertruck's angular design.
Music Mini Player?
Beneath the vehicle visualization is what appears to be a minuscule music control feature, though its precise functionality remains uncertain from the short video clip.
Inside the Cybertruck: More than Just a Fresh UI
Ambient Lighting: Drawing inspiration from the latest Model 3 Refresh and the Chinese Model Y, the Cybertruck incorporates a colorful ambient lighting strip. Strategically placed, this lighting adds a modern aura to the vehicle's groundbreaking design.
Interior Layout and Accessories: The video takes us on a mini-tour of the truck's interior, revealing several intriguing features:
Hexagonal Design Elements: Keeping in line with Cybertruck's geometric aesthetic, the backup camera icon flaunts a hexagonal design, intriguingly contrasting the octagonal design found on the cupholders.
Center Console: A spacious tray area reminiscent of the old Model S finds a home between the front seats. Decked with some wires and a yet-to-be-identified document, the console boasts "cyber cupholders" with an octagonal design. Furthermore, it's equipped with dual phone charging spots right in front of the cupholders.
Sun Visor: The video briefly showcases the two-stage sun visor, which resembles the one found in the Model X. The video provides a glimpse of the massive glass roof, promising a panoramic view that will undoubtedly make the interior feel even more expansive.
Rear Window View: A feature with many talking is the clear view through the back window. Although the video offers only a short glimpse, obstructed by tires placed in the truck's bed, it's evident that when the cover is open, drivers and passengers will benefit from an expansive, unobstructed view.
As one viewer pointed out, this video will probably be used for evidence one day. Whoever was in the Cybertruck owes Max an apology, and poor Max needs to remember to lock the door.
Video reveals the Cybertruck’s UI
- apps are along the left side - status bar icons like time and temp are above the vehicle visualization - smaller nav search icon - gradient between the visualizations and map
The Peterson Automotive Museum will auction off a low-VIN Cybertruck
Ryan Zohoury
The Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles is a must-see for automotive enthusiasts and Tesla aficionados alike. What better day to see it than October 7th? Petersen Automotive Museum is gearing up for its 29th Annual Gala; despite a star-studded lineup, the Cybertruck will be getting all the attention. A 2024 Tesla Cybertruck, one of the most anticipated vehicles of our time, is up for auction.
The Cybertruck Experience
The unique, low-VIN Cybertruck model, touted for its "ultimate durability and passenger protection," offers the winning bidder the chance to be among the first proud owners of this groundbreaking EV. Given the prestige of the Petersen Gala, with its high-profile attendees and substantial ticket prices - individual seats going for $1,750, tables at $17,500, and Premier Tables at a whopping $30,000 - expectations are that the Cybertruck will easily fetch bids over $250,000.
While the exact date for Tesla's official Cybertruck delivery remains under wraps, the speculation is high. This Petersen Gala auction Cybertruck might be one of the first to hit the roads, marking a significant milestone in automotive history.
Hundreds of beautiful, historical and unique vehicles are housed in the Peterson. However, since the Tesla exhibit opened, Cybertruck has been the fan favorite. The Peterson has essentially acted as the first showroom for the Cybertruck, so it is fitting that it has access to this low-vin version.
A Night of Luxury, Legacy, and Legends
The gala, hosted by automotive legend and longtime TV host Jay Leno, promises to be more than just about the Cybertruck. Those lucky enough to attend will also have the chance to bid on experiences like a VIP Tour of Jay Leno's extensive car collection, a luxurious stay in the Scottish Highlands, a deep dive into automotive history with the Hispano Suiza Experience in Barcelona, and an exclusive journey through some of the world's most private car collections in Scottsdale.
For those passionate about motorsports, the gala will honor two legends: Chip Ganassi and Bobby Rahal. Ganassi, an American businessman and Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee has been a vital part of the North American auto racing scene for over three decades. On the other hand, Bobby Rahal's illustrious 25-year career saw him dominating in Formula 1, Can-Am, LeMans/IMSA, and Indy Cars, with victories in the 1986 Indy 500 and the Daytona 24 Hour and Sebring 12 Hour endurance races.
With all eyes on October 7th, the Petersen Automotive Museum's 29th Annual Gala is set to be an event for the history books. Whether you're there to witness the Cybertruck auction, indulge in the luxurious offerings, or honor motorsport legends, one thing's sure — it's an evening that promises to drive conversations for years to come.
TeslaFi is a service that logs your drives and charging sessions so that you can later refer back to them. We highly recommend checking them out if you use your car for business trips and would like to keep track of reimbursements, if you like to see how much you spend on charging or if you just love statistics. View their about us page and see everything they have to offer!
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![Video Reveals the Tesla Cybertruck's Unique User Interface [Video]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/images/news/2023/cybertruck-ui-1_300w.jpg)
![Tesla Cybertruck Doppelganger Spotted, Igniting a Flurry of Online Jokes [Video]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/images/news/2023/cybertruck-imitation_300w.jpg)
