In the innovative world of electric vehicles (EVs), Tesla owners are finding unconventional ways to enhance their charging experience. Amidst the escalating temperatures of summer, a simple yet ingenious method involving a wet towel has surfaced among Tesla enthusiasts, promising to quicken the charging process at Supercharger stations. The wet towel trick is particularly useful on older Version 2 (V2) Supercharger stalls, which lack actively cooled cables.
On these models, direct sunlight can heat the charging handle significantly, prompting internal sensors to reduce charging speed to maintain safe temperatures. By draping a damp towel over the handle, it remains cooler, tricking the sensor into maintaining a higher charge rate.
Tesla forums and communities buzz with discussions about this hack, especially as warmer days make charging speeds a hot topic. The method’s effectiveness isn’t just theoretical; actual experiences from Tesla drivers support its validity.
For instance, a Tesla owner documented an increase in charging speed from 60 kilowatts to 95 kW on a hot day using this method. Furthermore, the crew at Out of Spec Studios noted a jump to 119 kW after initially throttling down to 58 kW when using a damp cloth.
Not Just for Old Chargers
While the older V2 Superchargers show significant improvements with this hack, newer Version 3 (V3) stalls typically don’t benefit as much due to their actively cooled cables. However, there are exceptions. The Cybertruck, with its unique 800-volt battery system, encounters a similar overheating issue at V3 stalls.
Here, the wet towel method has proven beneficial, making it a valuable tip for Cybertruck owners seeking optimal charging speeds.
Branden Flasch, a noted EV enthusiast, shared on social media platform X that even his Tesla Model S saw a slight improvement in charging efficiency at a V3 station using the wet towel method, suggesting that this hack might have wider applicability than previously thought.
You Can Put A Wet Towel On A Tesla Supercharger Handle To Get Faster Charging Speeds https://t.co/9p00JX7F6L
— Oregon Electric Vehicle Association (oeva.org) (@OEVAorg) May 8, 2024
A Note of Caution for Tesla Owners
While the wet towel trick offers a potential boost in charging speed, it is important to remember that this method is not sanctioned by Tesla and comes with certain risks. Superchargers are designed to operate safely under various conditions, including rain, meaning a damp towel likely won’t cause harm.
However, the vehicle and charger are equipped with numerous sensors to monitor temperature and ensure safety, which means artificially cooling the handle could lead to unexpected responses if any issues are detected.
Tesla owners discussing this hack online generally advise ending the charging session through the car’s interface or a smartphone app before removing the handle, emphasizing safety in the use of this unofficial solution.
The Bottom Line
Tesla’s cutting-edge technology continues to attract those who are not only enthusiastic about EVs but also willing to experiment with ways to enhance their experience. The wet towel trick, while simple, taps into a deeper understanding of how the company’s technology operates and how ambient conditions affect EV charging.
Whether or not the company acknowledges or recommends this life hack, it stands as a testament to the inventive spirit of the EV community. In the dynamic realm of electric vehicles, where innovation races ahead, even a humble wet towel can become a tool for optimization.
As we head into the hotter months, Tesla owners equipped with this knowledge might just find their charging stops a little shorter and a lot cooler.
