Tesla’s game-changing Cybertruck is rewriting the rules of electric vehicle charging. Introducing a cutting-edge 800V powertrain architecture, the Cybertruck promises quicker charging than ever before. Chief engineer Lars Moravy has noted that, at an appropriate charger, the Cybertruck can replenish its charge in under 20 minutes.
However, Tesla’s current Superchargers couldn’t initially match up to these promises, leading to prolonged charging times. The Cybertruck’s initial charging speed wasn’t up to the mark, even on fast 800V chargers. Instead of 20 minutes, it took twice as long to reach 80% charge. Many pointed fingers at the 4680 battery, similar to the slow-charging Model Y units from Tesla’s Texas Gigafactory.
Now, let’s talk about the upgraded battery – the 4680 Cybercell. This battery not only provides increased energy density but also significantly enhances charging speed. Armed with real-world data on the Cybertruck’s battery performance, Tesla rolled out a software update to fix prior issues. Post-update, Cybertruck owners began to report dramatically accelerated charging sessions. One driver recorded a peak rate of 330 kW at one of Tesla’s V4 Supercharger test piles, which are capable of 350 kW speeds.
But the real breakthrough came in Europe. A 600 kW charger demonstrated a staggering 405 kW peak rate during a promo event for the Ejoin charging network’s new station. Impressively, the Cybertruck hit 405 kW peak speed at only 7% battery in just two minutes, with a gradual tapering that managed an average charging speed of 113 kW. At the 20-minute milestone, the Cybertruck was already at 60% charge, and within another 15 minutes, it had reached 80%. The 123 kWh battery pack now takes about an hour to fully charge, slicing an hour off its previous charge time.
In essence, the Cybertruck can now add at least 150 miles of range in just 15 minutes with the right charger. Tesla is already testing 350 kW upgrades at select V4 Superchargers and aims to ramp up these installations as more Cybertrucks hit the roads.
This electrifying update means that Cybertruck owners can expect shorter stops and longer journeys, revolutionizing the way we think about electric vehicle efficiency and convenience. Stay tuned as Tesla continues to push the envelope in EV technology and infrastructure.
