Tesla’s first fourth-generation Supercharger (Supercharge V4) will soon be operational in Arizona, U.S.A. The Megapack and solar array are also included in the new build program, giving us a glimpse of the outline of the future of charging stations.
Over the past few months, multiple media reports have suggested that Tesla is increasing the capacity for the new charger so that deployment in the U.S. can begin as soon as possible. The new charger is expected to have the potential for higher charging rates (currently capped at 250 kW for the Supercharger V3) as well as a solution that allows for CCS charging of non-Tesla electric vehicles.
But it may also be accompanied by increased deployment of energy storage and solar power at charging stations. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has long promised that Tesla would use solar and batteries to power all Supercharger stations, but the rollout has been significantly delayed.
Back in 2016, Elon Musk tweeted about installing solar arrays in charging stations. “Some charging stations are currently installed, but full rollout will require SuperCharger V3 and Powerpack V2, as well as SolarCity,” he said.
In 2017, Elon Musk said Tesla planned to add solar and batteries to all Superchargers, with the ultimate goal of being able to provide service off the existing grid. supercharger V3 has arrived, and Tesla has indeed accelerated the deployment of solar arrays at Superchargers, but that deployment is still limited to a handful of new stations.
Now we learn of one of the first Tesla Supercharger V4 stations planned, which shows solar and energy storage.
According to the building permit, Tesla plans to have 40 charging posts for the station, one of which will be suitable for towing trailers. But interestingly, Tesla plans to install two large solar panels and a Megapack at the Supercharger V4 station.
A single Megapack could hold enough energy to charge 40 Tesla vehicles, and Tesla could use the battery system to cut peak demand at the station to avoid massive demand charges, which would lead to higher charging prices for electric vehicles. The company will be able to use solar arrays to charge the battery packs and significantly reduce the need to use the grid.
