As a Tesla owner, it’s common to know how long it takes to charge one. Due to various factors, determining the precise charging time for a Tesla or any other electric vehicle (EV) is virtually impossible. To offer EV users an indication of what to anticipate, we can, however, forecast charging timeframes. Although other models may in fact charge more quickly or more slowly, depending on various factors, understanding the time it takes to charge a Tesla will also apply to competing electric vehicles.
In this reading, we’ll explore how long it takes to charge a Tesla. We’ll also cover some important things you should know.
Let’s get started!
How Long Does It Take To Charge A Tesla?
There are numerous variables to take into account when estimating the charging time for your shiny Tesla. How quickly you can unhook and resume driving depends on several factors, including battery size, charging technique, and available power output.
Here is a breakdown of the different charging methods and how long it takes for each to fully charge a Tesla starting from a low battery:
- Level 1 AC (120V outlet at home): 20-40 hours
- AC Level 2 (Third party chargers/Tesla chargers/Tesla home charger): 8-12 hours
- Level 3 DCFC (Tesla Supercharger): 15-25 minutes
We’ve also presented the typical time it might take to charge each Tesla model fully using Level 2 and Tesla Supercharging. Since your car won’t likely be dead when you start the charging session and there’s rarely a practical purpose to charge all the way to 100%, this provides you with the worst-case situation. Additionally, we have shown how long it might take a Tesla Supercharger to charge each model to 80%.
Tesla Model 3 | Range
- NEMA 14-50 (Level 2): Up to 9 hours
- Tesla Wall Connector (Level 2): Up to 9 hours
- The Tesla Supercharger (DC Fast Charging): Less than 1 hour
- Tesla Supercharger (DC Fast Charging) to 80%: 25 minutes
Tesla Model 3 Performance
- NEMA 14-50: 10-12 hours
- Tesla Wall Connector: 7-8 hours
- The Tesla Supercharger: About 1 hour
- Tesla Supercharger to 80%: 30 minutes
Tesla Model 3 Long Range
- NEMA 14-50: Up to 12 hours
- Tesla Wall Connector: 8 hours
- The Tesla Supercharger: About 1 hour
- Tesla Supercharger to 80%: 30 minutes
Tesla Model Y Performance
- NEMA 14-50: At least 10-11 hours
- Tesla Wall Connector: 7-8 hours
- The Tesla Supercharger: About 1 hour
- Tesla Supercharger to 80%: 30 minutes
Tesla Model Y Long Range
- NEMA 14-50: At least 11 hours
- Tesla Wall Connector: 8 hours
- The Tesla Supercharger: About 1 hour
- Tesla Supercharger to 80%: 30 minutes
Tesla Model S Plaid
- NEMA 14-50: Up to 22 hours
- Tesla Wall Connector: Up to 15 hours
- The Tesla Supercharger: About 1 hour
- Tesla Supercharger to 80%: 30 minutes
Tesla Model S
- NEMA 14-50: 17-18 hours
- Tesla Wall Connector: Up to 12 hours
- The Tesla Supercharger: Over 1 hour
- Tesla Supercharger to 80%: 30 minutes
Tesla Model X Plaid
- NEMA 14-50: 17-18 hours
- Tesla Wall Connector: 11-12 hours
- The Tesla Supercharger: Over 1 hour
- Tesla Supercharger to 80%: 30 minutes
Tesla Model X
- NEMA 14-50: Up to 19 hours
- Tesla Wall Connector: Up to 12 hours
- The Tesla Supercharger: Over 1 hour
- Tesla Supercharger to 80%: 30 minutes
Charging Methods For A Tesla
To help you understand how long it may take to charge your Tesla, we will first teach you about the different charging levels. Tesla or not, the charging level will affect how long it takes to charge. However, the official SAE standard does not mention Level 3. Although the government doesn’t recognize Level 3, the automotive industry is increasingly adopting it. The following are the different charging methods for a Tesla:
Level 1 (AC)
Charging is the process of connecting your electric vehicle to a typical 120-volt wall socket, just like you would with any other device you own. While this method is convenient and doesn’t necessitate a specific charging station or connector, its slowness may not meet the needs of most EV users. Most EVs come with a portable charging cable that fits into a regular power socket.
Level 2 (AC)
For charging, you need a 240-volt outlet and more amperage than Level 1 charging. The majority of EV owners use level 2 charging at home since it allows them to recharge their vehicle while they are sleeping. In addition, Level 2 public charging stations are available at many establishments, including shopping centers, hotels, and eateries. Since the company covers the electricity cost, they are frequently free to use. The quickest method for charging an EV is DC rapid charging. With locations on main roads across the world, the Tesla Supercharger network is the largest DC Fast Charging network.
Tesla Supercharger (DC fast charging)
The Tesla Supercharger network is a collection of exclusive charging locations that Tesla designed and put into operation. Unlike the majority of existing OEMs of electric vehicles, Tesla is not dependent on outside charging networks because it has its own Supercharger network. However, some external power supplies do feature an adaptor socket specifically designed for Tesla EVs. These Level 3 chargers forgo the alternating current (AC) techniques mentioned above in favor of mainline power. Despite requiring a significant amount of electricity from the grid (480+ volts and 100+ amps), their output is truly exceptional.
Related: What is Tesla Powerwall? Its Uses And Types
Where To Charge Your Tesla
On the Road
There are three basic charging solutions to keep your Tesla charged when you’re driving or parking somewhere other than your usual spot;
Superchargers
The Tesla Supercharger, which can charge your car up to 200 miles in 15 minutes, is the fastest charging option when you’re away from home. We own and operate more than 45,000 global Superchargers that are 24/7 accessible, positioned on key thoroughfares close to useful amenities, and are intended to get you charged and back on the road as soon as possible.
Destination Charging
Popular hotels, eateries, vineyards, resorts, and other locations that provide Wall Connectors for patron charging constitute the Destination Charging network. It’s simple to recharge when you get to your destination or have a few hours to spare thanks to the more than 40,000 Wall Connectors at Destination Charging spots in urban and rural areas.
Third-Party Charging
Through Plugshare.com, one may identify external charging stations. J1772 charging stations can be used with an SAE J1772 converter, while 120-volt charging stations can be used with the Mobile Connector. We advise keeping a Mobile Connector in the trunk for simple access when not in use. Keep an adapter package in the trunk as well for the highest amount of mobility when driving and to charge from a 240-volt outlet.
Where You Park
To meet most of your charging needs, we recommend charging at your parking location using any of the following methods:
Wall Connector
The quickest charging speed for your home or business, adding up to 44 miles of range per hour charged, is provided by a Tesla Wall Connector. A Tesla Certified electrician can install a Wall Connector that you order online.
Multi-Unit Buildings
Numerous prestigious apartment, condo, and office buildings across the country provide electric vehicle charging as a convenience. If the HOA or property manager in your building does not already offer shared charging, we offer options to get the charging infrastructure set up. Commercial Charging offers a self-service alternative for installing shared charging stations for tenants and visitors and for property owners and managers.
Mobile Connectors and Adapters
You can purchase a Mobile Connector and plug it into a typical three-prong, 120-volt outlet if you would rather not install a Wall Connector. A 120-volt outlet can charge a vehicle for 2 to 3 miles of range per hour. This option should satisfy your average charging requirements if you charge overnight and drive no more than 30 to 40 miles per day. Additionally, you may buy an adapter set and charge using several sorts of outlets, such as a 240-volt outlet. Households frequently use a 240-volt outlet to power larger equipment, as it can provide up to 30 miles of range per hour when charged.
Factors Affecting Tesla Charging Speed?
The following shows the factors affecting a Tesla’s charging speed:
The Types Of Charging Stations
There are three types of charging stations that differ in level. The most crucial thing you need to know is that the higher the level, the quicker the battery charges. Each level has a unique set of qualities.
The simplest chargers are Level 1 chargers. You get them when you buy the car, and they plug into regular 120 V outlets. Since they have a 1.9 kW capacity, you can charge your battery completely in 32 hours. Level 1 chargers are more practical even though they aren’t rapid.
You can charge the car five to seven times more quickly using level 2 chargers. They have a 240 V unit connection and a maximum power output of 19.2 kW. You could also hardwire them to the house circuit. The car purchase does not include these chargers, despite their easy availability on the market.
Vehicles can be fully charged at Level 3 stations, which use DC and 480-volt equipment, in less than 30 minutes. Installing it at home requires a complete upgrade of the electrical circuit and the necessary licenses. The cost of labor and parts here might reach $50,000, excluding the cost of the site’s preparation.
Battery Capacity
The net and total capacities of an EV battery are different. There is always a 3-5% buffer remaining because the manufacturer prevents it from fully discharging or charging to maximize efficiency and extend its lifespan. This means you can only use the net area, even though the total battery capacity is more.
EV users generally advise maintaining charging levels between 20% and 80% to minimize battery deterioration. The new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells, however, which could be frequently fully charged up to 100%, were introduced by Tesla for the most recent 2022 models. If the owner explicitly establishes the limit, they can charge the battery to 100% without harming it.
The time it takes to charge your Tesla is now comparable to the time you would spend at a typical gas station, thanks to the quick growth of batteries and charging infrastructure. You can locate the Tesla Supercharger station, where Tesla charging takes no longer than an hour, with ease if you have the app handy. Using a level 2 charger at home or in public, you can prepare your vehicle to run all night or for eight to twelve hours.
FAQs
How long does it take to 100% charge a Tesla?
A wall connector will take your Tesla anywhere from six to fifteen hours to fully charge. Your vehicle will take roughly ten hours to charge completely, regardless of whether it uses a Tesla Wall Connector or a NEMA charger.
How long does a Tesla battery last?
Tesla believes that its batteries will endure for about 200,000 miles in the United States and 150,000 miles in Europe. This is according to the company’s 2021 impact assessment.
Can you charge a Tesla at home?
Yes. All new Tesla vehicles come equipped as standard with a Type C/F (220-240V) adaptor. Depending on the car, this connector delivers three to five kilometers of range each hour of charging. We advise installing a Wall Connector for the finest at-home charging experience.
Can I charge my Tesla to 100?
For RWD automobiles, Tesla advises that you frequently charge your car to a full 100% charge, even if you only use it occasionally. If your Model Y has been idle for over a week, drive it normally and charge it to 100% ASAP.
How far can a Tesla travel on a full charge?
The Model 3’s smaller Tesla battery, with its capacity of 262 miles, can travel 262 miles on a single charge. Tesla’s Model S battery has a maximum range of 405 miles per full charge. It’s crucial to note that these figures are not always perfect, so you should constantly be proactive about charging your Tesla.
Can a Tesla charge in 30 minutes?
In under 30 minutes, Level 3 Superchargers can extend a Tesla’s range from 0 to 170 miles. It takes about 40 minutes to fill up to 80%. To protect battery health, charging slows down at the 80% mark.
How much is a battery for a Tesla?
In Tesla, the least expensive battery replacement typically ranges from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the vehicle. To replace a Tesla battery in the Model S luxury automobile, budget between $13,000 and $20,000. It can cost at least $13,000 and $14,000, respectively, to replace the battery in the Model 3 entry-level sedan and Model X premium SUV.
Can I charge my Tesla every night?
Every evening, you should plug it in to recharge the battery. We advise keeping your car set within the ‘Daily’ range bracket and about 90% for routine use. The optimum time to charge up to 100% is when you are getting ready for an extended vacation.
How much does a Tesla cost?
Currently, the MSRP for the Dual Motor Model S is $87,490, which is a few thousand less than it was in late 2022. The $87k Model S can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than three seconds and has an EPA-estimated range of more than 400 miles despite having no add-ons.
What distance can a Tesla go?
There are only two Model S trims available for 2022: base and Plaid. Both include a 100-kWh battery pack and basic all-wheel drive. For a range of 405 miles, the base model has an electric motor on each axle. The Plaid model adds a second motor to the rear axle.