Tesla will improve its V4 Superchargers with improved docks and a more flexible cable
@RoamingNorway/X.com
The Tesla Supercharger V4 network was met with disappointment from a Tesla fan and Model 3 owner. @RoamingNorway posted on X several issues with the new chargers. These included heavier cables, reduced flexibility, a problematic grip causing the plug to fall, and an obstructive design. Despite a modest following, his observations resonated with the Tesla community and caught the company's attention.
The Reviews are In
After the post, @RoamingNorway was met with the usual pro-Tesla crowd and the anti-Tesla hater responses. The user politely answered several comments and displayed their admiration for the EV revolution. Then, the big one, Tesla acknowledged these concerns through its official charging account.
Minor things matter. Cable dock & stiffness improvements coming soon! - @TeslaCharging
Tesla's V4 Supercharger, an update over its predecessors, initially aimed to cater to a broader range of EVs by including a longer, more durable cable. However, this design adjustment inadvertently introduced challenges for Tesla drivers, as highlighted by the feedback. Tesla's acknowledgment and swift commitment to address these issues reflect the company's agility and customer-centric approach.
While Tesla has not specified the details or timeline for the improvements, their proactive stance suggests these enhancements will be implemented effectively. This development aligns with Tesla's ongoing efforts to expand and refine its charging infrastructure.
The expansion of Tesla's V4 Supercharger network in Europe includes new installations and upgrades from older versions. This expansion is part of Tesla's broader strategy to accommodate an increasing variety of electric vehicles following major automakers' widespread adoption of Tesla’s charging technology. This move grants access to Tesla's extensive Supercharger network of more than 50,000 globally.
Owners Have a Voice
Tesla's approach to customer feedback, exemplified by its response to @RoamingNorway's post, is the latest demonstration of listening to user experience to identify areas of improvement. While the company usually picks off random posts, it opened up the floor last May. Tesla asked what it could improve in a post that garnered more than 9 million views and 13 thousand responses. Interestingly, many of the top suggestions have been addressed, and several more have likely been implemented during an over-the-air update.
For example, customers emphasized the need for faster service times and more service locations. Tesla is continuously building more brick-and-mortar locations to address the growing demand for service. There was also a call to make Full Self-Driving (FSD) transferable. You may recall there was a window to make this happen over the past year. Owners wanted a 360° bird's eye view; Tesla has done better than that with the new High-fidelity Park Assist. There was also a request for a better referral program, and there have been several additions since May.
Tesla is following a proven strategy. Time and time again, the businesses that listen to customers often succeed. We might not be used to a car company listening and implementing changes as quickly as Tesla.
The new Supercharger dispensers are worse for Tesla drivers:
1. The cables are heavier
2. The cables are less flexible and make it difficult to bend the cable and place the plug where you want it
3. The grip of the holster makes the plug fall onto the ground and gets snow/dirt… pic.twitter.com/ry4omufwbC
In last year’s holiday update, Tesla introduced the much-needed Dashcam Viewer in the Tesla app. The feature allows owners to view Dashcam and Sentry Mode footage directly from the Tesla app, eliminating the need to review videos in your vehicle. Unfortunately, the feature was limited to iPhone users, but Tesla is now changing that.
With Tesla app update 4.43.5, Tesla is officially launching the Dashcam Viewer on Android devices.
Dashcam Viewer
The Dashcam Viewer makes it easy to access and manage your car’s Dashcam and Sentry Mode videos. Accessing videos on your phone is faster and more convenient, but it does come with a few requirements.
The Dashcam Viewer in the Tesla app allows you to view, delete, or save video clips right from your device. This should result in higher quality content being shared online and fewer videos of owners recording their Tesla’s screens with their phones.
How It Works
Dashcam footage remains stored locally on your vehicle’s connected USB drive, so Tesla isn’t streaming videos to your phone from the cloud. Instead, the videos are streamed directly from your vehicle to your phone—similar to how Actually Smart Summon delivers a live feed to your phone.
Because of this, your vehicle must be connected to cellular data or Wi-Fi for the Dashcam Viewer to work. Unfortunately, this may limit access for owners who park in underground or large parking garages where connectivity is poor.
How to Access the Dashcam Viewer
To view Dashcam and Sentry Mode footage in the Tesla app:
Navigate to Security & Drivers > Dashcam Viewer.
Wait a few moments for your phone to connect to the vehicle.
From there, you’ll be able to view, save, or delete clips right from your device.
Requirements
To use Tesla’s Dashcam Viewer, you’ll need a vehicle with MCU 2 (Intel) or higher. All models are supported except for the legacy Model S and Model X (2020 and older). However, we expect support to be added in the near future.
The legacy Model S and Model X are expected to receive support for Actually Smart Summon, which requires the ability for those vehicles to stream video to the Tesla app — the same capability the Dashcam Viewer needs. Once Actually Smart Summon is added to the legacy Model S/X, we expect those vehicles to also receive the Dashcam Viewer at the same time or shortly afterward.
Tesla has imposed some viewing limits to prevent high data usage. The viewing limits apply to streaming video from the Dashcam Viewer or viewing live video from the vehicle’s cameras. Tesla will limit video streaming from the vehicle to 15 minutes or 1 hour, depending on your region.
Android Support
Tesla typically releases support for newer features to iPhone users since they make up the majority of users. Recently, Tesla has added more features to Android. In January, Tesla added support for ultra-wideband to Android, which added support for the improved phone key and the hands-free trunk and frunk feature.
Did you know the Cybertruck’s air suspension automatically levels the truck, even while it’s asleep? This is a great feature, especially for camping or off-road adventures. However, it can be an issue when lifting a wheel to change a tire.
Fortunately, there’s a solution: Jack Mode.
Jack Mode
Jack Mode is made for jacking up the truck and prevents the Cybertruck from self-leveling.
To enable Jack Mode, you’ll first need to set the Ride Height to Medium from Controls > Dynamics > Ride Height. You can also set it from the Tesla app by navigating to the Controls section and sliding up until you see Ride Height. This will give you enough clearance for most jacks to get under the truck and lift it.
You can also activate Jack Mode in Low or High, but Tesla recommends a Medium ride height for best control of the vehicle and sufficient tire clearance to safely remove and reinstall the tire. However, once the vehicle is in Jack Mode, the Ride Height cannot be changed.
Next up, go to Controls > Service > Jack Mode to enable Jack Mode. The vehicle will warn you that Jack Mode is enabled and can either be disabled by pressing the button again or by putting the vehicle into drive.
For the duration that Jack Mode is active, it is safe to lift your Cybertruck, even on one side only. It will not self-level for the duration that Jack Mode is enabled.
Automatic Jack Mode
Jack Mode can also activate automatically to protect the suspension from potential damage. For example, if the vehicle’s bumper is resting on a curb, Jack Mode may engage on its own.
Once the obstacle is cleared, or if you shift into Drive or Reverse, Jack Mode will automatically be disabled.