Tesla Model 3 On Supercharger V3 – Guide Performance Compared to Peers (Charts!)
Published on March 11, 2019 | by Dr. Maximilian Holland
11. March 2019 by Dr. Maximilian Holland
With the release of the new Supercharger version 3 (V3) technology, Tesla significantly increases the charging current to model 3 and advances ahead of the competition. In this article, we run numbers on model 3's new opportunities on road trips and long journeys, and reveal how it compares to its peers.
Let's jump right in and have a look at our classic "highway and charging" chart. With V3 Supercharging, Tesla has moved the game, and from now on we use the spectrum from 20 minutes of DC charging as the new benchmark for comparisons (from the previous 30-minute benchmark).
Strictly speaking, we have so far only had clear insight into the charging speeds of the Tesla Model 3 Long Range. It seems safe to assume that the other model 3 versions will get similar C rates as the Long Range package does, though – in other words, similar charge rates to their battery packs. We can see this again when we get more information. Based on these estimates, here's how reach and charge stacks are up (click on a graph to the embigge):
As usual, since most long journeys are mainly performed on highways, we use the EPA highway ratings as the fair way to compare different models with. This approaches approximately stable driving speeds of 70-75 mph (112-120 km / h) in decent conditions. We assume you are running from 100% battery to 10% (using 90% of your car's total range) before taking a break to rest and recharge. It is clear that the leading EV in this group – the Tesla Model 3 Long Range – now has a similar overall pattern for a gasoline vehicle on the road, and a better pattern on some key points.
Why better than a gas mobile? Every EV who has access to a plug at home can start a long journey with a full tank of electrons on the go, with no extra effort or time. Fossil vehicles are not always kept with a full tank of gas all the time. They will usually need a dedicated visit to a gas station near, or near, the start of a long journey, which requires extra time and effort. A fossil vehicle will therefore often fall behind an EV already from early on a trip.
A quick 15 or 20 minute rest break after a solid 3 to 3.5 hour highway (225-260 miles / 360-420 km) is a sensible pattern for human comfort – a stretch, a bath break, a coffee or a snack. After another 2+ hour highway driving, you will have another quick break, or maybe a meal. Model 3 Long Range makes this pattern easy, and the other model 3 variants are close to it.
For people who only occasionally make longer journeys over 320 km, and for families with young children or pets who still want to make more frequent and / or longer rest stops (with meal breaks), some of these vehicles are great. Everybody is ready to cover close to 200 motor guides when away from home. During a 40-minute meal holiday, even the non-Tesla EVs regain the energies of another 1.5 to 2 hours of the highway:
While all these EV slots give good road trippers if you don't is in some great rush on the journey, it is noteworthy that the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range and Standard Plus can add a similar area in 20 minutes (130/142 miles or 210/230 km), as most of these EVs can add in 40 minutes! The Tesla Model 3 Mid Range and Long Range are even further ahead. (See first chart.)
Tesla's technology management means a lot to do for other automakers, and it is a very positive thing for the overall EV adoption. Everyone knows that EV is now stuck in the present, and everywhere in the future. To be in the race, other manufacturers and charging network providers are forced by Tesla to increase their own gaming, making EV more and more able to increase its value proposition compared to fossil vehicles.
Buying a new fossil vehicle itself makes sense more?
The significant benefits of the affordable and versatile, available EVs available now create a moment for pause and reflection. Does it even make sense to buy a fossil vehicle, given the versatile superior qualities and valuation of the best EVs?
The market is now rapidly changing. If we look 3 to 5 years down the road, the decision to buy an expensive new fossil vehicle in 2019 will be a reason to regret it? Please let us know in the comments.
Here are the diagrams in metric units:
Tags: 2020 Kia Soul EV, Chevy Bolt, DC Fast Charge, EPA Highway Range, EV Travel Routes, Hyundai, Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Kona EV, Kia, Kia Niro, Kia Niro EV, Kia Soul EV, Nissan, Nissan Leaf, Nissan Leaf E-Plus, Opel Ampera-e, Tesla, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Supercharger v3, Tesla superchargers, Tesla Supercharging
About the Author
Dr. Maximilian Holland Max is an anthropologist, social theorist and international political economist, trying to question and encourage critical thinking about social and environmental justice, sustainability and human condition. He has lived and worked in Europe and Asia, and is currently based in Barcelona.
