The Tesla Cybertruck received a lot of criticism for its DC fast-charging performance. However, when we look at the numbers, it is one of the best charging pickups. Specifically, the Cybertruck excels in its range replenishing rate.

EVChargingStations recently analyzed State Of Charge’s DC fast-charging test of a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck AWD version at a 325-kW V3.5 Tesla Supercharger (V4 dispenser; V3 cabinet). In today’s post, we will compare the results with a DC fast-charging monster — the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST, tested at an EVgo station (350 kW). Both sessions were from 10 to 80% state-of-charge (SOC).

As it turns out, the Tesla Cybertruck can compete with the Chevrolet Silverado EV RST for about 10 minutes, despite the massive difference in battery size — roughly 123 kWh versus well over 200 kWh.

Charging Curve

Let’s start with the charging power curve. The Chevrolet Silverado EV achieves a noticeably higher peak level (350 kW, limited a bit by the charger) and sustains it for quite some time.

The Tesla Cybertruck peaks at 323 kW (the maximum for V3.5 Superchargers is 325 kW). However, the main issue is that the peak charging power was maintained only for a while and then gradually decreased.

The 2024 Tesla Cybertruck AWD DC fast-charging test results at V3.5 Supercharger (V4 dispenser; V3 cabinet) vs. the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST First Edition (EVgo 350 kW). (Source: State Of Charge)

C-Rate

It’s important to note that the two vehicles have different battery sizes. Assuming 123 kWh for the Tesla Cybertruck and 210 kWh for the Chevrolet Silverado EV, the comparison looks different.

The Tesla Cybertruck peaks at 2.6C and its battery is under a higher load up to about 35% SOC. After that, the relative load appears to be more of the same between the two batteries. For the Chevrolet Silverado EV, the peak is about 1.6C, maintained much longer.

According to the numbers, between 10% and 80% SOC, the average C-rate is almost identical at 1.2C (the Cybertruck had a marginal advantage at 1.23C versus nearly 1.2C for the Chevrolet Silverado EV).

Info: The C-rate indicates the correlation between the charging power and the battery pack capacity. A value of 1C would mean that the power value in kW is equal to the battery pack capacity in kWh and that at such power (current) rate, the battery would be fully recharged in 1 hour. The higher the C-rate, the higher the load on the battery and the faster it charges. A flat 2C would translate into a 30-minute charging session (0-100% SOC).

The 2024 Tesla Cybertruck AWD DC fast-charging test results at V3.5 Supercharger (V4 dispenser; V3 cabinet) vs. the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST First Edition (EVgo 350 kW). (Source: State Of Charge)

Charging Time

Now, a quick look at the charging power versus time. The Tesla Cybertruck holds its peak power only for a while. The Chevrolet Silverado EV has a tremendous advantage here, but it has a larger battery (potentially over 70% higher capacity).

The 2024 Tesla Cybertruck AWD DC fast-charging test results at V3.5 Supercharger (V4 dispenser; V3 cabinet) vs. the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST First Edition (EVgo 350 kW). (Source: State Of Charge)

Range Replenishing Rate

The most important thing from a driver’s perspective is the range replenishing rate.

We know that the Chevrolet Silverado EV charges at a higher power, and maintains this power longer. However, the Tesla Cybertruck maxes out its C-rate in the beginning and has significantly lower energy consumption. As a result, the two vehicles are not that far away from each other.

During the first 10 minutes of DC fast charging, both EVs achieved a range replenishment rate of over 10 miles per minute (over 100 miles of EPA Combined range added). Yes, the Tesla Cybertruck matched the Chevrolet Silverado EV.

In the next 10-minute window, the two vehicles part ways. Tesla Cybertruck’s range replenishment rate weakened to 6.2 miles/minute, while the Chevrolet Silverado EV barely slowed down to 9.2 miles/minute. The main reason behind that is its larger battery. There is no easy way to beat the battery size, and in the longer sessions, it always has an advantage.

After the first 20 minutes, when the Chevrolet Silverado EV’s charging power also significantly weakened, both vehicles are replenishing several miles of range per minute.

The 2024 Tesla Cybertruck AWD DC fast-charging test results at V3.5 Supercharger (V4 dispenser; V3 cabinet) vs. the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST First Edition (EVgo 350 kW). (Source: State Of Charge)

How Long To Add Driving Range

A similar picture can be seen when we ask how long it would take to add a certain number of miles of range. Initially, the Tesla Cybertruck is even above the Chevrolet Silverado EV as it can replenish 50 miles of EPA Combined range in 4.2 minutes (versus 4.6 minutes for the Chevrolet Silverado EV).

Interestingly, the time to add 100 miles of EPA Combined range is the same — 9.3 minutes.

If one wants to replenish more range, the Chevrolet Silverado EV wins. The difference between the two for 200 miles can’t be ignored — 20.1 minutes (Silverado EV) and 27 minutes (Cybertruck).

The Chevrolet Silverado EV, due to its larger battery, can also add more range because it has more range to begin with — 440 miles EPA (vs. 325 miles in the case of the Tesla Cybertruck).

The 2024 Tesla Cybertruck AWD DC fast-charging test results at V3.5 Supercharger (V4 dispenser; V3 cabinet) vs. the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST First Edition (EVgo 350 kW). (Source: State Of Charge)

Summary

The criticism related to the Tesla Cybertruck’s DC fast charging appears to be mostly undeserved. The pickup achieves basically the same C-rate from 10-80% SOC as the Chevrolet Silverado EV, which means that its battery is under a relatively similar load. Moreover, it gives its best in the beginning, so those who need only a small boost will benefit.

Thanks to its lower energy consumption, the Tesla Cybertruck can match the Chevrolet Silverado EV in its range replenishment rate for up to about 10 minutes of charging (adding about 100 miles of range). After that, the Chevrolet Silverado EV wins due to a much larger battery.

The Chevrolet Silverado EV has a much longer range than other electric pickups and can replenish some 200 miles of EPA Combined range in roughly 20 minutes. That’s a huge advantage. The Tesla Cybertruck is not bad at all, and probably the best in its battery-size bracket. Only time will tell what results will be possible at 500-kW V4 Superchargers.

Nonetheless, EVs still have a long way to conquer the pickup segment. DC fast charging needs to be improved way beyond 1.2C C-rate from 10 to 80% SOC.