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
Rendering of what Tesla's license plate feature could look like
Not a Tesla App
Tesla update 2024.38 has started rolling out to several regions and vehicles. Thanks to Tesla hacker Greentheonly, we have a behind-the-scenes look at some new features coming to Teslas.
License Plate Display
According to Greentheonly, it looks like Tesla may soon let you display your actual license plate in the vehicle’s visualization on the screen. In our article, The Most Request Tesla Features, several readers suggested displaying the vehicle’s license plate in the visualization instead of a blank, white plate.
It looks like Tesla will be doing just that, at least in China. Green found references that appear to conclude that you’ll be able to display your vehicle’s plate on screen. This will likely be user input, so you could have it say anything you’d like, and it doesn’t have to be your actual license plate.
For many owners, who may find it difficult to remember their license plate, this could serve a practical purpose in addition to adding to the visualization's realism.
While Green was only able to say it’ll be available in China, we expect this is due to China’s software development team working on it and that it’ll eventually be released worldwide.
While code for this feature was found in update 2024.38, we may not be turned on in China yet. We suspect this feature may be a strong candidate for Tesla’s upcoming holiday update.
FSD Hardware Version Display
As part of the 2024.38 update, Tesla has now made it easy to determine whether your vehicle includes Hardware 3 or Hardware 4. You can now simply navigate to Controls > Software and tap Additional Vehicle Information. In addition to other hardware information about your vehicle, your Autopilot hardware version will now be listed as well.
You can see whether your vehicle has HW2.5, HW3, or AI4. This in-car display is useful, but if you don’t have access to the vehicle, you can always use our guide on how to determine the hardware version of a Tesla.
New Battery Health Test & Service Mode Improvements
Green found some additional things as well. There’s a new and improved Battery Health Test. The new test will show you how your car scores compared to similar vehicles in the Tesla fleet.
In addition, maintenance records can now be permanently stored “in the car.” It doesn’t appear that this feature is activated yet, but it’s likely in active development with some parts leaking out in the 2024.38 update.
Tesla has included various Service Mode improvements and new visualizations in this update.
Mr Li on X came across some covered-up Project Juniper vehicles recently and he managed to get various shots of the vehicle.
Juniper Images
This front image reveals what looks like two rows of lights, possibly confirming the front light bar for the Model Y refresh — similar to the one on the Cybercab.
The rear side has a lot of lights on it!
Mr Li on X
The rear side shows a ton of brake lights, but it’s not clear why. While it looks like the Model Y refresh will also feature a rear light bar similar to the Cybertruck, there isn’t strong evidence of that in this photo.
Mr Li on X
There's an obvious set of lights at the bottom, so it looks like the Model Y refresh will be similar to the new Model 3 where the bottom lights can operate as brake lights when the one-piece tail lights and trunk are up.
Mr Li on X
In the last photo, we see that the overall form factor of the refreshed Model Y will remain unchanged, and Tesla is focusing the changes on the front and rear ends of the vehicle, much like the Model 3 refresh. However, in this one shot, we can also see what appears to be red light leaking out of the rear camera cover opening, possibly due to the rear light bar.
The Model Y is not only Tesla’s best-selling vehicle but also the world’s best-selling car in 2023. This year, it’s expected to be the best-selling vehicle in the United States and again in the world, so this refresh will be huge for Tesla.
@DominicBRNKMN made another fantastic set of concepts based on these new images. Given he had the most accurate Model 3 Highland concept before the official launch, we’re pretty sure his latest work be close here as well.
@DominicBRNKMN
We’re super excited to see the eventual reveal of Project Juniper, which is expected in the first half of 2025. However, expect to see a few more leaks before production kicks off at Giga Shanghai.
![Tesla Safety Numbers Continue to Improve Alongside Feature Advancements [Vehicle Safety Report]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/img/containers/article_images/2021/emergency-braking.jpg/fa9cced4bf8348db88679602faa5dae5.jpg)
![Tesla is Expanding the Free FSD Trial For Some [Updated]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/img/containers/article_images/2024/trial_extension_tescalendar.jpg/a788359dad50b67c79e117776014e4b5/trial_extension_tescalendar.jpg)
