Tesla’s Supercharger Evolution: Testing 320+ kW Output and Cybertruck’s Advanced Thermal Management

Tesla is experimenting with over 320-kilowatt power levels using Superchargers and the Cybertruck, despite the unclear prospects of Tesla's Supercharger division. The company is currently conducting trials of increased power outputs at select direct current rapid-charging locations.

YouTuber TesLatino shared an update on X (previously known as Twitter) regarding the discovery of a Supercharger station that exceeded the usual power limits. Rather than the standard peak of around 250 kw, TesLatino witnessed a surge up to 323 kw.

Image capture of a post by Tesla engineer Wes Morrill discussing a trial of more powerful Superchargers.

Wes Morrill, the chief engineer for the Tesla Cybertruck, clarified that the company is currently conducting tests on V3+ Supercharger stations, which include a V3 cabinet and a V4 charging post. However, these tests do not yet utilize the Cybertruck's capacity for 800-volt charging that some third-party chargers have shown. According to Morrill, this upgrade hasn't been implemented across all compatible stations yet. However, it appears that Tesla owners may soon encounter unexpected increases in charging power at select locations.

During the charging session, Kyle Conner of Out Of Spec Studios teamed up with TesLatino and observed that the charger was delivering more than 900 amps to achieve a charging power exceeding 320 kw. Initially, Tesla's V3 Superchargers had a capacity of 425 amps, and their V4 chargers were designed for a maximum of 615 amps at 1,000 volts.

This suggests that the Cybertruck may have unique thermal features built into its design, especially around the charging port, to enable this level of charging speed without overheating.

The production version of the Cybertruck was presented in November 2023, yet it failed to meet the initial $39,900 base price or the proposed 500-mile maximum range mentioned at its debut. Tesla has ceased to mention the possibility of achieving 500 miles, even with the addition of an auxiliary battery pack designed to fit in the truck's bed.

Upcoming 2025 Tesla Cybertruck – With acknowledgments to Tesla, Inc.

Earlier in the year, the head of Tesla, Elon Musk, dismissed the majority of the staff responsible for the company's Supercharger stations. However, he subsequently pledged to allocate $500 million to significantly increase the number of charging stations, which is an investment distinct from the expenses for maintaining the existing infrastructure.

The choice to scale down Supercharger activities seemed to have no impact on the strategy of Ionna, a charging infrastructure in the U.S. and Canada supported by seven car manufacturers. Following Tesla's layoff of its Supercharger team, Ionna reaffirmed its dedication to establishing over 30,000 high-power charging points. BP has expressed willingness to acquire any Supercharger locations that Tesla decides to abandon in its efforts to expand its charging infrastructure.

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