Gary Zhou 
- 🚚 Tesla is set to roll out significant Cybertruck charging improvements hinted at earlier in April.
- 🔧 Fixes aim to address compatibility issues with Superchargers discovered during the Ocean to Ocean challenge.
- ⚡ Problems arose when Cybertruck topped out site power limits, causing cables to overheat.
- ⏰ An Over-the-Air update to solve these issues is expected to be released in Q2, but time is running out.
- 🤖 Cybertruck Lead Engineer Wes Morrill announced that the update is “coming soon.”
- 🐞 A specific issue involved a bug locking stalls into a 100A max when charging from a very low state of charge (SoC).
- 🚀 The bug has been fixed and is currently being piloted, with full deployment expected next week.
- 🚛 These issues are part of the growing pains since Cybertruck deliveries started in November.
- 📨 For comments, concerns, or questions, the author can be reached via email or Twitter.
Tesla’s highly anticipated Cybertruck has been making headlines since its unveiling. While its futuristic design and robust capabilities are impressive, recent experiences have highlighted some teething problems—particularly with charging. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the upcoming improvements for Cybertruck’s charging process, explore the challenges that arose, and discuss the pivotal role Over-the-Air (OTA) updates are playing in resolving these issues.
The Genesis of Cybertruck Charging Issues
The Cybertruck’s charging problems were prominently brought to attention during the “Ocean to Ocean” challenge by Out of Spec, an event designed to test the vehicle’s limits from the West Coast to the East Coast. During this grueling journey, several crucial issues were identified:
Supercharger Compatibility
One of the main areas of concern was the Cybertruck’s compatibility with Tesla’s Superchargers. As drivers pushed the vehicle to its limits, it was discovered that the Cybertruck would often top out a site’s power limit, resulting in overheated charging cables. This situation complicated long trips, forcing frequent stops and delays.
Power Limit and Cable Overheating
The problem of topping out the power limit wasn’t just about inconvenience—it posed a serious risk. Overheated cables can not only shorten the lifespan of the infrastructure but also pose safety hazards. Tesla had to address these issues swiftly to maintain user trust and vehicle performance.
The Solution: Over-the-Air Updates
To tackle these pressing problems, Tesla announced a series of improvements that would be rolled out via OTA updates. This is a monumental step for a couple of reasons:
Speed and Efficiency
OTA updates allow Tesla to deploy fixes rapidly without requiring vehicle owners to visit service centers. Given that there were less than two weeks left in Q2 for Tesla to deliver these changes, the speed and efficiency of OTA updates became critical.
Technical Fixes
Several specific technical fixes are part of this upcoming update pack:
- Fixing the Bug at Low SoC: One of the identified bugs locked the charging stalls into a 100A max when the vehicle was charging from a very low state of charge (SoC). This significantly slowed down the charging process and was especially problematic during long trips.
- Enhanced Charging Curve: The charging curve optimization would unlock up to 154 miles of range recovered in just 15 minutes of charging.
Inside Tesla’s Engineering Process
Cybertruck Lead Engineer Wes Morrill has confirmed that the update is “coming soon,” reassuring users of the timeline. Drew Baglino, another key figure at Tesla, further elaborated that the bug is already being piloted and will be fully deployed by next week.
Data-Driven Decisions
Tesla’s data-driven approach helped identify and isolate these bugs swiftly. For instance, Out of Spec tester Kyle Conner’s knack for arriving with 0% remaining battery helped spotlight the low SoC bug, accelerating Tesla’s response time.
Challenges and Learning Curves
Every groundbreaking product faces initial challenges, and the Cybertruck is no exception. These charging issues are part of the growing pains since the first deliveries began back in November. However, Tesla’s proactive approach to resolving these hurdles shows its commitment to refining its products.
What This Means for Cybertruck Owners
Improved User Experience
These updates promise to significantly improve the user experience by making charging faster, safer, and more reliable.
Reliability on Long Trips
With fixes rolled out, Cybertruck owners can look forward to less downtime and fewer hiccups during long journeys, making the adventurous spirit of the vehicle more of a reality.
Conclusion
Tesla’s Cybertruck is set to become more reliable with the upcoming charging improvements and OTA updates. While the journey to perfecting the Cybertruck has seen its share of bumps, it’s clear that Tesla is committed to resolving issues swiftly and efficiently. This proactive attitude toward problem-solving and customer satisfaction underscores why Tesla continues to lead in the EV market.
