FYI: The Tesla Cybertruck’s 800-volt battery pack sets a new charging speed record in Europe, showcasing the future of rapid EV charging.
Tesla Cybertruck Sets European Charging Speed Record
The Tesla Cybertruck, the American electric vehicle maker’s first passenger model to employ an 800-volt battery pack, is making waves across the pond. This cutting-edge architecture not only enables the truck to achieve faster charging speeds compared to Tesla’s 400-volt models like the Model 3 and Model Y, but it has also set a new charging speed record in Europe. Unlike the U.S., where there’s no public Tesla Supercharger capable of delivering such high voltage, Europe offers the necessary infrastructure to demonstrate the Cybertruck’s full potential.
800-Volt System: A Game Changer
The introduction of an 800-volt system in the Cybertruck is a significant leap in EV technology. This high voltage architecture facilitates much quicker charging sessions, provided that chargers can deliver the requisite power. With a substantial 123-kilowatt-hour battery, the Cybertruck needs advanced charging solutions to minimize downtime, especially for long-distance travel.
U.S. Charging Challenges
In the United States, the maximum charging speed attainable is limited by the infrastructure. Testing has shown that a charge from 11% to 80% on a 250 kW Tesla Supercharger takes about 45 minutes, peaking at 206 kW with an average speed of 118 kW. This is still impressive, but not the pinnacle of what the 800-volt system can achieve.
A European Milestone
One of the first Tesla Cybertrucks registered in the European Union recently set a record-breaking charging speed in Bratislava, Slovakia. This remarkable feat was accomplished using a 600 kW Ejoin charger, coupled with a CCS to NACS adapter. The Cybertruck achieved a peak charging rate of 405 kW, surpassing the previous record of 327 kW set in the United States by an NxuOne 1,000V charging station.
The peak rate of 405 kW was recorded at a 7% state of charge, although the charging speed tapered quickly. By the end of the session, the average speed had settled around 113 kW. It took just over an hour to charge the battery to 100%, with a total of 118.8 kWh of energy transferred.
Implications and Future Prospects
While the battery’s initial state of charge during this record-breaking session remains unknown, the demonstration reveals the incredible potential for faster EV charging. Current technology is ready to support shorter charging stops, but the infrastructure must evolve to fully utilize these capabilities. Vehicles like the Tesla Cybertruck, updated Porsche Taycan, Lucid Air, and Kia EV6 are paving the way.
Conclusion
The Tesla Cybertruck’s recent achievement highlights the advancements in EV technology and the growing importance of robust charging infrastructure. As we look forward to even more capable charging networks, the promise of reduced charging times for EV owners is becoming a reality.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
