In response to a “charging hack” that has been going around the Tesla community for a few years, Tesla has released a warning against using damp towels to speed up Supercharging. The trick is to wrap a moist towel around the handle of a Supercharger. The notion is that the wet cloth acts as a cooling agent, making the handle’s temperature sensors believe the system is colder than it actually is. Advocates assert that this approach can speed up charging and reduce wait times by increasing the charging rate, especially on steamy summer days.
However, Tesla’s official guidance debunks this practice. According to a statement from the Tesla Charging account on X, placing a wet cloth on a Supercharger handle does not enhance the charging rate. Instead, it interferes with the system’s temperature monitors, which could lead to overheating or damage. Tesla advises against using this towel trick to ensure their systems operate correctly and safely.
Despite Tesla’s warning, some users have reported success with the method, particularly with older V2 Supercharging systems. For instance, one Tesla user experienced an increase in the charging rate from 60 kilowatts to 95 kW on a hot day by using a damp cloth on the charging handle. Another user reported that, after plugging in at two percent state of charge, the rate initially climbed to 147 kW before thermal throttling reduced it to 58 kW. Applying a wet rag reportedly boosted the charging rate back up to 119 kW.
V3 and newer Superchargers, however, feature active cooling systems that render the towel trick ineffective. According to Inside EVs, the method does not provide any significant benefit with these newer systems, except possibly when charging a Cybertruck.
Tesla owners are advised to follow the company’s guidance and avoid using the towel trick. The potential risks of damaging the vehicle or Supercharger equipment outweigh the marginal time savings. Ensuring the integrity and safety of the charging process should take precedence over attempting unverified hacks.