The V3 Tesla Superchargers are currently the fastest EV chargers in the world. The amount of time it takes for a Supercharger to add miles into your car is equivalent to the time it would take for you to drink a cup of coffee. The introduction of V3 Superchargers into the vast Supercharger network of Tesla can solve one of the main challenges that electric vehicles face in regards to adoption.
All of Tesla’s models have about 335 miles of average range per charge which is incredible by itself. If you are traveling long distances, you will find Supercharging stations most helpful, as they can charge your car extremely fast so you can get to your destination in a timely fashion.
Despite their highly fast rate of charge and convenience, many people will advise you against the use of Superchargers. This is due to problems that occur when you charge your Tesla this fast.
Tesla Supercharging Issues
The problem with charging your Tesla so fast has to do with the configuration of its lithium-ion battery. Like all batteries in an electrical gadget, Tesla batteries also consist of three main components, the anode, cathode and a separator which is typically an electrolyte.
Charging and discharging a battery involves sending the flow of electrons from the anode to the cathode inside a battery. This chemical process powers the motor in the Tesla to turn the wheels, essentially allowing you to thrust the car forward.
Like all chemical reactions, the one that occurs inside the battery creates plenty of heat, which can cause problems with the electrolyte. The problems are usually due to a buildup which decreases the capacity of a Tesla battery. In other words, over time chemical reactions will result in less space for energy storage inside the battery.
People will more commonly refer to this phenomenon as battery degradation. You will more commonly experience this with your electronic gadgets such as mobile phones and laptops. Nonetheless, Tesla’s battery formulations make them much healthier and resilient than other lithium-ion batteries in electronic gadgets and other electric vehicles.
Despite all that, the rate of charge that a Supercharger provides in comparison to a slower-charging destination charger can absolutely increase the speed of degradation in a Tesla battery, causing your car to lose range per charge overtime.
Supercharger vs. Destination Chargers
Keep in mind that Superchargers are not the only Tesla-branded charging options around. There is also a charging option that is referred to as a destination charger, and they are much more in number than Superchargers.
You can normally find destination chargers at hotel parking lots, spas, colleges and other random locations. Hence, while you may be tempted to find the nearest Supercharging station, keep in mind there are many more destination chargers around.
Destination chargers are great, but they are not as fast as Superchargers. Nevertheless, they can help you charge at a decent rate of about 22kW. Their purpose fulfills Tesla’s aim to expand the company’s charging station network further out from the main motorway.
The charging stations on the main motorway consist of the Superchargers, which in comparison, charge at a much higher charge of 120 to 150 kW, which means that they can charge your car faster in a shorter amount of time.
Which One is Better
According to experts, a Tesla owner should only use the Supercharger when it is absolutely necessary, because the excessive use of Superchargers may have a negative impact on the battery. The high rate of charge can also cause overheating problems in the battery.
The Verdict
If you are short on time and losing battery life, then there is no harm in using a Supercharger. However, if your available time allows you the option to choose between the Supercharger and a destination charger, it is best to charge using the lower voltage destination charger. This will help maintain your battery’s health.
