First seen Cybertruck charging curve disappoints, but is that the whole story?
The Tesla Cybertruck, Tesla’s first vehicle to fully utilize its larger 4680-format cell, has been out for about a month now. But with only limited quantities on the road in the public’s hands, there have still been a lot of questions about the vehicle.
Now we’ve got an answer to one of the most important questions: charge rate. It’s not great – but that might not be the whole story.
Peak charging speed, measured in kilowatts or kW, is one of the most important stats on an EV – arguably much more important than range. The higher the charge rate the quicker you can get back on the road during a charging session. Older EVs have DC charge rates around 50kW, which is quite slow compared to today’s standards, where EVs are usually capable of 150kW+, with some models capable of up to 350kW. Tesla’s V3 superchargers can deliver up to 250kW of power, which is plenty fast, though the new V4s are even faster at 350kW.
But another important aspect of charging is charge curve, or how quickly a vehicle “tapers” off of the peak charge rate to a lower one. EVs can’t sustain peak charge rates forever, so will usually only hold on to the peak rate for a certain period of time before lowering to a slower rate. This is why EVs usually state their DC charge time “to 80%,” because charging past 80% at a high rate is generally bad for battery durability.
Until now, this was an open question for the Cybertruck, especially since it is Tesla’s first car to fully utilize the 4680-format cells which have been noted to have somewhat worse charging performance than the previous 2170 format cells.
Video of Cybertruck’s charging curve
But in a video posted by Our Cyber Life, a new youtube channel formed by a couple who took delivery of their Cybertruck two weeks ago, we now know what the Cybertruck’s charge curve looks like. The channel’s videos so far have fully focused on the Cybertruck ownership experience, from a couple who have never owned a Tesla before (but one of them, nevertheless, seems to be a Tesla employee – which explains the early Cybertruck delivery).
The video fully documents a Cybertruck charge at the Tesla supercharger in Mesa, Arizona, a V3 Supercharger capable of 250kW peak power delivery. Most of the video is just a 5x speed timelapse of the screen during the charging session, though Our Cyber Life helpfully included graphs showing charge rate for those who are “not interested in watching paint dry.”
As we can see in the video and accompanying graphs, the Cybertruck seems to have a relatively poor charge curve, at least for this charging session at a busy V3 Supercharger. The car starts at 14% state of charge, after about 20 minutes of preconditioning (an automatic process to raise battery temperature to accept higher charge rates).
It immediately jumps to a peak charge rate of 255kW, but starts to taper quite rapidly, with charge rate gradually decreasing starting at 20% SOC. By 40% SOC the car is down to 150kW, 100kW at 60% SOC, and reaches a plateau of 75-80kW at about 66% SOC, which it holds until around 90% – when the Youtuber’s camera died and the Cybertruck headed out.
All in all, it was a 50 minute charge session from 14-90%, adding 94kWh worth of energy into the Cybertruck’s 123kWh battery. Or, using the standard 80% cutoff, 14-80% took 40 minutes.
Brief comparison with other vehicles
Tesla vehicles do tend to taper rather early, but make up for it with high peak charge rates. It’s usually better to do more frequent, shorter charge sessions to take advantage of higher charge rates at low SOC, rather than to charge all the way up to 90 or 100%. Plus, busy Superchargers will penalize you for sticking around too long while others are waiting for a charge.
This is still a reasonably quick charge rate, especially when compared to the early days of EV charging or compared to AC charge times which run in the hours, not minutes.
But given the Cybertruck’s huge 123kWh battery, we expected quicker charging than this. A larger battery can usually sustain a higher charge rate for longer (this concept is known as “C-rate,” or charge rate divided by total capacity). A Model 3 Long Range has a peak C-rate of 3 and average C-rate of 1.4 when charging from 0-100%, but in this test, the Cybertruck showed a peak C-rate of just over 2 and average of about .9.
Measured in “miles of charge added per minute,” which is an even more important metric for practical driving purposes, the picture gets somewhat worse for the Cybertruck. The Model 3 is rated at 333 miles of range, and from 14-80% can add about 220 miles of range in 31 minutes. By the same metric, from 14-80%, the Cybertruck added 206 miles in 40 minutes – less range in a longer period of time.
All of these are significantly slower than the current charging champions, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and its cousin the Kia EV6, which despite a slightly lower peak charge rate of around 230kW, have an impressively broad charging curve that can sustain speeds of 170-180kW all the way up to 70-80%.
And compared to a similar-ish vehicle, the Rivian R1T, the R1T tapers a little bit later, but not by a tremendous amount. The R1T wins here, but by a small margin (a margin which becomes larger when taking into account Rivian’s higher efficiency and Tesla’s traditional, uh, “optimistic” range estimates).
But that’s not the whole story
However, we need to caution that this is only one test in one set of circumstances – and the circumstances are less than ideal for the Cybertruck in question.
First, the Cybertruck’s charging system is built with the ability to switch between 800-volt and 400-volt charging. V3 Superchargers are 400V, so it’s possible that the Cybertruck will be able to charge better from an 800V charger – if Tesla gets around to installing them. The V4 Supercharger is supposed to be capable of 800V charging, but so far we’ve only seen 400V installs, showing how Tesla’s charging network isn’t ready for Cybertruck – and that’s true in more ways than one.
Second, it was a busy Supercharger, and on busy Superchargers sometimes Tesla limits charging speed. A Supercharger station won’t necessarily be built with the ability to give maximum 250kW power to every stall at the same time, because you’re rarely going to have every stall full with a car at 0% SOC calling for maximum charge rate. So a 10-stall, 250kW charger might have a total 1-1.5MW capacity, instead of the 2.5MW you’d expect from the nameplate 250kW charge rate. It is possible the Cybertruck was given max charge rate at low SOC, and then the station itself tapered off power delivery in order to prioritize lower-SOC vehicles at the station.
Finally, this is a brand-new vehicle and Tesla may be waiting for more data on battery health while charging, in order to potentially increase charge rates in the future. Tesla is fond of offering over-the-air updates to improve vehicle capabilities, and to allow early owners to act as beta testers. In this case, the owner in question is also a Tesla employee, and Tesla is even more willing to use employees as guinea pigs on new vehicles. So it’s entirely possible that charge rates might increase in a future software update – as happened with Rivian as well.
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Enel North America and food and snacks giant Mars have signed a massive clean energy deal that will power up Mars’s operations with Texas solar.
The two companies completed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for the full output – all 851 megawatts (MW) – of three Texas solar farms. Together, those plants are expected to deliver 1.8 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, the equivalent of enough electricity to power 150,000 homes. That makes this Enel’s largest corporate PPA worldwide.
Michele Di Murro, CEO of Enel North America, said the deal “shows how renewables are among the fastest and most affordable solutions to meet the nation’s energy needs. Through these agreements, we’re adding clean capacity to the Texas grid while supporting a leading manufacturer’s sustainability goals.”
For Mars, the move goes beyond just greening its own factories. Kevin Rabinovitch, global VP of sustainability at Mars, explained that this PPA “lets us bring demand for all the electricity used in our value chain to the clean energy market in a highly efficient manner. The more demand we create together, the faster we can build the future we all want.”
All three solar farms will use sheep grazing to manage vegetation, a dual-use practice Enel has scaled through the largest solar grazing agreement in the US.
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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Lease deals get all the headlines, but 75% of new car buyers still finance their cars, indicating that they want to own their vehicles once the payments are done. If that sounds like you, and you’ve been holding out for relief from sky-high payments, a wave of new EVs are now available with 0% financing — making it one of the best months yet to buy a new EV.
Every month, Electrek readers looking for great deals on a new EV flock to our lease deal posts. Recently, however, the comments have been asking another crucial question: what about EV deals for the people who want to buy, instead of leas?
You asked, we listened. This roundup is for that 75% of new car buyers who choose to finance their cars instead of lease — so here’s a list of all the 0% financing deals on EVs you can get in September, 2025.
As I put this list together, I realized there were plenty of ways for me to present this information. In the end, I decided to present these deals in alphabetical order, by brand name (make). And, as for which deals are new this month? You’re just gonna have to check the list. Enjoy!
Acura ZDX
New for the 2024 model year, the Acura ZDX uses GM Ultium battery and drive technology, but the styling, interior, and infotainment are all Honda, delivering GM-level parts support with Honda-level fit, finish, and quality. Add in standard Apple CarPlay support, 0% financing for up to 72 months, and $7,500 customer cash through September 30th, and the ZDX becomes easily one of the best sporty crossover values on the market.
Chevy Equinox EV
With an impressive combination of affordability, practicality, and advanced features, the Chevy Equinox is a standout EV. And with an EPA-estimated range of up to 319 miles and a starting price under $35,000, it’s no wonder they’re flying off dealer lots.
For well-qualified buyers, Chevrolet is offering 0% APR financing for up to 60 months through GM Financial through September 30th. That offer can be paired with the $7,500 federal EV tax credit (which you can claim at the dealer), along with up to $1,250 in additional discounts for Costco members, depending on membership level.
Dodge Charger
Dodge is hoping that at least a few muscle car enthusiasts with some extra cash will find their way to a Dodge store and ask for the meanest, loudest, tire-shreddingest muscle car on the dealer’s lot without caring too much about what’s under the hood.
For them, Dodge has the new electric Charger with up to 670 battery-backed horsepower. And if you still owed money on the Hemi you just totaled, Dodge will help get the deal done on its latest retro-tastic ride with a $7,750 retail cash allowance or 0% financing for up to 72 months — and that’s before any dealer discounts.
Ford F-150 Lightning
America’s best-selling electric truck offers V2x technology, a nationwide dealer network, a universe of aftermarket accessories, and a look that blends into the crowd. This month, this proven pickup adds 0% interest financing for up to 72 months. Ford Pro customer can get access to advanced telematics and, in some cases, even get help sourcing additional grants and rebates, too.
GMC Hummer EV
The biggest of GM’s Ultium-based EVs are seriously impressive machines, with shockingly quick acceleration, plus on-road handling that seems to defy the laws of physics once you understand that these are, essentially, medium-duty trucks. This month, GMC is doing its best to move out its existing inventory with 0% financing for well-qualified buyers plus $1,250 in discounts for select Costco members. So, if you’re a fan of heavy metal you’ll definitely want to stop by your local GMC dealer and give the Hummer EV a test drive.
GMC Sierra EV
In addition to offering a solid Powerwall alternative, these big Ultium-based EVs from GM’s “three letter bandit” commercial brand are just as impressive as their Hummer stablemates, but one-up the Hummers with heavy-duty towing prowess and the added capability of bidirectional charging baked in. And, like the Hummer, GMC is doing its best to move out its existing inventory of Denali and AT4 model Sierra EVs with 0% financing for well-qualified buyers plus $1,250 in discounts for select Costco members.
Honda Prologue
Like the Acura ZDX at the top of this list, the Honda Prologue was blends the excellent GM Ultium EV platform with Honda sensibilities and Apple CarPlay to create a winning combination. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the top-selling electric crossovers — and to move out as many as possible before the $7,500 federal tax credit goes away, Honda is offering 0% APR for up to 60 plus up to an additional $2,000 in Honda Loyalty or Conquest cash.
Hyundai IONIQ 6
The last of the streamliners, the IONIQ 6 has influences from Ferry Porsche and Raymond Loewy without looking like a copy of either. In addition to being a future classic, it’s efficient, comfortable, quick, offers up to 361 miles of range, can charge just about anywhere, and (now through the end of the month), can be financed with 0% interest for up to 48 months or $7,500 in customer bonus cash on all trims.
If you’re flexible on color, Hyundai dealers with “aged inventory” will give you an extra $1,000, for $8,500 total incentive dollars on your IONIQ 6.
Jeep Wagoneer S
The Jeep Wagoneer S is a slick, capable, street-oriented EV that’s been inexplicably saddled with a sloping roof and spoiler that eats away at the electric SUV’s ultimate utility (that’s the “U” part), but if you can get past that minor caveat, this first-ever battery-powered Jeep is ready to deliver. With $7,750 retail cash allowance or 0% financing for up to 72 months before dealer discounts through September 30th, the Wagoneer S might just be the best EV deal going.
Kia Niro EV
Kia is doing a phenomenal job moving its supercar-baiting EV6 and ultra-capable EV9 family trucksters, but the under-mentioned and underrated little Niro EV seems like it could use a little help. To that end, Kia is offering 0% interest financing or up to $7,500 customer cash on select examples of the little urban runabout now through September 30th.
Nissan Ariya
I’ve already said that the Nissan Ariya didn’t get a fair shake. If you click that link, you’ll read about a car that offers solid driving dynamics, innovative interior design, and all the practicality that makes five-passenger crossovers the must-haves they’ve become for most families. With up to 289 miles of EPA-rated range, Tesla Supercharger access, and 0% interest from Nissan for up to 72 months or up to $10,000 Customer Cash (that’s not a typo) undecided EV buyers could do a lot worse than to give the Ariya a chance to win them over.
Polestar 3
Sleek, Scandinavian, and seriously quick, the Polestar 3 is the lovechild of Swedish brand Volvo and Chinese brand Geely’s billions. As such, it delivers both Scandinavian style and high-tech substance with dual-motor power, a minimalistic, luxurious cabin, and Android Auto baked right in. The Polestar 3 was designed to turn heads while keeping daily driving effortless, and through the month of September, it’s sure to turn even more heads with 0% financing for up to 72 months through Polestar Financial Services and a $10,000 Clean Vehicle Incentive in some markets.
Put it all together, and the Polestar 3 stands out as one of the most compelling premium EV SUV deals of the month.
Subaru Solterra
The first-ever electric Subaru had a rocky start (no pun intended), but this off-road-ready sibling of the Toyota bZ4X seems like a solid mid-size electric crossover with some outdoorsy vibes and left-leaning granola style that offers more than enough utility to carry your mountain bikes to the trail or your inflatables out to the pond. Add in 227 miles of range, some big discounts, and 0% financing for up to 72 months, and this should be a great month for electric Subaru fans to drive home in a new Solterra.
Volkswagen ID.4
One of the most popular legacy EVs both in the US and Europe, the ID.4 offers Volkswagen build quality and zippy around-town handling. Everyone I know who has one loves it, and VW dealers are getting aggressive with discounts, making this fast-charging, 291 mile EPA-rated range, 5-star safety rated EV a value proposition that’s tough to beat.
This month, get a Volkswagen ID.4 with 0% financing for up to 72 months or up to $5,000 customer cash. You’ll need to do some math to see which offer works best for you.
Disclaimer: the vehicle models and financing deals above were sourced from CarsDirect, CarEdge, and (where mentioned) the OEM websites – and were current as of 15SEP2025. These deals may not be available in every market, with every discount, or for every buyer (the standard lines of “with approved credit” fine print should be considered implied). Check with your local dealer(s) for more information.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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EV charging networks SWTCH Energy and FLO have signed a roaming agreement that lets drivers charge on either network with just one app, removing the need to juggle multiple accounts or payment methods.
One of the biggest frustrations for EV owners is charging network fragmentation. Using multiple apps and memberships makes it clunky and time-consuming for drivers to plug in, especially on road trips. This new agreement gives drivers access to tens of thousands of chargers on SWTCH and FLO’s networks.
If you’re using the SWTCH or FLO app, you can now see and use chargers from both networks. Your existing payment method works across the board, and expanded charger visibility makes trip planning easier. That should mean a smoother, more consistent experience.
SWTCH CEO Carter Li said, “SWTCH users now have access to more than 70,000 chargers across North America. We’re creating the seamless, integrated charging ecosystem that drivers deserve.” FLO CEO Louis Tremblay added that FLO’s roaming agreements already give its members access to more than 110,000 public chargers, and teaming up with SWTCH further strengthens that coverage.
Both companies already have roaming deals with other charging networks in Canada and the US.
Read more: FLO’s new Ultra DC fast chargers can charge EVs to 80% in 15 minutes
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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