A Look at Tesla's First V4 Superchargers in the U.S. (Update: Stalls Include Card Reader And Display)

By Kevin Armstrong
The first V4 Supercharger in the US will be in Oregon
The first V4 Supercharger in the US will be in Oregon
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Tesla's cutting-edge V4 Superchargers are now gracing the American landscape. These powerful 350kW units could allow charging at up to 1,400 miles per hour, or 115 miles in just five minutes. Initially unveiled in Europe, these state-of-the-art charging stations underscore Tesla's commitment to propelling a sustainable energy transition on a global scale.

Setting the Stage in the US

The first glimpse of the US V4 Supercharger appeared on the Tesla Motors Club. It's in Wilsonville, Oregon and boasts eight V4 stalls. Not far behind, Sparks, Nevada, near Tesla’s monumental Gigafactory, is also rumored to be a candidate for these next-gen charging hubs.

These V4 units stand apart. They tower above their predecessors, flaunting elongated cables — extending from 1.98 meters (6.5 feet) to a generous 2.98 meters (9.8 feet). Paired with a sleek, revamped interface, these aren't just aesthetic tweaks but align with a larger strategic vision.

Beyond the Brand: V4's Expansive Reach

Previously, Tesla's Superchargers catered predominantly to its own line-up. However, with V4, the horizon expands. The lengthened cable is an invitation for other EVs to conveniently plug in, reflecting Tesla's broader inclusive aspirations. Furthermore, European sightings hint at upcoming integrated credit card readers and screens, at least where they're mandated by local law.

Update: Recent photos of these Superchargers in Sparks, Nevada not only reveal that they have a Magic Dock as expected, but that they also include the same card reader and display we've seen in European V4 stalls.

V4 Supercharger in the US will also include card readers and a screen
V4 Supercharger in the US will also include card readers and a screen
Mardak

NACS: Ushering in a Unified Charging Era

A cornerstone of V4's broad-based appeal is the integration of the North American Charging Standard (NACS). Initiated by Tesla, this open-source standard has garnered the allegiance of automotive titans. Recently, Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis hopped onto the NACS bandwagon, joining Ford, GM, Rivian, Volvo, Polestar, Electrify America, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Fisker, Honda & Acura.

This shift is more than just symbolic. By rallying behind a shared standard, these industry leaders aren't merely piggybacking on Tesla's extensive Supercharger network. Instead, they're collectively championing a harmonized, efficient, and universally accessible EV charging landscape. V4 Superchargers, with their NACS compatibility, anchor this vision, positioning themselves as pivotal to the EV sector's trajectory.

The Bigger Picture

The V4 Supercharger debut transcends Tesla's achievements. Remember, it was just over 11 years ago that there were six Superchargers. It's emblematic of an industry undergoing transformative integration. As automotive giants rally around the NACS standard, and Tesla paves the way for a varied roster of EVs at its stations, it paints a future where EV charging stations are as commonplace as today's gas stations.

To Tesla, V4 isn't just a superior product; it's a manifestation of a world where sustainable transport is the norm, just like Elon Musk predicted in the original master plan 17 years ago.

Tesla FSD V12.4.2 Expected To Go to Employees Today – What To Expect

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

FSD v12.4 has been in the works for quite a while now, with Elon Musk previously suggesting that it would arrive near the end of May.

Musk has now given us an update on the state of v12.4, saying that FSD v12.4.2 will start rolling out to employees today.

FSD V12.4.2

FSD V12.4 initially launched with V12.4.1 to select customers on build 2024.15.5, bringing the much anticipated no-nag update alongside it. V12.4.1 had some issues according to Tesla’s early access customers who received the update in early June, with lane drifting and lane selection still being issues. On the flipside, V12.4 tends to be more assertive and less hesitant in intersections and parking lots.

Elon also mentioned that FSD 12.4.2 is much smoother, but the challenge is “keeping safety high, while also increasing ride comfort.”

Although v12.4 didn’t come with Banish Autopark and Park Seek, it did include the new vison monitoring that lets the vehicle not nag you under certain conditions.

Expected Release

We just need to confirm there are no safety regressions

-Elon Musk

So, now with the new confirmation that 12.4.2 is going to roll out to internal testers and employees soon, how far away is it for customers? It looks like it may be at least a few days away at the earliest for customers that are on FSD v12.4.1, and probably at least a week away from adding additional owners, assuming that testing goes well with this upcoming build.

When asked if V12.4.2 would come to customers on the July 1st weekend, Musk said “we just need to confirm there are no safety regressions”, which means it could be closer than we expect for ordinary customers.

FSD V12.5

So, with V12.4.2 on the horizon, what in the world is happening with V12.5? And what features will it bring with it?

In terms of features, Elon previously mentioned that V12.5 is supposed to bring Actually Smart Summon, along with fleet-based vehicle communications, and further reduce the likelihood of driver interventions. It’s also supposed to be the first iteration of Autopilot and FSD that the Cybertruck will be receiving.

It was previously supposed to arrive in early July, but that estimate is clearly out of the window given how delayed V12.4 has become. We could honestly expect FSD V12.5 to arrive alongside the 8/8 Robotaxi announcement, which would be fairly fitting.

Tesla Launches New Vision-based Autopark in Europe - Requirements and Features

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

Today, alongside update 2024.20.6, Tesla has launched its new vision-based Autopark feature to vehicles with and without USS (Ultrasonic Sensors), outside of North America.

Availability

This is the first time that the vision Autopark update has come to countries outside North America, and we have confirmed that it is currently available in European countries including Spain, Germany, France, and Italy, amongst others.

It could also be available outside of Europe, but we haven’t had confirmation yet. The specific hardware of your vehicle doesn’t matter much. It’s being made available on vehicles with HW3 or higher, Intel and AMD-based vehicles and for vehicles with and without ultrasonic sensors.

However, it does require Enhanced Autopilot or Tesla’s Full Self-Driving package on your vehicle.

Vision Autopark Features

This newest iteration of vision Autopark is quite unique and comes alongside new visuals. However, High-Fidelity Park Assist is unique to AMD processors – which displays a 3D reconstruction of your surroundings. On Intel vehicles, a top-down 2D view will be displayed instead (differences between Intel and AMD Autopark visuals).

Vision Autopark is much faster than the old USS-based Autopark, and far more accurate. It can also park in tighter spots than before, being just slightly wider than the maximum width of the vehicle you’re driving.

Keep in mind that the new vision-based Autopark still functions for backing into parking spots, and for parallel parking. It does not support driving face-in to parking spots nor diagonal parking spots at this time.

This marks the first time that Autopark is available on vehicles without ultrasonic sensors outside of North America. Looking forward, given that vision Autopark has arrived for vehicles outside of North America, there is a good chance that Smarter Summon, Park Seek, and Banish Autopark will likely also come to these vehicles when it rolls presumably in an upcoming FSD release soon.

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