Tesla has rolled out a groundbreaking feature for its V3 and V4 Superchargers that enhances cold-weather performance for Model 3 and Model Y vehicles equipped with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. This update, now live in cold climates, directly addresses one of the biggest challenges electric vehicle (EV) drivers face in winter – reduced charging speeds due to cold battery temperatures.
According to a post from Tesla Charging on the social media platform X, V3 and V4 Superchargers, or those stations that can charge at 250kW or more, can now actively pre-heat the battery when a vehicle is plugged in. Specifically, this applies to Standard Range, Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) versions of the Model 3 and Model Y. This results in faster charging times and quicker turnarounds for drivers navigating extreme cold conditions.
How It Works: AC Ripple Current Innovation
The key to this improvement lies in Tesla’s innovative use of AC ripple currents. When a cold-soaked LFP battery is connected to a V3 or V4 Supercharger, the Supercharger sends an AC ripple current through the battery pack. This current generates heat directly within the battery, accelerating the warming process significantly faster than the vehicle’s own internal preconditioning system.
Max de Zegher, a Tesla Supercharging executive, highlighted the significance of this technological leap, describing it as the first time this method has been implemented in any vehicle. According to de Zegher, this new heating process can help cold batteries warm up to four times faster than before, dramatically reducing wait times for drivers in winter climates.
A Game-Changer for LFP Batteries
LFP batteries, while known for their longevity and safety, can experience slower charging speeds in low temperatures. Tesla’s typical preconditioning system, which uses the vehicle’s own energy to heat the battery prior to arriving at a Supercharger, has long been the recommended method to mitigate this issue. However, in cases where preconditioning isn’t possible, the new AC ripple heating offers a critical fallback solution, ensuring that drivers can charge efficiently even without preconditioning.
Tesla’s vertically integrated approach to engineering has made this enhancement possible. By controlling both vehicle and charging infrastructure design, Tesla can implement solutions like AC ripple heating that competitors may struggle to replicate.
Why This Matters
For Tesla owners in regions with harsh winters, this feature is more than just a convenience – it’s a major step toward improving the overall EV experience. Faster charging in cold conditions helps alleviate range anxiety and makes electric driving more practical in environments where freezing temperatures are the norm.
Tesla recommends preconditioning the battery whenever possible for the fastest charging speeds. However, with this new Supercharger feature, even spontaneous charging sessions in frigid conditions will benefit from shorter wait times and improved performance.
