Tesla is a leading electric vehicle manufacturer that offers a range of models with high performance, innovative features, and environmental benefits. However, unlike conventional cars that run on gasoline, Tesla vehicles need to be charged regularly to keep their batteries full and extend their lifespan. Charging a Tesla may seem complicated at first, but it is actually quite simple and convenient once you learn the basics. In this article, we will explain how to charge a Tesla at home, on the road, and at your destination.

Charging at Home

The most convenient way to charge your Tesla is at home, where you can plug in your vehicle overnight and wake up to a fully charged battery. There are two main options for home charging: using a Wall Connector or a Mobile Connector.

A Wall Connector is a device that is installed on a wall near your parking spot and connected to a dedicated circuit breaker. It offers the fastest charging speed for your home or office, adding up to 44 miles of range per hour of charge. You can order a Wall Connector online and have it installed by a Tesla Certified Installer.

A Mobile Connector is a device that comes with your Tesla and can plug into any standard 120 volt or 240 volt outlet. A 120 volt outlet will supply 2 to 3 miles of range per hour of charge, while a 240 volt outlet will supply up to 30 miles of range per hour of charge. You can also purchase an adapter bundle and charge with other outlet types, such as NEMA 14-50 or NEMA 5-15.

To charge your Tesla at home, follow these steps:

1. Open the charge port door by pressing the button on the Tesla charge cable, touching the charge port icon on the touchscreen, pressing the bottom of the charge port door when the vehicle is unlocked, or using voice commands.
2. Plug in the Wall Connector or the Mobile Connector into the power outlet before plugging in the vehicle.
3. Align the connector to the charge port and insert fully. The charge port will light up green when charging begins.
4. If desired, use the touchscreen to change the charge limit and the charging current (see Charge Settings).
5. To stop charging, press the button on the connector and pull it out of the charge port. Close the charge port door by pressing it gently.

Charging on the Road

When you are traveling in your Tesla or away from where you normally park, there are three main options for charging on the road: using Superchargers, Destination Chargers, or third-party chargers.

Superchargers are the fastest charging option when you are away from home, allowing you to charge your vehicle up to 200 miles in 15 minutes. They are designed to get you charged and back on the road as quickly as possible, and are located on major routes near convenient amenities. You can find Superchargers on your touchscreen navigation map or on the Tesla website or app.

Destination Chargers are Wall Connectors that are hosted by hotels, restaurants, resorts, and other destinations that offer charging as an amenity for customers. They are ideal for charging when you arrive at your location or have a few hours to spare. You can find Destination Chargers on your touchscreen navigation map or on the Tesla website or app.

Third-party chargers are charging stations that are operated by other companies or organizations, such as ChargePoint, EVgo, or Electrify America. They may have different connectors, speeds, and prices than Tesla chargers. You can find third-party chargers on websites like PlugShare.com or apps like PlugShare or ChargeHub.

To charge your Tesla on the road, follow these steps:

1. Open the charge port door by pressing the button on the Tesla charge cable, touching the charge port icon on the touchscreen, pressing the bottom of the charge port door when the vehicle is unlocked, or using voice commands.
2. If you are using a Supercharger or a Destination Charger, plug in the Tesla charge cable directly into the charge port.
3. If you are using a third-party charger, plug in the appropriate adapter into the vehicle’s charge port, and then connect the station’s charging connector to the adapter. You may need to start and stop charging using a control on the charging station.
4. The charge port will light up green when charging begins.
5. If desired, use the touchscreen to change the charge limit and the charging current (see Charge Settings).
6. To stop charging, press the button on the connector and pull it out of the charge port. Close the charge port door by pressing it gently.

Charge Settings

You can adjust some settings related to charging on your touchscreen. To access them, touch Controls > Charging.

Charge Limit: This setting allows you to set how much you want to charge your battery, from 50% to 100%. The recommended daily limit is between 50% and 90%, depending on your driving needs. Charging to 100% is only recommended for long trips, as it may reduce the battery’s longevity over time.

Charging Current: This setting allows you to adjust the amount of current that flows into your battery, from 5 amps to 48 amps. The higher the current, the faster the charging speed. However, some power outlets may not support the maximum current, and may cause a circuit breaker to trip. You can lower the current if you experience any issues with your power source.

Scheduled Charging: This setting allows you to schedule when you want your vehicle to start charging, based on a departure time or a specific time of day. This can help you take advantage of lower electricity rates at off-peak hours, or ensure that your vehicle is fully charged when you need it.

Scheduled Departure: This setting allows you to schedule when you want your vehicle to be ready to drive, based on a departure time or a specific time of day. This can help you precondition your cabin and battery for optimal comfort and efficiency, as well as take advantage of lower electricity rates at off-peak hours.

Conclusion

Charging a Tesla is easy and convenient once you know the basics. You can charge your Tesla at home, on the road, and at your destination, using different types of chargers and settings. By charging your Tesla regularly and properly, you can enjoy the benefits of driving an electric vehicle and extend its lifespan. Happy charging!