Image: Tesla
Tesla recently launched its first true V4 Supercharger station in Redwood City, California. A new video from David Moss highlights the advanced hardware, which features significantly faster charging capabilities and a dedicated payment terminal that eliminates the need for the Tesla mobile app.
The Redwood City site features V4 units capable of delivering up to 500kW for passenger vehicles. The hardware is also built for the future, with technical specifications showing support for 2000V, which would allow for megawatt-scale charging for larger vehicles like the Tesla Semi.
One of the biggest changes for drivers is the addition of a standalone payment kiosk. The interface provides clear onscreen instructions, allowing users to select their specific charging post number and pay directly at the station. While the session is active, the screen displays live stats, including the delivery rate and total cost.
The move is a major step in making the Supercharger network more accessible to non-Tesla electric vehicle owners who may not want to download additional software to get a charge. However, the convenience comes with a high price tag. The Redwood City station is currently charging $0.72/kWh, a rate that reflects the ongoing struggle with high electricity costs in California.
Tesla began rolling out V4 Supercharger posts over a year ago, but many early installations were actually V3.5 setups. These used the newer V4 dispensers, which feature longer cables to reach the charging ports of various EV brands, but they were still connected to older V3 cabinets limited to 250kW.
The Redwood City station represents the full realization of the V4 ecosystem. By pairing the V4 posts with updated power cabinets, Tesla can finally hit the 500kW mark for cars. This hardware refresh is essential for Tesla’s Open Supercharger initiative, as the company continues to strike deals with Ford, GM, and Rivian to allow their vehicles to use the network.
The integrated payment screen is also a response to local regulations. Several jurisdictions, including parts of the European Union and California, have moved toward requiring physical payment methods at public charging stations to ensure that EV infrastructure is as easy to use as a traditional petrol station.
Want to see more of our stories on Google?
P.S. — Buying a new Tesla? Click here to save $1,000 USD, while supporting independent news.
Help support us by shopping on Amazon here.
Links in this post are affiliate links, so we earn a tiny commission at no charge to you. Thanks for supporting independent media!
