The Tesla Cybertruck is the primary Tesla constructed on an 800-volt structure, which allows a mess of EV elements to run at increased voltage for an a variety of benefits. Whereas Porsche Taycans and Hyundai Ioniq 5s and the like have been utilizing 800-volt methods for some time, it is the primary time Tesla has taken benefit of a setup that ought to enhance effectivity, thermal regulation, and charging. However in InsideEVs testing, the Cybertruck did not cost any faster than its 400-volt-based opponents.
I put greater than 500 miles on a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck we borrowed on Turo final month, giving us three alternatives to cost it. You’ll be able to learn the total assessment right here, however I determine our viewers in all probability needs a bit extra information in regards to the charging scenario.
First, let’s lay out the competitors.
The Rivian R1T, GMC Hummer EV, Chevy Silverado EV, and F-150 Lightning are all based mostly on 400-volt architectures, which ought to give the Cybertruck a charging benefit. However there are some things working towards it.
First is that the GM twins have huge battery packs. The GMC has about 205 kWh of usable capability, and the Chevy gives 200 kWh. That will usually decelerate charging, however on this case, the packs aren’t run as one giant unit. They’re made up of two 100-kWh-ish packs laid out on high of one another, permitting each to cost concurrently.
Thus, the 400-volt vehicles can cost like 800-volt automobiles, even when they do not get the opposite effectivity advantages of a real 800-volt setup. Which means they’ll cost at 350kW. In real-world testing cost speeds stabilize round 180kW for many of the cost.
A Rivian R1T in InsideEVs testing peaked at 220 kW up till round 20% cost, after which it stabilized round 150 kW. The F-150 Lightning with the extended-range pack has a much less aggressive claimed most charging price of 155 kW, however persistently pulled much more energy than that in InsideEVs testing and sustained the max price for longer than most vehicles.
As for precise cost instances, and factoring in pack dimension, here is what we have for the competitors:
GMC Hummer EV/Silverado EV: 1 hour and 49 minutes to go from 10 to 90 % in Automotive and Driver testing. We have now not performed our personal charging take a look at. Notice that it charging slows exponentially the nearer you get to 100%, so the 10-to-80 time would probably be considerably shorter. Rivian R1T: 10 to 80 % in 42 minutes F-150 Lightning: 15 to 80% in 38 minutes
My first Cybertruck cost take a look at befell on the Tesla Supercharger station on Friars Highway in Mission Valley, San Diego. I arrived with an 11% cost. It accepted 206 kW from the 250-kW charger for the primary couple of minutes, then tapered right down to round 150 kW and continued tapering till 80%.
The total 11-to-80% cost took precisely 45 minutes, throughout which it accepted 88.64 kWh. That is a median charging price of 118 kW, which is ok, however not excellent. Charging an F-150 Lightning from 10 to 80 % would take roughly the identical period of time, and an R1T prices quicker. The Cybertruck simply beats the GMC Hummer and Silverado, although, exhibiting that 800-volt charging itself cannot overcome the realities of a very huge battery pack.
A pattern charging curve exhibiting a number of contenders on this area. Supply: Branden Flasch
My second cost received the Cybertruck from 16% to 85% in precisely 45 minutes, too, with an identical curve to our first end result. Lastly, on the way in which to return the truck in Orange County, I topped off from 59% to 89%. It took half-hour, with a median cost price of 77.02 kW. That is a very good reminder of how steep the charge-rate dropoff is, with speeds tapering rapidly above half cost.
Name it the Tesla Curve. It isn’t dissimilar to different Tesla vehicles, just like the Mannequin Y above. However these haven’t got the 800-volt setup. Frankly, I’m shocked that the Cybertruck cannot pull extra energy for longer. Tesla usually has higher battery administration than the competitors, and on this case the Cybertruck has the benefit of being the one true 800-volt car in its class.
But it nonetheless prices roughly as rapidly as a Rivian R1T or Ford F-150 Lightning, and might’t go so far as both. As I mentioned in my full assessment: We anticipated extra.