Tesla's New V4 Supercharger Arrives in the UK

author: FutureCar Staff    

Tesla has introduced its first V4 Supercharger in the UK, making it accessible to all electric car drivers, not just Tesla owners. The Supercharger is equipped with a CCS plug, allowing it to be used by a majority of cars from different brands. It offers charging rates of up to 250kW and features a 3-meter cable to accommodate various charging port locations. Additionally, it provides a contactless payment option for added convenience.

This move by Tesla marks a significant change from the previous exclusivity of the Supercharger network, which was limited to Tesla drivers only. Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla, has long expressed his intention to make Superchargers available to all drivers. In the US, this has led to a shift in charging sockets, with many brands adopting Tesla's charging connector, known as the North American Charging Standard.

In the UK and Europe, Teslas have been sold with the CCS connector, which has become the dominant charging standard in these regions. Consequently, 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.

The Tesla Supercharger Network in the UK has previously used CCS, particularly to support the launch and popularity of the Tesla Model 3, which was introduced with CCS in 2019. However, the V4 Supercharger distinguishes itself by offering a 3-meter cable to better accommodate the diverse locations of charging ports across different brands.

Furthermore, the V4 Supercharger features 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 initiate through the car, with details appearing in the Tesla app on their phones. To remove this barrier for drivers of other electric vehicles, the V4 Supercharger allows for a more familiar public charging experience by connecting and tapping a payment card.

Another advantage of the Tesla V4 Supercharger is its charging rate of up to 250kW. While not as fast as some 350kW Ionity chargers available in the UK, it is still among 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. Plans are underway to convert existing installations to the newer and more powerful V4 Supercharger, with over 1,100 Tesla Superchargers currently in the UK.

The UK is experiencing a significant shift away from diesel vehicles and towards battery electric power. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, there has been an approximate 20% increase in electric vehicle registrations in 2023 compared to 2022. However, establishing sufficient charging infrastructure remains an ongoing challenge. Allowing access to Tesla Superchargers will help alleviate this burden.

While this development benefits drivers of brands like VW, Hyundai, or Ford, it remains to be seen how it will impact Tesla owners. Access to the Supercharger network has been one of the key advantages of owning a Tesla. If this access is diminished due to open availability, the appeal of owning a Tesla may decrease as well.

FutureCar Staff