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Arthur T Knackerbracket has processed the following story:
Tesla is warning users about a popular "charging hack" that can allegedly result in shorter wait times at select Supercharger stations. The trick, which has been circulating within the Tesla community for at least a few years now, involves wrapping a damp towel around a Supercharger handle when charging. The idea is that the wet rag acts as a cooling agent, tricking temperature sensors inside the handle into thinking the system is running cooler than it actually is.
Some claim the hack can increase the charging rate, especially on hot summer days, resulting in a faster charge and less waiting around. Now, Tesla has issued official guidance on the matter.
According to the official Tesla Charging account on X, placing a wet cloth on a Supercharger handle does not increase its charging rate. In does, however, interfere with the system's temperature monitors and could lead to overheating or damage. Tesla advises against the towel trick to help ensure their systems can operate correctly.
[...] Inside EVs points to several instances that seem to refute Tesla's claim that the trick does not work, at least with older V2 Supercharging systems. One Tesla user put a damp cloth over the charging handle on a V2 Supercharger, which increased the charging rate from 60 kilowatts to 95 kW on a hot day. Another user plugged in at two percent stage of charge and reached 147 kW before thermal throttling kicked in at 34 percent and slowed the rate down to 58 kW. Applying a wet rag reportedly drove the charging rate up to 119 kW.
V3 and newer Superchargers utilize active cooling. According to Inside EV, the towel trick does not really help at all on these systems unless you are charging a Cybertruck.
Tesla owners would probably be best served to take the company's advice and not fool with the trick. Saving an extra few minutes simply is not worth the risk of damaging your vehicle or Tesla's equipment.
(Score: 4, Touché) by Thexalon on Tuesday July 30 2024, @10:51PM (2 children)
I mean, you wouldn't want to do anything super-dangerous like, I dunno, parking it in the rain [cbsnews.com].
"Think of how stupid the average person is. Then realize half of 'em are stupider than that." - George Carlin
(Score: 2, Informative) by mcgrew on Wednesday July 31 2024, @01:43PM (1 child)
That's what they get for buying a car from a Nazi. And what does a rusting body have to do with its method of propulsion? Except the fact that it's a shitty car altogether?
My Hyundai EV (no more Hyundais, 3 recalls in six months) has been parked in the driveway since I bought it last September (for you pedants, except of course when I was driving it), in the rain, snow, well-below freezing temperatures, blistering heat (illinois), and aside from recalls has been the best car I ever owned.
The problem isn't that it's an EV, the problem is that it's a Tesla.
Impeach Donald Saruman and his sidekick Elon Sauron
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday July 31 2024, @11:44PM
Inquiring minds want to hear more about your Hyundai BEV:
What were the recalls for?
Did your car show the symptoms, or just get recalled for good measure?
How long did the dealer keep your car to perform the updates?
Did they give you a loaner car (ICE or BEV)?