Less efficient: the biggest disadvantage of superchargers is that they suck engine power simply to produce engine power. They're run off an engine belt connected to the crankshaft, so you're essentially powering an air pump with another air pump.
A supercharger puts a huge amount of stress on an engine through kinetic energy and heat production, therefore many engine components have to be over-engineered to cope with the additional strains put upon them. In most cases, this then leads to added weight and diminishing returns in terms of performance.
However, as with any mechanical device, it can be made to fail by overheating or over revving which is responsible for 99% of supercharger problems.
Compared to turbochargers, which are prone to lag, supercharging is a much more reliable mode of inducing power. They also require less maintenance than a turbocharger and are less prone to break down.
Third from the right in the above photo of easy-to-find-in-junkyards superchargers, the Previa supercharger can be turned on and off in true Mad Max fashion, and that requires the correct switch. This switch is used for two-speed truck axles.
The supercharger is cooled and also lubricated by oil within the housing which requires regular maintenance. If you start to hear grinding noises and haven't changed your oil in some time, you should schedule your Mini for a maintenance appointment as soon as possible.
To reduce congestion at high-use Superchargers, your vehicle's charge limit may be automatically adjusted to 80%.
Charging your Tesla at a fast-charging CHAdeMO station over time will reduce battery efficiency and you may even spend more time at a Tesla Supercharger than before.
In piston engines used by aircraft, supercharging was often used to compensate for the lower air density at high altitudes. Supercharging is less commonly used in the 21st century, as manufacturers have shifted to turbochargers to reduce fuel consumption and/or increase power outputs.
Because a supercharger uses the engine's own power to spin itself, it siphons power—more and more of it as engine revs climb. Supercharged engines tend to be less fuel efficient for this reason.
Superchargers are arguably more reliable than turbochargers. They're easy to install and maintain. They're louder than turbochargers—they enhance the RPMs by a considerable amount—and they're also more common as a result.
Without question, a supercharger or turbocharger system radically alters the parameters of the engine's airflow and manifold pressure, so the controller's programming must be altered to directly feed the engine more fuel. In a nutshell, that's the goal of tuning.
Next, the supercharger compresses the air which increases the air's pressure and density. This way the engine receives more air through the same intake, which allows it to burn more fuel resulting in a boost in performance. However, that boost comes at an upfront cost. Notably, a loss of horsepower of as much as 20%.
Pros and Cons of Supercharging
Superchargers can make their power straight from the engine pulley, rather than wait for the exhaust to build up. This means there is no turbo lag. And compared to turbocharged engines (including their associated piping), supercharged engines are relatively simple.
It's important to note that due to their massive direct current (DC), Superchargers are not recommended for daily charging on your Tesla. Instead, superchargers are in place to provide a quick charge for drivers on the the go, or for those on longer road trips.
For vehicles with Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) high voltage Batteries, Tesla recommends you keep your charge limit to 100%, even for daily use, and that you also fully charge your vehicle to 100% at least once per week.
The Tesla Supercharger is the fastest charging option when you're away from home, allowing you to charge your car up to 200 miles in 15 minutes.
Tesla makes V3 superchargers at Giga New York. Tesla first opened V3 stations in 2019, and they can provide up to 15 miles per minute (depending on circumstances).
A Supercharger can charge a battery from 0% to 80% in about 40 minutes. After 80% charge is reached, the charging rate slows in order to protect the battery's health until 100% charge is reached. You won't need your Tesla's battery to be at 100% to get to most destinations.
The lag comes from the time it takes the engine to create enough exhaust pressure to spin the turbo and pump compressed intake air into the engine and is longest when the engine is in a low-rpm, low-load cruising situation.
For supercharger oil changes, in particular, most mechanics recommend getting it changed every 50,000 miles, though you should ask your trusted mechanic for their specific recommendation.
However, a new communication sent to Tesla owners in the state by the automaker (via Reddit) stated the hours would be revised. “Starting April 12, 2022, off-peak hours will change at California Supercharger locations. Charge for less at select Superchargers before 11 AM and after 9 PM.
Superchargers just require a dedicated oil. For normal use, we recommend changing the oil every 12,000 miles. Severe use will require more frequent changes. The standard bottle holds 7 ounces and – depending on the kit – the supercharger takes approximately 5 ounces.