Charging a Tesla vehicle is simple. All you need is a charging station or mobile charging cable to get started. In this article, we’ll cover charging tips, different charging options, and best practices to keep your Tesla healthy and ready-to-drive.
Basic Charging Guide
To get started charging your Tesla, follow the quick and easy steps listed below:
- Ensure your vehicle is unlocked and parked in close proximity to your charger.
- Open the charge port door. You can do so by clicking the “open” button on the vehicle touchscreen, via the Tesla App, by gently pressing on the charge port door, or by clicking the button on the handle of your charging cable.
- Wait until the light ring or Tesla “T” icon around the charge port turns blue.
- Plug your charger into the charge port until you feel it latch. If successful, your charge port should flash three times and then turn green to indicate the vehicle is charging.
- Confirm the vehicle is charging via the touchscreen and/or charge port light.
Charging At Home
Home charging is the easiest solution for keeping your Tesla’s battery full. There are three options for charging at home: trickle charging on a 110-volt outlet, overnight charging on a 220/240-volt outlet, or overnight with a charging station.
To charge with a 110 or 220/240-volt outlet, you will need a charging cable. Charging kits, known as Universal Mobile Connectors, were included in Tesla vehicles purchased before April 17th, 2022. They included one mobile charging cable, one 110-volt adapter, and one third-party charging adapter. In vehicles purchased after April 17th, 2022, this kit is sold separately on Tesla’s website.
The cost of charging at home will vary depending on electricity rates in your area. You can check the current cost per kilowatt on the U.S. Bureau of Labor’s website. To calculate how much charging may cost you, multiply your cost-per-kilowatt times the number of kilowatts in your Tesla’s battery. For example, a 100 kilowatt battery in an area that costs $0.10 per kilowatt would cost, in total, $10 to charge one time.
Charging Station
Installing a charging station in your home is the fastest way to charge your Tesla. The Tesla Wall Connector, for example, can provide up to 44 miles of charge per hour. A local electrician can install a station for you.
These stations also offer the benefit of being able to connect to WiFi. If you experience a charging malfunction, technicians can remotely diagnose the charger over WiFi to determine the issue and provide next steps.
220/240-volt Outlet
The 220/240-volt outlet can provide an overnight charge to your vehicle. For this option, you will need a 220/240 volt adapter to go along with your charging cable, such as the one found on the Tesla website.
This outlet can charge at a rate of up to 30 miles per hour, which means most Tesla vehicles will be able to finish charging overnight.
110-volt Outlet
Trickle charging on a 110-volt outlet is the slowest charging method. The 110 adapter you will need is included in the mobile charging kit.
Charging on a 110-outlet (the same type of outlet that most home appliances use) will only provide 3-5 miles of charge per hour. This method is not recommended for owners who drive longer distances, as the car will not be able to fully recharge overnight.
Charging at a Supercharging Station
To charge at a Supercharging Station, simply park your Tesla next to a Supercharger, remove the charging cable from the station’s dock, and plug it into your vehicle’s charge port.
Supercharging can provide up to 200 miles of range in 15 minutes of charging. They are the equivalent to gas stations for electric vehicles, and allow you to travel long distances with ease.
The cost of Supercharging will vary by location. On average, it costs between $0.25 and $0.50 per kilowatt. Superchargers also apply idle fees: extra fees will accrue if a vehicle is left on the Supercharger unattended after it is fully charged.
Idle fees are $0.50 per minute if there are unoccupied stalls or $1.00 per minute if the charging station is full.
Please note that Supercharging is not recommended as your primary charging method. Supercharging continuously can lead to excessive battery degradation and loss of range.
You can locate Supercharging Stations nation-wide here.
Charging at a Third-Party Station
Tesla vehicles can also charge at third-party stations such as EVgo or Electrify America. To charge at a third-party station, you will need the third-party charging adapter (known as the J1772) that comes with the Tesla charging kit.
To use a third-party station, attach your J1772 adapter to the nozzle of the charging station’s cable, and then insert the nozzle with adapter into your charge port.
You can locate third-party stations and compare pricing, availability, and location through PlugShare, a comprehensive EV charging map.
How much it costs to charge will vary depending on the type of station and its location.
Troubleshooting
When charging, errors can occur. Here, we’ll go over some common concerns and how to troubleshoot them.
- Home charging station turns red when you plug it in. Unplug the vehicle. Safely check that your charger is receiving power from your home. Ensure no breakers are flipped. Try plugging it in again. If the concern persists, reach out to the manufacturer of your charging station for diagnosis.
- Supercharging or third-party stations not charging vehicles. Unplug your vehicle and test a different stall. If the concern persists, contact the servicers of the station to report an outage. Contact information can generally be found on labels posted on the stalls.
- Mobile charging cable not charging. Unplug the cable from both the vehicle and the outlet. Ensure that the adapter is fully attached to the cable. Inspect for any debris or loose pins, remove accordingly. Plug the cable back in and ensure it is fully inserted into the charge port. Test charging again.
Note: If your charging cable (mobile or station) has been damaged, run over, exposed to excessive water/flooding, or otherwise compromised, DO NOT attempt to use it. Bring the damaged cable to a local service station and secure a new cable.
If, after these steps, an issue persists, there may be a vehicle issue. To get a remote diagnostic for your used vehicle or if your Tesla Warranty has expired and discover faults, issues, or troubleshoot charging, reach out to us here at Amber.
We can remotely diagnose the vehicle and assist you with getting extended protection via our AmberCare protection plans.
Conclusion
Charging your Tesla has never been easier or more accessible. With a variety of home charging options and continuously increasing on-the go stations, you will be able to travel anywhere with ease.
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