The Tesla Cybertruck, boasting an 800V powertrain architecture, recently underwent a comprehensive charging speed test that revealed significant challenges. Unlike Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) on similar platforms that achieve ultrafast charging times of under 20 minutes, the Cybertruck’s performance fell short of expectations.
During a walkthrough, Tesla’s engineering chief Lars Moravy suggested that the Cybertruck could charge to 80% in less than 20 minutes on suitable stations. However, recent tests have shown otherwise.
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The test, conducted on a regular V3 Tesla Supercharger station with a 250kW output, demonstrated that the Cybertruck took a considerable one hour and a half to fully charge its 4680 battery pack. This is in stark contrast to the rapid charging capabilities seen in some Chinese SUVs on similar 800V platforms.
Even at third-party 350kW chargers, the Cybertruck exhibited a disappointing charging curve. It took 40 minutes to reach an 80% charge, far exceeding Lars’s initial estimate.
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One of the factors contributing to this slow charging curve could be the 4680 battery’s chemistry or power control. Despite Tesla’s attempt to enhance charging efficiency by splitting the battery into virtual units that can be charged simultaneously, the Cybertruck’s charging speed quickly tapered off after an initial surge at the maximum 250kW Supercharger output.
This phenomenon is not unique to the Cybertruck, as the first Texas-made Model Y with the 4680 battery pack exhibited similar slow charging characteristics. Although Tesla has made improvements in the battery chemistry and production process, as seen in the second generation of the Tesla 4680 battery, known as the Cybercell, which offers 15% higher energy density, the charging speed of the Cybertruck remains a concern.
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Tesla has announced an over-the-air (OTA) update that promises to add 154 miles of range to the Cybertruck in just 15 minutes, suggesting that software fixes may address some of the 4680 battery’s charging shortcomings. However, further real-world testing is needed to verify these improvements and assess their impact on the Cybertruck’s charging curve.
Despite these challenges, the Cybertruck’s 800V architecture represents a significant advancement in EV technology. As Tesla continues to refine its battery technology and charging infrastructure, future iterations of the Cybertruck and other Tesla vehicles may offer even faster and more efficient charging capabilities.
