Tesla is warning electric vehicle owners against using a popular method of cooling charging cables, highlighting the risks and ineffectiveness of this approach.
Tesla Charging
Popular Cooling Method
Tesla has asked owners of its electric vehicles to abandon a common technique that some car enthusiasts use when charging. This involves the practice of wrapping the handle of the Supercharger charging cable in a wet towel, which users say helps increase power and speed up the charging process.
Operating principle and results
The essence of the method is to cool the cable handle, which supposedly allows you to bypass charging power restrictions in hot weather , probably by fooling the temperature sensors. A Model S owner reports an increase in charging power from 60 kW to 95 kW after using this method. Out Of Spec Studios shared with that using a damp cloth at room temperature helped prevent the power from dropping from 147 kW to 58 kW, maintaining it at 119 kW.
Tesla's Position
While concerns about using wet objects near electrical devices may seem unfounded (after all, chargers stations are designed to withstand the rain), Tesla has good reasons not to recommend this method.
Placing a wet cloth on Supercharger cable handles does not increase charging rates and interferes with temperature monitors creating risk of overheating or damage. Please refrain from doing this so our systems can run correctly, and true charging issues can be detected by our…
— Tesla Charging (@TeslaCharging) July 25, 2024
In a post on Platform X, Tesla stated: "Placing wet cloth on Supercharger cable handles does not speed up the charging process, but interferes with the temperature sensors, which can lead to overheating or damage to the equipment. We ask that you refrain from such actions to ensure that our systems operate correctly and that real charging problems can be identified."
Limitations of the method
According to Inside EVs, this method is only effective on older Supercharger V2 models, as newer versions are already equipped with a handle cooling system. The exception is the Cybertruck, whose 800-volt system, functioning as a pair of 400-volt batteries, can cause even cooled Superchargers V3 handles to heat up.
Glossary
- Tesla is an American company that produces electric vehicles and electrical energy storage solutions.
- Supercharger is a network of fast charging stations developed by Tesla for its electric vehicles.
- Model S is Tesla's flagship sedan and one of the most popular electric vehicles in the world.
- Cybertruck is a futuristic pickup truck from Tesla with an innovative design and high technical characteristics.
- Out Of Spec Studios - YouTube channel specializing in reviews and tests of electric vehicles.
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Answers to questions
Why do Tesla owners wrap their charging cables with a damp towel?
What effect does this 'lifehack' have on the charging process?
What is Tesla's position on this practice?
What models of charging stations can this method work on?
Is there a risk of electric shock when using a wet towel?
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Discussion of the topic – Tesla Warns: Dangerous Supercharger Charging Hack Could Damage Your Electric Vehicle
Tesla has asked electric vehicle owners not to use the popular but potentially dangerous method of wrapping a wet towel around the Supercharger to supposedly increase charging power and speed.
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Emilia
Wow, who would have thought that a wet towel could have such an effect on Tesla charging! 🤔 I wonder how many owners have already tried this trick?
Hans
Yes, Emilia, this is quite creative! But Tesla is right - safety comes first. It’s better not to take risks and charge as expected. Although the idea of cable cooling sounds logical.
Sophie
I agree with Hans! Safety comes first. But I'm surprised Tesla didn't address this issue sooner. Maybe we should think about improving the cooling system of charging stations? 🤔
Giovanni
Guys, have you noticed that this only works on old V2 Superchargers? It looks like Tesla has already solved the problem with the new models. I wonder how long this hack has been popular among owners? 🕵️♂️
Olga
Giovanni, good question! I heard about this trick a year ago from a friend. By the way, what about other brands of electric vehicles? Do they also have problems with charging in the heat? 🌞🔌
Pierre
Eh, young people... All these electric cars and tricks of yours. In my time, cars were simpler and more reliable. Why do we need all these difficulties with charging? Regular gasoline and no problems.
Emilia
Pierre, times are changing! Electric cars are the future. Yes, there are nuances, but technology is constantly improving. Take a look at the Cybertruck with its 800V system - it's a breakthrough! 😃
Hans
I agree with Emilia! By the way, about the Cybertruck - I wonder how Tesla will solve the problem with the heating of the handles on the V3 Superchargers for it? Maybe they will develop special stations? 🤖⚡