Tesla’s Winter Upgrade: Faster Charging for Model 3 and Y in Cold Weather

Tesla is making winter EV driving more convenient with a new feature for its Superchargers. Select Model 3 and Model Y vehicles will now benefit from pre-heated batteries, speeding up charging times even in freezing conditions.

What’s the Update?

Tesla announced that Supercharger battery heating is now live at its V3 and V4 Supercharger stations in cold climates. This feature is designed for standard-range rear-wheel drive Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, which use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.

Instead of relying on the car’s internal system to warm the battery, these Superchargers send an AC ripple current to the battery, heating it up externally. This helps minimize charging delays caused by cold weather, allowing EV drivers to get back on the road up to four times faster.

“This feature may seem small, but it’s pretty incredible,” said Max de Zegher, Tesla’s Director of Charging.

How to Maximize Winter Charging

While the new heating feature improves charging efficiency, Tesla recommends pre-conditioning your battery before arriving at a Supercharger to achieve the best results. Pre-conditioning warms the battery as you approach the charging station, further enhancing speed and performance.

Why It Matters

Cold weather has long been a challenge for EV drivers, slowing charging times and reducing range. Tesla’s innovation tackles this head-on, making winter charging faster and less frustrating.

The update comes just in time for the holiday season, when Tesla expects a surge in Supercharger use. To meet demand, Tesla is also:

• Ensuring 100% uptime for its chargers.
• Adding attendants and Tesla Megapack-powered chargers at busy sites.
• Continuing to open new Superchargers through the holidays.

More Winter Perks for Tesla Owners

Tesla recently reduced Supercharger prices, making EV ownership even more affordable. The company aims to accelerate EV adoption while ensuring its charging network remains sustainable for future growth.

With over 30,000 Supercharger ports in the U.S., Tesla continues to lead the charge in creating a reliable and fast EV charging experience—even in the coldest months.