Tesla’s next-generation Superchargers should be much faster

Musk isn’t diving into specifics, to no one’s surprise, so it’s not clear just how quickly the new system would charge, when it arrives or whether it will be compatible with existing Tesla cars. As our Autoblog compatriots point out, though, Geneva is planning to deploy buses that use 600kW “flash-charging” to keep running without significantly interrupting their schedules. Even a longer recharge at the end of the line should take 4-5 minutes. If Tesla can approach that level of power delivery, it could speed up charging to the point where you can visit a Supercharger when you’re pressed for time (say, on the way to work).

Any dramatic improvement would go a long way toward making EVs more acceptable to a public used to refilling their cars almost on impulse, instead of planning their trips around it. However, it could also make financial sense for Musk and company. The shorter your charging stop, the sooner you free up a given space for the next driver. Whatever Tesla spends to upgrade stations could be offset by taking more customers (many of whom will be paying) and reducing the need for additional stations to keep up with demand. Also, Musk notes that both these “V3” stations and Powerwall 2 will be key to a wide rollout of solar-powered Superchargers that are kinder to both Tesla’s energy costs and the environment.