Tesla's Latest Supercharger Arrives in the United Kingdom for All Electric Vehicles

author: FutureCar Staff    

Tesla has introduced its first V4 Supercharger in the UK, and it is now accessible to all electric car drivers, not just Tesla owners. This marks a significant change from the previous exclusivity of the Supercharger network, which was limited to Tesla drivers.

Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla, has long been advocating for the company to open up its Superchargers to all drivers. This has led to a shift in charging sockets in the US, with many brands adopting Tesla's charging connector, known as the North American Charging Standard.

However, the situation in the UK and Europe is slightly different. Teslas in the UK have been sold with the CCS connector, which is now the dominant connector in the region. As a result, the new Tesla V4 Supercharger is equipped with a CCS plug, making it accessible not only to UK Tesla drivers but also to drivers of other brands.

While this may not be the first time that chargers in the UK have used CCS, the V4 Supercharger stands out with its 3-metre cable. This feature allows for greater flexibility in accommodating the various charging port locations across different brands of electric cars.

In addition, the V4 Supercharger offers a contactless payment option, allowing users to simply tap and charge. Previously, Tesla drivers would connect to a Supercharger, and the charging process would automatically begin through the car, with details appearing in the Tesla app on their phones. By introducing contactless payment, Tesla is removing the barrier for drivers of other electric vehicles, making it easier for them to use the Supercharger.

Another advantage of the V4 Supercharger is its charging rate, which can reach up to 250kW. While not as fast as some other chargers, such as the 350kW Ionity chargers, it is still one of the fastest options available. This means that vehicles like the Genesis GV60 with 350kW charging support or the Audi e-tron GT with 270kW charging can be charged quickly.

The first V4 Supercharger has been installed at the Tesla Centre in Tottenham and is now open to the public. With plans to convert existing installations to the V4 Supercharger, Tesla aims to expand its network of over 1100 Superchargers in the UK.

The UK is experiencing a significant shift away from diesel vehicles towards battery electric power. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, there has been a 20% increase in electric vehicle registrations in 2023 compared to 2022. As the number of electric vehicles on the road continues to grow, establishing adequate charging infrastructure remains a challenge. However, allowing access to Tesla chargers will help alleviate this burden.

While opening up access to the Supercharger network benefits drivers of brands like VW, Hyundai, or Ford, it remains to be seen how it will impact Tesla owners. One of the main advantages of owning a Tesla has been access to the exclusive Supercharger network. If this access is diminished due to open availability, it may affect the appeal of owning a Tesla.

FutureCar Staff