The State of Charge:
The UK’s first V4 Tesla Supercharger station is now operational, marking another milestone in the global electric vehicle revolution. You might be wondering, ‘weren’t all-electric vehicles already able to utilise Tesla Superchargers in the UK?’ The answer is yes, all types of EVs have had some level of access to Tesla’s charging network since May of the previous year.
The new V4 compared to the old V3:
Another question that might be on your mind is, ‘didn’t the previous V3 chargers also offer 250kW?’ Again, your suspicions are correct. The peak rate is indeed identical to the V3 model introduced in 2019.
What’s new about the V4 Supercharger:
Regardless, Tesla asserts that these new and polished V4 units will be capable of achieving even higher charging speeds in the future. There are also several immediate enhancements that are sure to grab your attention.
Primary among these is the contactless payment pad, introducing an era of Pay As You Go (PAYG) for non-Tesla drivers. Of course, Tesla drivers can still opt to use the Tesla app for payment.
Another key addition is the 3m cable designed for easy reach to your vehicle’s charging port, no matter where it’s located. This eliminates the need for awkward parking manoeuvres just to reach the charging point. And yes, it is equipped with a Combined Charging System (CCS) socket as standard.
The launch and expansion:
The first batch of V4 Superchargers is now up and running at the Tesla Centre in Tottenham, with the ceremonial ribbon cut by Transport Minister Jesse Norman.
Tesla has reportedly launched over 200 new Superchargers at 17 different locations across the UK and Ireland this year and plans to continue this expansion before the end of 2023.
Several existing sites are also expected to upgrade to V4 tech, and the majority of new locations (though interestingly, not all) will employ the latest tech available.
Tesla takes pride in a 99.5 per cent uptime across its 1,100 UK Superchargers spread over 110 sites, demonstrating its commitment to reliable EV charging infrastructure.
The introduction of Tesla’s first V4 Supercharger station demonstrates the continuous evolution of the electric vehicle industry. We look forward to seeing more developments that enhance EV driving experiences and make sustainable transportation even more accessible.
