This Week in Tesla: Increase in V3 Supercharger Installations, Model Y to Be Best Tesla Ever in Cold Weather

Tesla Increases V3 Supercharger Installations -

Last year, Tesla officially launched their new iteration of the Supercharger, called Version 3 (V3). These V3 Superchargers can charge up to 250 kW, and according to this website, Tesla has 93 Supercharger locations under construction and 123 locations currently getting permits. The Supercharger network has long been something that drives EV shoppers to Tesla rather than the competition, but as other automakers continue to expand their charging networks, it is important for Tesla to maintain the lead in charging infrastructure that they have worked for since 2008. Many potential EV buyers’ biggest fear is that there are not enough chargers on longer routes that they usually travel for them to either get to their destination or not be driving to the last mile of range just to get to the next Supercharger. The added speed is also huge as more and more Teslas hit the road with the arrival of the Model Y. Supercharger lines are already not uncommon in California due to the number of Teslas there, and with faster charge times, more people can charge in less time. All in all, the addition of more Superchargers is helping Tesla remain at the top of the EV market.

Model Y to Be Best Performing Tesla in Cold Weather -

Electric vehicles and cold weather are not a natural combination at all. As most New York Tesla owners know, there are many problems that come with EV ownership in the wintertime. For one, the range of the car is very decreased when in cold weather and sometimes regenerative braking is less effective, or not active at all. The reason for both of the above is that the battery has to expend much more energy on maintaining a healthy temperature in the battery, so it can decrease range and regenerative braking. Also, the door handles of Teslas can become frozen shut, making it impossible to enter the car until the ice melts. Luckily, the Model Y has addressed all of these issues. Firstly, there is now a heat pump in the battery that can much more efficiently maintain a stable battery temperature than the systems on the X, S, and 3. Also, the door handles on the Model Y are actually able to be pushed in, towards the body of the car which will allow owners to break the ice surrounding the door handles.

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