Tesla's Latest Supercharger Now Available for All Electric Cars in the UK

author: FutureCar Staff    

Tesla has introduced its first V4 Supercharger in the UK, breaking the tradition of exclusively serving Tesla owners and making it accessible to all electric car drivers. This move is significant as it signifies a shift in the Supercharger network, which was previously limited to Tesla drivers only.

Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla, has been vocal about his intention to open up the Supercharger network to all drivers. This has led to changes in charging sockets in the US, with other brands adopting the Tesla charging connector. In the UK and Europe, Teslas have been sold with the CCS connector, which is now the dominant charging standard. As a result, the new Tesla V4 Supercharger is equipped with a CCS plug, making it compatible with the majority of cars from different brands.

While the use of CCS connectors in Tesla Superchargers is not new in the UK, the V4 Supercharger stands out for its 3-metre cable, which allows for greater flexibility in accommodating various charging port locations across different brands.

In addition to the physical enhancements, the V4 Supercharger also offers a contactless payment option, allowing users to tap and charge. Previously, Tesla drivers would connect to a Supercharger and the charging process would automatically initiate through the car, with details appearing in the Tesla app. The introduction of contactless payment removes this barrier for drivers of other electric vehicles, allowing them to use the Supercharger like any other public charger by connecting and tapping their payment card.

Another notable feature of the Tesla V4 Supercharger is its charging rate, which can reach 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 cars with high charging capabilities, like the Genesis GV60 with 350kW support or the Audi e-tron GT with 270kW charging, can quickly charge at the V4 Supercharger.

The first V4 Supercharger has been installed at the Tesla Centre in Tottenham and is now open to the public. Tesla plans to convert existing installations to the newer and more powerful V4 Supercharger, with over 1,100 Superchargers currently available in the UK.

The UK is witnessing a significant shift away from diesel vehicles towards battery electric power, with a 20% increase in electric vehicle registrations in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Establishing adequate charging infrastructure to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles remains a challenge, and opening up Tesla chargers to all drivers will help alleviate this burden.

However, it remains to be seen how this change will impact Tesla owners. One of the key advantages of owning a Tesla is access to the exclusive Supercharger network. If open availability diminishes this advantage, it could potentially affect the appeal of owning a Tesla.

FutureCar Staff