Tesla V4 Superchargers Up The Game!

[@mikethebeast1012]

The ability to pay with a card without having to establish an account with another service is the most significant improvement here.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

I'm hopeful that will be the case but I haven't seen anything that states a definitive direction for the system. -Travis

[@nc3826]

@@EVBuyersGuide Travis, thank you for the overview..... Just a thought. there's a number of channels reporting on, the progress of the V4 rollout.... I hope you can find your own unique value added space, in the KZbin evening marketplace..... Good luck....

[@seabream]

From an accessibility perspective, having the screen and handle facing to the side at that location relative to the curb looks challenging for someone in a wheelchair or other mobility device. Time will tell, but I'm really hoping that before too long either automated or wireless charging becomes standard.

[@ammagee]

Yeah, not sure if these are ADA accessible. Would have to analyze height, reach, etc. Aside from that, accessibility could be better.

[@ammagee]

Note: It looks like the one designated ADA space has the curb moved to provide additional pavement around the charger unit so there is pavement directly up to the cord/payment spot. All units really should be this way, not just one.

[@seabream]

@@ammagee Good catch! For those curious there's a view at 5:17. The choices made are frustrating. Contrast this to modern gas stations where there's room to park and access the filler, pump interface, nozzle etc... from a wheelchair, at all spots, not just a designated space. And if there are issues, more often then not there's an intercom, camera system, or just a window to signal for assistance from an onsite attendant. At DCFC stations at existing gas stations with attendants already on site, I have yet to see ones where it is as easy to get help. This isn't just a Tesla issue, but this is a V4 video, so it's what I talked about. There are also identification and trip planning issue on sites like Plugshare, where locations are ambiguously designated as being accessible. You've got locations that come up when you filter for accessible parking but if you look at the photos people have posted, the wide spots are not ones where you can plug in from - they're just on the same property (unlike the other parking filters: "pull through", "pull in", and "trailer friendly" which are understood to apply to the actual charger spots). Frequently the ones for charging are regular sized pull in spots, and the DCFC units are recessed far enough from the curb/bollards that they can't be reached from a chair, or the angle and height of the screen are bad even if they can be reached. Now, yes, if travelling as a mixed group, they can park in an accessible spot, wheelchair users can disembark to use the facilities, and then the vehicle can be moved, plugged in, etc... But a wheelchair user travelling solo is out of luck. Really these should be separate filters.

[@ralanham76]

In Norway they mounted more than gas pumps sticking out of the ground.

[@ammagee]

@@seabream It would be great to get multiple individuals with accessibility concerns to make a series of videos on how all of this fares. All too often, all of the decision-makers don't think about everyone else.

[@vancity2349]

Great video, thanks for posting. Why should you care about Telsa super chargers? Because there are the only ones that are reliable...I believe it the area of 98% of the time!

[@Armour783]

You didn't mention the biggest thing, which is that even though Version 4 dispensers are going in, the charging cabinets are still V3. Which means they are 500V capped and won't charge any E-GMP cars (EV6, Ionic5, GV60) at their max speeds. Lucids will only charge at 50kW because of the Wunderbox and the E-GMP cars need to run the power through the rear inverter in order to reach 150kW. We need high voltage charging (1000V) in order to increase max throughput at chargers.

[@nc3826]

Chicken Little, you're incorrect V4 units with the V4 capacity cabinets are already being installed. It's always amusing to hear KZbin experts, regurgitate dated news. And pedantically pontificate about what 'we need'. Enjoy....

[@Armour783]

@@nc3826 Wow name calling. Real mature. For those reading this in the future, KZbin has deleted my comments TWICE now. Maybe it's because I'm providing links showing that no V4 power cabinets have been installed yet. I don't know. So I'll post. Again. As of the date I'm writing this, 12/7/23, you are still only seeing V4 dispensers. Not V4 power cabinets. V3 power cabinets have a 500V limitation. Until someone shows me a picture of the side of the power cabinets at a V4 supercharger site showing 1000V, take everything with a grain of salt.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

I appreciate your point but I don't agree that this is the biggest thing. I think the biggest thing is that the V4 stall is going to open up the Supercharger network to nearly every EV on the road (even if it's not optimal charging for them).

[@nc3826]

Lucids reported, degraded peak charging rate at MagicDock superchargers.... was also reported by other EV's with 400v architectures, such as the Toyota bZ4X..... Plus the Wunderbox has exceeded the stated 150 kW 400 volt charging rate of CCS charges in the past.... So the 50 kW limit for Lucids at Magic Docks..... It is not a simple voltage issue.... And therefore trying to extrapolate how it's relevant to V4 charging, in the future is pointless..... But have fun rationalizing how it is.....

[@nc3826]

'biggest thing' melodramatic Incorrect over simplifications, is what makes social media so fun.... So please let there be free speech.... We need the amusement....

[@benderbalsam7066]

Labeling the stations, 1A, 1B, etc, so low to the ground is going to be problematic when snow comes. Just a few inches will cover those labels and non Tesla cars are not going to be able to see what stall they can activate. Poor design by a company who is usually good at figuring out that stuff ahead of time.

[@ericnewton5720]

I was thinking similar. Have the numbers mid way down so it’s visible, not all the way down.

[@zaataravi]

The latest Hyundai OTA update last month pushed “Hyundai Pay” into my Ioniq 5 as a brand new option and had me setup a credit card on file etc. so in theory my Ioniq 5 should act like a plug and play Tesla at these stations if they can work with Hyundai Pay 🤔

[@EVBuyersGuide]

It will be interesting to see how all the manufacturer systems, apps, and programs work together. Hopefully in a way that benefits the consumer, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and reserve judgement until things start rolling out. -Travis

[@nc3826]

my two cents, guess ..... that when Tesla offers a plug and play option for non-Tesla vehicles.... via MagicDock or NACS.... that Tesla will require its own eWallet, to access the plug and play option...

[@Founding-Fathers-NEWZ]

Why would you go do a review when they are not working yet?

[@stephenmiller6690]

Its up and running now. I live nearby and watching the nav screen its getting a lot of use. When i tested it the screen did not appear operational yet? But charging my model Y worked fine.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

Thanks for the update. I wouldn't be surprised if it's rolling out in stages and that the J1772 would get the delay if there was one. -Travis

[@ceuson3]

I gave up on charging my C-Max when I couldn't get the system at my local Walmart to take my credit card. I'm excited that these will work with my car - especially when you said they'll take tap-to-pay. I'll look for a location near me.

[@nc3826]

How is DCFC even compatible with your vehicle?

[@EVBuyersGuide]

If you're referring to the C-Max Energi, the PHEV model, it falls in the same category as most (but not all) plug in hybrid vehicles and only allows Level 2 charging and not Level 3 DC Fast Charging like you find with the Tesla Superchargers. -Travis

[@SteveBirkett]

Thanks for this coverage, Travis. Tesla quoting 250kW for the Cybertruck doesn't fill me with confidence that moving to a full V4 Supercharger site capable of maximizing higher voltage models is high on their list for 2024. How did the handle and cable flexibility seem to you? Other Tesla drivers have suggested it feels less maneuverable than V3.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

The Tesla site quotes 250kw for Cybertruck but I've also heard Tesla reps say 350kw so if that's the case it may be as simple as a later update. When it comes to the V4 charging speed I think 250kw is more than adequate but the big benefit is to non-Tesla owners who are gaining access to a very robust charging network even if they aren't able to maximize the Superchargers max output. The handle and cable felt very similar, maybe slightly less maneuverable but not in any significant way. -Travis

[@SteveBirkett]

@@EVBuyersGuide Agreed for non-Tesla charging, but the Cybertruck is a different animal. With middling range and an increasing chance that owners will want to tow, it's going to need more capable Superchargers. That goes for space/pull through, as well as higher power. Otherwise, owners towing with Cybertruck will be stopping every 100 miles, battling tight spaces at Superchargers, and taking a while to get back on the road (unless Tesla adjusts its approach to charge curves to something more like EGMP). Can't imagine that's what they want, although I doubt enough CTs will be produced in the near-term for it to really be notable in 2024.

[@barryw9473]

When is 1000 V charging coming to Superchargers?

[@EVBuyersGuide]

If only I had crystal ball.. -Travis

[@davidws5439]

WRONG! The VW group has NOT signed an agreement with Tesla to use the NACS connector or the CCS1 Magic Dock.

[@nc3826]

Travis, thank you for the overview, of the V4 roll out.... Just a thought. there's a number of channels reporting on, the progress of the V4 rollout.... I hope you can find your own unique value added space, in the KZbin evening marketplace...

[@kamtra2]

Hey I know this guy.

[@EVBuyersGuide]

Hey guy I know! -Travis

[@laloajuria4678]

V3.5

[@MaxwellWilliams42]

Looks like Tesla pretty much completely ignored wheelchair users with this design yet again. Having a single token accessible spot is a stupid choice that will slow everybody down in comparison to just making every charger accessible, the way gas stations have done for decades.

[@james2042]

I know this isnt relevant to the video, but i think is a good talking point considering this is an ev focused channel. I was recently in a car accident where someone drove into my drivers door. Fortunately im okay, as it was a low speed accident and the car wasnt severely damaged. but despite the value of the repairs being significantly lower than the cost of the vehicle, they totaled it anyways as the battery was damaged. Now this whole perfectly restorable EV is destine for a landfill because the battery got nicked in an accident. This isnt a super common problem rigjt now as most battery cars are hybrid and have small centrally located batteries that are usually colission safe, but full evs are going to get totaled left and right from minor accidents because one of the battery modules got slightly bent. Also knowing this, i wont be buying another ev (or even phev) until they figure out the battery damage situation and dont just auto total evs with minor damage to the battery.

[@4literv6]

Why assume it's heading for a landfill smh. The U.S. recycles over 90% of all car's sold here up to 95% of original parts content. It's a top 10 gdp contributing business most year's. And even in salvage value an ev pack alone is still worth $2,500-$3,500+for the materials contained inside it.

[@CaptainRotmeat]

The same can be said about engine damage in an ICE vehicle. The battery is effectively the same thing in an EV is all.

[@james2042]

@4literv6 the battery is damaged, they flat out said the car is totaled, complete loss, and the battery will never see the road again. They might recycle it but as of now damaged batteries live in landfills for fear of lithium fires

[@james2042]

@CaptainRotmeat if the damage on an ice vehicle is only assessed at a quarter of the vehicle worth, it would be repaired. They assessed the value at about a quarter of the price for damages, but since the battery was part of it they totaled a perfectly good car. They won't even let me buy it back due to the battery damage, and the autobody shop said it was 100% fixable but insurance said no

[@EVBuyersGuide]

Thank you for sharing and I'm glad to hear that you're alright. Maybe this is a subject we can touch on in the future. -Travis