Tesla Unveils 125 kW Basecharger for Semi Trucks

Tesla has unveiled a new fast charging station called the Basecharger. This station delivers 125 kW and is intended for freight transport companies to charge the Tesla Semi electric truck rather than passenger electric cars.

The American company continues to expand its charging network beyond the Superchargers, which now include more than 80,000 charging points globally. It is also rolling out more powerful V4 stations. The new Basecharger comes as Tesla begins mass production of the Semi.

Designed for installation in company depots, the Basecharger serves as an overnight charging solution for heavy trucks. Although the Tesla Semi supports charging rates over 1 MW, the 125 kW output allows for gentler charging that is less likely to damage the battery over time. The brand indicates that it takes about four hours to recover 60% of range.

A notable feature is the ability to connect up to three Basechargers together on a single circuit breaker. This configuration lowers installation and operating costs for transport companies choosing the Tesla Semi. The charger does not require a separate AC-DC cabinet, which further simplifies setup and reduces expenses.

The integrated cable is 6 meters long, offering flexibility for different depot types and layouts. However, the cost is at least 20,000 dollars per unit, and Tesla mandates a minimum order of two chargers. The station uses only the MCS connector and lacks support for the CCS connector, limiting its use with other electric truck models.

This development occurs as electric trucks prove more profitable than diesel equivalents for freight operations.