Tesla Launches New Fast Charging Pile Basecharger Dedicated to All-Electric Heavy Trucks
According to InsideEVs, Tesla has begun building a new fast-charging device, the Basecharger, for electric heavy trucks. The device looks similar to the fourth-generation Supercharger for passenger cars, but has a completely different internal structure, specifically designed for electric truck depots. According to Tesla, the Basecharger has a maximum output power of 125 kilowatts, enough to replenish the Tesla Semi's range to 60% in about 4 hours.
All-electric heavy trucks typically have longer dwell times at depots, so their charging speed requirements are different from passenger cars, and they can accept a relatively slower energy replenishment pace.
A major feature of the Basecharger is that it eliminates the need for a separate power cabinet. Max de Zegher, Tesla's North American Charging Business Director, explained that Tesla is directly integrating one module from the V4 Supercharger power electronics cabinet into the Basecharger, eliminating the need for a large AC-DC conversion device.
In addition, up to three Basechargers can be connected to the same circuit breaker, sharing a maximum capacity of 125 kilovolt-amperes, thereby reducing installation and operating costs.
In terms of price, the Basecharger starts at $20,000 (approximately 137,000 yuan), with a minimum order quantity of two units for corporate customers, and this price does not include installation costs.
In terms of specifications, the Basecharger can provide a maximum continuous current of 150 amps, an output voltage range of 180 volts to 1000 volts, and a charging cable length of 6 meters, twice that of a standard Supercharger. In terms of interface, only the MCS interface is currently available, and electric trucks equipped with the CCS interface cannot be used.
The Basecharger is Tesla's second truck charging device. The previous Megacharger has a power of 1.2 megawatts and can charge the Semi battery to 60% in about 30 minutes. The Megacharger has begun installation, and the Basecharger is expected to begin delivery in early 2027.