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

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【Summary】Tesla has opened its first V4 Supercharger in the UK to all electric car drivers, not just Tesla owners. The Supercharger features a CCS plug, allowing it to be used by various car brands. It offers up to 250kW charging rates and has a 3-metre cable for different charging port locations. The V4 Supercharger also includes a contactless payment option. This move supports Tesla's goal of making Superchargers accessible to all drivers.

FutureCar Staff Aug 31, 2023 5:08 PM PT

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

Tesla has introduced its first V4 Supercharger in the UK, making it accessible to all electric car drivers, not just those who own a Tesla. This marks a significant change from the previous Supercharger network, which was exclusive to Tesla drivers.

Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla, has long been advocating for the Superchargers to be accessible to all drivers. This has led to a change in charging sockets in the US, with many brands now adopting the Tesla charging connector, known as the North American Charging Standard.

In the UK and Europe, Teslas 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, allowing it to be used by the majority of cars from different brands.

The V4 Supercharger offers charging rates of up to 250kW and features a 3-meter cable to accommodate different charging port locations. Additionally, it offers a contactless payment option for added convenience.

While the Tesla Supercharger Network in the UK has already been using CCS for some time, the V4 Supercharger stands out with its 3-meter cable, which better accommodates the wide range of charging port locations across different brands.

The new V4 Supercharger also introduces 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. With the contactless payment option, drivers of other electric vehicles can use the Supercharger by connecting and tapping their payment card.

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

The first V4 Supercharger has been installed at the Tesla Centre in Tottenham and is now open to the public. With over 1100 Tesla Superchargers already in the UK, there are plans to replace existing installations with the V4 Supercharger, which is more powerful.

The UK is witnessing 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. However, establishing adequate charging infrastructure remains a challenge. Allowing access to Tesla chargers will help alleviate this burden.

While the open availability of Superchargers will benefit drivers of brands like VW, Hyundai, or Ford, it remains to be seen how it will impact Tesla owners. One of the major advantages of owning a Tesla is access to the Supercharger network, and if that access is diminished due to open availability, the appeal of owning a Tesla may decrease.