How long does it take to charge a Tesla? The following is a rundown of the available charging options for Teslas, along with an estimate of how long it should take to fully recharge a deadd battery: Twenty to forty hours on Level 1 AC (220V plug) or a 110V domestic outlet. 8-12 hours on a Level 2 AC charger (compatible with Tesla and third-party devices) or a Tesla home charger. 15–25 minutes on a Level 3 DCFC (Tesla Supercharger).
How long does it take to charge a Tesla?
In conclusion, the time it takes to charge your flashy Tesla depends on a variety of things. How quickly you can get back on the road depends on factors such as battery capacity, charging technique, and available power output.
Here is a rundown of the available charging options for Teslas, along with an estimate of how long it should take to fully recharge a deadd battery:
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Power from a standard household 120-volt electrical outlet (Level 1): 20–40 hours
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Level 1 AC (120V outlet at home) takes 20-40 hours
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Level 2 AC (Third party chargers /Tesla home charger) takes 8-12 hours
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Level 3 DCFC (Tesla Supercharger) takes 15-25 minutes
The best option in a bind is Tesla’s Supercharger network. However, Superchargers are not advised for daily charging because of their huge direct current. Instead, they serve as a rapid charging option for drivers on the go or during extended travels. If you have a Tesla, Tesla suggests using a Level 2 charger at home.
Tesla charging methods
To help you estimate how long it will take to charge your Tesla, we’ll begin with a quick primer on the various charging options available for your vehicle. It’s important to note that the charging time for your electric vehicle will vary greatly depending on whether or not it’s a Tesla.
AC Power Adapter, Stage 1
Assume for the moment that everyone can only charge at Level 1. All you need is a regular wall plug to charge your Tesla. However, the basic minimum voltage for charging an EV is 120V.
For those who possess a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range and are wondering how long it will take to charge to full capacity, the answer is days, not hours. Definitely not the finest.
Two-Stage Alternating Current Charging
Level 2 chargers are the standard at freestanding public charging stations, while DC fast chargers are quickly gaining popularity (more of them in a minute). 240V outlets, which provide 40 to 80 amps, are often situated in more accessible locations than 120V outlets.
Like a washing machine or dishwasher in your home, this charger simplifies your life immensely. When practical, Tesla suggests installing a Level 2 charger in a garage or basement. This can be installed quickly and easily by a qualified electrician or specialist.
Level 2 speeds are dramatically greater than Level 1 speeds. Temporal scales on the order of hours rather than days.
A Tesla Supercharger (DC Fast Charging)
A collection of Tesla’s unique charging stations, the Supercharger network was designed and built in-house. Therefore, unlike most current manufacturers developing electric vehicles, the automaker can provide its charging infrastructure.
However, there are third-party chargers available that provide a plug converter for Tesla EVs. These Level 3 chargers forego the aforementioned AC techniques in favor of direct current (DC) from the grid. Their “super” output, however, comes at the expense of significantly higher energy consumption (480+ volts and 100+ amps)
Ok, that’s very sophisticated, but how quickly can a Tesla be charged using Superchargers? Depending on the charging rate, most Tesla Superchargers can now replenish up to 200 miles of range in under 15 minutes.
DC charging speeds can be anything from 90 kW to 250 kW at a Supercharger cluster. While Superchargers can only charge at a maximum of 250 kW at the moment, Tesla has announced intentions to enhance DCFC charging speeds to 300 kW shortly.
Searching for nearby Supercharger stations in the Tesla app or in the vehicle itself will show you which stalls are available and their current output. In addition, using a navigation system can be useful.
If you have a Tesla, you can use the built-in trip planner to have it take you through Superchargers on the way to your destination. As of the conclusion of the third quarter of 2021, Tesla had recorded 29,281 Superchargers in 3,254 locations worldwide.
In addition, the manufacturer has stated intentions to increase the size of this network within the next two years. We have compiled a comprehensive guide to Tesla Superchargers for your convenience.
At-home charging stations vs. Superchargers
A full charge for your Tesla can take anywhere from an hour to a full day. The length of time it takes to recharge your Tesla depends on the current battery level and the charging station you use. We’ll use a completely deadd battery and the largest battery capacity model of an automobile in the following tables.
Standard charging features are included with every Tesla. A portable charging wire and three adapters (one for a conventional wall outlet, the NEMA 5-15; one for a more powerful wall outlet, the 240 volt NEMA 14-50; and one for public charging stations) are included with the purchase of a Tesla (except Tesla Superchargers).
Charge time for a Tesla Model S
As Tesla’s longest-distance vehicle, the Model S comes in three unique flavors: Performance, Long Range, and Plaid. There is a difference of 102 miles between the Model S Performance (387 miles) and the Model S Long Range (402 miles) (480 km).
The Plaid Model S, with its three motors, has a range of almost 520 kilometers on a single charge (646 km). However, drivers need to keep an eye on their speedometers; the automobile shouldn’t go faster than 70 mph (112 kph) and should make use of aero wheels fit-ted with low-resistance tires.
The Model S can be charged to a maximum speed of 3 miles per hour using a NEMA 5-15 charger, 17 to 18 hours using a NEMA 14-50 charger, and 9 hours using a wall connector. The Supercharger can fully charge your car in about 30 minutes.
| Charger level | Charging time |
|---|---|
| NEMA 5-15 | 3 miles of range per hour |
| NEMA 14-50 | 17 to 18 hours |
| Wall connector | 9 hours |
| Supercharger | 30 minutes |
Charge time for a Tesla Model X
Tesla’s sport utility vehicle (SUV) Model X is available in two variants: the Model X Performance and the Y Long Range.
The range for the Performance versions is 341 miles, while the Long Range models can go 371 miles on a single charge. This is the highest range available for an electric sport utility vehicle. It would take about 15 hours to fully charge a Tesla Model X after a 30-mile trip using a NEMA 5-15 charger, about 1.5 hours using a NEMA 14-50 charger, and about an hour using a Wall Connector.
| Charger level | Charging time |
|---|---|
| NEMA 5-15 | 3 miles of range per hour |
| NEMA 14-50 | 18 hours |
| Wall connector | 8 to 8 ½ hours |
| Supercharger | 25 to 30 minutes |
Charge time for a Tesla Model 3
Performance, Long Range, and Standard Range Plus are the three unique variants of the Model 3 that are currently offered. The Model 3’s Standard Range Plus model has a 263-mile range on a single charge.
The Model 3 Performance and Model 3 Long Range both have a maximum range of 322, therefore there is no difference between them in terms of range. The Model 3 can be charged up to a range of 3 miles per hour with NEMA 5-15 chargers, fully charged in 8–12 hours with NEMA 14–50 chargers, and fully charged in 7–8 hours using a wall connector.
The car may be fully charged using the powerful Supercharger in around 30 minutes.
| Charger level | Charging time |
|---|---|
| NEMA 5-15 | 3 miles of range per hour |
| NEMA 14-50 | 8 to 12 hours |
| Wall connector | 7 to 8 hours |
| Supercharger | 25 to 30 minutes |
Charge time for a Tesla Model Y
The Model Y is the newest model offered by Tesla. The little SUV is less expensive than the Model X yet provides the same or similar range. Model Y now comes in three different configurations: rear-wheel drive Standard Range, all-wheel drive Long Range, and performance-oriented Performance.
The average range of a Model Y is 244 miles before refueling is required. Both the Long Range Model Y (326 miles) and the Performance Model Y (303 miles) have longer ranges than the base Model X (220 miles).
Check out the table below to see how different Model Y trims compare in terms of charging time. Since we don’t know how fast the Model Y can be charged using a mobile connector (more precisely, a NEMA 5-15 or NEMA 14-50 charger), we’ll have to make do with estimates based on the Model X’s charging times.
The table also presumes that there is no charge left in the car’s battery:
| Charger level | Time to charge |
|---|---|
| NEMA 5-15 | 3 miles of range per hour |
| NEMA 14-50 | 11 to 12 hours |
| Wall connector | 7 to 8 hours |
| Supercharger | 25 minutes |
Summary
Tesla’s Supercharger network was designed and built in-house. Independent public charging stations typically feature Level 2 chargers, though DC fast chargers are becoming more widespread. 240V outlets are typically located in more convenient locations and offer 40 to 80 amps. Timescales in the hours, not days, range.
Types of Tesla car chargers
NEMA 5-15 charging for Tesla
The NEMA 5-15 charger is the slowest sort of Tesla EV charger, and it connects to a regular wall socket. About 3 miles of range can be added every hour of charging with a typical Tesla charger using a NEMA 5-15 plug. This home charging station is ideal for overnight charging when you’re not on the go.
NEMA 14-50 charging for Tesla
To charge a Tesla electric vehicle, you’ll need a 240-volt power outlet compatible with the NEMA 14-50 charger. Fully charging your Tesla battery from empty will take between 10 and 10 and a half hours when using a normal Tesla charger with a NEMA 14-50 plug (for the Model X).
Wall connectors for Tesla charging stations
In addition to the usual charging cord, Tesla also sells at-home wall connection charging stations. A wall connector for charging a Tesla Model S or Model X can be installed in your home with the help of an electrician.
Your Tesla Model S or Model X battery may be fully charged in 6 to 9 hours when using a wall connector, and in 6 1/2 to 10 hours while using a Tesla Supercharger.
Tesla’s Superchargers
Traveling cross-country in a Tesla Model S or Model X is now possible, thanks to the network of Supercharger stations located across the country. Only Teslas may be charged at these stations, and a full charge takes around an hour and a half.
How long does a Tesla car battery last?
The smallest Tesla battery (found in the Model 3) has a range of 262 miles on a single charge. With their Model S, Tesla boasts a maximum range of 405 miles per charge. These estimates should be treated with caution, and you should always plan while charging your Tesla.
How you drive, where you go (highway versus backroad), and the size and model of your battery can all affect how far your charge will take you. The longevity of a Tesla vehicle’s battery may vary for similar reasons as the driving range between charges.
Tesla batteries typically last between 300,000 and 500,000 miles, or around 21 to 35 years at the national average mileage per year.
How much does it cost to charge a Tesla?
Because of their efficient use of energy as fuel, electric automobiles provide substantial daily savings on gas. Because power costs vary from utility to utility and state to state, the total cost of charging a Tesla will differ depending on the type of Tesla and the location of the driver.
Between $6.60 (in Washington state) and just over $21.00, the cost to “fill up” a Tesla Model S battery may be found across the country (in Hawaii). Prices for the Tesla Model X start at $6.70 (in Washington) and go up to about $22.00 (in Hawaii).
Read our blog post for additional information about the price of charging a Tesla, including a breakdown of prices per model.
Top states’ rates for charging a Tesla Model S
| Location | Per-kWh electricity rate | Price of a full charge |
|---|---|---|
| California | $0.14 | $9.86 |
| Colorado | $0.12 | $8.37 |
| Hawaii | $0.30 | $21.23 |
| Massachusetts | $0.21 | $14.49 |
| Nevada | $0.12 | $8.62 |
| New York | $0.17 | $12.12 |
| Oregon | $0.11 | $7.48 |
| Utah | $0.11 | $7.52 |
| Vermont | $0.18 | $12.40 |
| Washington | $0.09 | $6.60 |
Cost to charge a Tesla Model X in top states
| Location | Per-kWh electricity rate | Price of a full charge |
|---|---|---|
| California | $0.14 | $10.14 |
| Colorado | $0.12 | $8.60 |
| Hawaii | $0.30 | $21.84 |
| Massachusetts | $0.21 | $14.90 |
| Nevada | $0.12 | $8.87 |
| New York | $0.17 | $12.46 |
| Oregon | $0.11 | $7.70 |
| Utah | $0.11 | $7.73 |
| Vermont | $0.18 | $12.76 |
| Washington | $0.09 | $6.79 |
Summary
In addition to the usual charging cord, Tesla also sells at-home wall connection charging stations. Fully charging your Tesla battery from empty will take between 10 and 10 and a half hours when using a normal Tesla charger with a NEMA 14-50 plug (for the Model X). Tesla batteries typically last between 300,000 and 500,000 miles, or around 21 to 35 years at the national average mileage per year.
Charge your Tesla with solar and reduce your fuel costs to zero
In the case of an electric vehicle, the cost of fuel is the same as the cost of the electricity used to charge the battery. If you couple solar panels on your house with your EV, you won’t have to plug into the grid at all.
Therefore, you can power your home and automobile with cheap, emission-free electricity. While solar panels can last for 25 years or more, the typical customer on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace sees a return on their investment in under eight years.
How do I know when my Tesla is done charging?
Every Tesla electric vehicle has diagnostic displays that indicate information like how much juice is left in the battery. While your Tesla is charging, it displays the remaining battery life, the current battery life, and the remaining charging time.
We also provide extra smart charging options via our JuiceNet platform. The JuiceNet app allows drivers to keep tabs on their battery life, schedule charging, and get notified when it’s time to plug in.
The out-of-pocket cost to recharge a Tesla EV is substantially cheaper than the fuel expenditures at a gas station for a gas-powered vehicle, and electric cars are currently superior to gas cars in many respects.
How does the charging process work?
Charging a lithium-ion battery for use in an electric car involves the transfer of electrons from the cathode (a state of no charge) to the anode (a state of charge). Without getting too scientific, a fully charged automobile battery is one in which all of the ions have been pushed to the anode.
When the ions in your battery are all used up and forced into a cathode condition, your battery is fully discharged. Continuously switching from cathode to anode drains your battery life. Your Tesla’s battery may be designed for this purpose, but its components can only take so much abuse before giving out.
Each ion in your battery is charged when it receives electricity. Although it doesn’t take long to charge a single ion, your car’s battery contains so many that the overall process takes a very long time. Read How Long Does a Tesla Battery Last if you’re curious about learning more about this.
What about a Tesla Supercharger?
Across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, Tesla currently has more than 12,000 active Superchargers. Introduced in March, Tesla’s V3 Supercharging allows Tesla EVs to charge faster than any other EV on the market.
The 2019 Model 3 Long Range can be charged to 75 miles of range in just 5 minutes at one of their electric vehicle charging stations, which can offer a charge at a speed of up to one thousand miles per hour.
To further benefit its electric vehicle drivers, Tesla recently introduced a feature called On-Route Battery Warmup, which intelligently heats the battery prior to arriving at a Tesla Supercharger.
Other Tesla Supercharging stations, depending on the model, can provide up to 150 kW of power to charge two vehicles simultaneously. From these charging stations, the original 85 kWh Model S needs about 20 minutes to reach 50% capacity, 40 minutes to reach 80% capacity, and 75 minutes to reach 100% capacity.
Summary
Charge your Tesla with solar and reduce your fuel costs to zero. Solar panels can last for 25 years or more, and the typical customer on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace sees a return on their investment in under eight years. The JuiceNet app allows drivers to keep tabs on their battery life, schedule charging, and get notified when it’s time to plug in. Tesla’s V3 Supercharging, introduced in March, allows Tesla EVs to charge more quickly than any other EV on the market.
FAQ’s
1. How long does it take to charge a Tesla at the charging station?
If you need to charge your Tesla while you’re on the go, the Tesla Supercharger is the best option because it can add up to 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes.
2. How far can a Tesla go fully charged?
As previously stated, the battery life of any Tesla vehicle is guaranteed to be at least 267 miles. How far you can travel is proportional to the battery capacity and how you drive. As of right now, Tesla’s longest range is around 375 miles on a single charge.
3. How long does it take to charge a Tesla to 100 %?
How long a Tesla battery takes to charge, according to the Model? It takes around one hour to charge a Tesla from 40% to 80% on a 220V system. However, a full charge will take another two hours to achieve.
4. How many miles do Tesla batteries last?
Any Tesla vehicle can travel at least 267 miles on a single charge of its battery. The battery itself has a 35-year shelf life. Check out the battery life, replacement cost, and estimated range for each Tesla model to determine which one is best for you.
5. What happens if a Tesla runs out of charge?
A simple answer to what happens when the battery in an electric car dies is that you have to pull over and call for a tow to the nearest charging station.
6. Can I plug Tesla into the regular outlet?
For a 120-volt outlet, a NEMA 5-15 adapter is suitable. Depending on the vehicle, this can add between two and four miles of driving range per hour of charging. We advise setting up a Wall Connector in your house for the most convenient charging experience.
7. How many years does the Tesla battery last?
Elon Musk claims on Twitter that a Tesla car’s battery has a theoretical lifespan of 300,000 to 500,000 miles or 1,500 recharge cycles. According to the Department of Transportation, the typical car driver logs somewhere around 13,500 miles per year, putting this range somewhere between 22 and 37 years.
8. How long can a Tesla sit without driving?
These findings indicate that a fully charged Tesla can be left parked for a few months without being plugged in. When taking a long trip, Tesla owners can rest easy knowing their vehicles are safe.
9. Is it free to charge a Tesla?
Using a charging station to power a Tesla vehicle will not come at no cost. The going rate for charging your Tesla at a Supercharger is about 26 cents per kilowatt hour. This is typically more costly than charging using a standard 120-volt or 240-volt outlet.
10. How much does a Tesla battery cost?
According to Elon Musk, the price of changing battery modules is $5-$7 in 2019. The cost to replace the four or five battery modules in a Tesla vehicle is between $20,000 and $35,000.
Conclusion
Tesla’s Supercharger network was designed and built in-house. Independent public charging stations typically feature Level 2 chargers, though DC fast chargers are becoming more widespread. 240V outlets are typically located in more convenient locations and offer 40 to 80 amps. Timescales in the hours, not days, range. Most Tesla Superchargers can replenish up to 200 miles of range in under 15 minutes. DC charging speeds can be anything from 90 kW to 250 kW at a Supercharger cluster. As of the conclusion of the third quarter of 2021, Tesla had recorded 29,281 Superchargers in 3,254 locations worldwide.