The ‘Moist Towel’ Hack Is a Simple Way To Boost Tesla Charging Speeds

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Whenever there’s a shift in temperature, we make changes accordingly. Feeling chilly? Put on some extra layers. Hot outside? Shed some clothing (but not too much). It’s moderate? Well, well, what a surprise. But the same concept can be applied to electric vehicles. Route selection and travel planning must be adapted because the range and charging times are influenced by the thermostat. However, there might be a workaround for the hot summer days.

Known as the moist-towel trick, it’s as straightforward as it sounds. If a charging point handle is too warm, simply place a damp cloth over it to cool it down and accelerate the charging process. It’s simple, but does it actually deliver results? According to InsideEVs, yes, it does. At least at Tesla Supercharger stations.

These charging stations monitor the temperature of the cables, among other factors, for safety and durability. However, the heat from the sun hitting these cables can reduce charging speeds prematurely, especially in older charging stations. To cool them down, people are resorting to covering the cables with towels.

Staying outside for an extended period in high temperatures isn’t ideal. And if luck is not on your side, you might also have to deal with humidity. Yet, a simple cold, damp towel can provide immediate relief. Having grown up in tropical regions, I understand it, as do individuals who engage in outdoor exercises, work, or hobbies.

This same concept applies to the warm handles. Anyone who has charged an electric vehicle, even just once, knows that the advertised charging speed displayed at the station is rarely achieved. Not only can the number of connected vehicles reduce charging speeds, but so can the surrounding temperature.

Furthermore, older V2 Supercharger stations have cables without a cooling system. In such cases, exposure to sunlight can heat up the cables to a point where a sensor is triggered to slow down the charge in order to maintain safe operating temperatures. However, a moist wrap might sufficiently cool the cable to hasten the charging rate.

InsideEVs provided a couple of instances where using a wet cloth enhanced charging speeds. In one case, a V2 Supercharger increased from 60 kW to 95 kW. Another Tesla owner witnessed a surge from 58 kW to 119 kW. Of course, results may vary, but as Ford CEO Jim Farley can confirm, we gladly welcome any additional kilowatts whenever they are available. It’s important to note that the towel trick seems ineffective at V3 Superchargers, unless you are charging a Cybertruck (larger battery and higher power consumption result in increased charger temperatures).

You might be skeptical about this being some frivolous TikTok science. A viral trend without any real substance because everyone knows water and electricity don’t mix. Obviously! EV chargers—whether Tesla or others—are designed to be safely used in wet conditions. Therefore, in theory, moisture on the charging cable handle should not pose any issues, although lowering the cable’s temperature externally might have unintended consequences.

The vehicles themselves have safety mechanisms to reduce or halt charging if necessary. Using a damp cloth or any similar item should not pose a significant risk. However, it’s important to remember that this technique is not officially approved. As with any discovery on the internet, proceed at your own risk.

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