Tesla Motors is known for manufacturing some of the most talked-about electric cars on the market. Models S, X, Y, and 3 have been the talk of the town for quite some time, and are by far some of the most popular eco-cars. Even the Tesla Cybertruck hasn’t left the headlines ever since it’s been announced in late November.
Part of the reason behind all the hype is that these cars are quite stylish, luxurious, and have a long travel range. Also, just like all other electric vehicles, these cars allow you to save money on gas by charging their batteries.
However, to understand how to make the most of your Tesla, you need to understand its charging process. So, whether you’re thinking about purchasing a Tesla, or just want to ensure your existing one is working properly, you’re in the right place. In this article, you’ll learn all there is to know about Tesla’s battery; as well as how long it takes to charge it.
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Tesla Chargers 101
Charging a Tesla’s battery could take anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours. The actual duration depends on the charging station you’re using, and how full your battery is. However, every Tesla model comes with a few basic charging options, such as a mobile cord, and three adapters:
- NEMA 5–15
- NEMA 14–50
- An outlet for public stations
To understand how Tesla charging works, you’ll need to understand each type of charger and adapter.
NEMA 5–15
The NEMA 5-15 is one of the slower Tesla adapters. But the model is installed in a standard wall outlet which makes it much more convenient. This connector will give you about three miles of driving range per hour of charging. Thus, it’s best to use this model when you can let your car charge overnight.
However, this doesn’t mean that NEMA 5–15 is obsolete or useless for that matter. It’s quite practical to use around your home, and when you have some time to spare.
NEMA 14-50
The NEMA 14-50 Tesla charger uses a 240-volt outlet and is pretty convenient to install in your home. Additionally, this connector can charge your car battery much faster than the 5–15 one.
The model is perfect to use if your home or office has an outdoor outlet. The reason behind this is that it offers anywhere from 20 to 30 miles of range per hour of charging. Thus, you’ll get from drained to full battery in about 10–10½ hours no matter which Tesla model you’re driving.
Wall Connectors
Tesla’s at-home wall connector truly is an upgrade from any other charging cord you’ll get with your Tesla. You’ll probably have to hire an electrician to install it — but it will be well worth it. Moreover, a wall connector can significantly reduce the time you need to charge your vehicle.
The wall connector can charge a Tesla Model S battery in 6–9 hours, and that of Models X and Y in 6½ –10 hours. Tesla Model 3 typically comes with a 7 kW onboard charger, so you’ll be able to fill up in around 6–22 hours.
Wall connectors are a great option if you don’t have a Supercharger station nearby. They’re quite convenient, and the cost of using them is determined by your existing electricity rates. Additionally, you can save even more money by installing solar power panels and using them to charge your Tesla.
Tesla Superchargers
You can find over 1600 Tesla Supercharger stations all over the country, and they’re perfect for when you’re going on a road trip. Each station comes with multiple individual Supercharger stalls, which can handle 14,658 vehicles in total.
They’re one of the best options by far, as it won’t take you any more than 1½ hours to fully charge Models S, X, and Y. Moreover, charging a Tesla Model 3 from 9 to 90% percent could take as little as 35 minutes. So, if you live in close proximity to such a station, I guarantee it will make your life much easier.
Pro Tip:
There’s a sweet spot between the 20–80% of your battery that will allow you to power up your car even quicker. By staying within these bounds, you’ll be able to charge any Tesla model within an hour. If you want to charge your battery from 80 to 100%, however, it will probably take you two extra hours. So, unless you know you won’t run into a Tesla charging station anytime soon — there’s no need to fill your battery all the way.
Tesla Charging Time — Overview by Model
As you can tell, the charging time varies depending on the type of adapter, as well as the method you’re using. But what does this mean exactly for each specific model? Let’s take a look.
Tesla Model S
To fill your Tesla Model S completely, it will take you around 33–44 hours when charging it via a 3-pin plug. Also, this method gives you eight miles of range per hour of charging (m/h).
A 3.8 kW plug that you can install in an outer outlet in your home or office allows for 12–13 m/h of driving range. Thus, you’ll be able to “fill up your tank” in around 21–27 hours.
7 kW plugs can be found in homes, public spots, or office premises, and with a 23–24 m/h range — you’ll be able to charge your car in 11–15 hours.
By following the 20–80% rule, a 50 kW Supercharger will fill your battery in only 60–80 minutes. Also, a 150 kW one allows for up to 246 m of driving range per 30 minutes. Thus, you’ll be able to charge your Tesla car battery in around 30 minutes.
Tesla Model X
The Model X battery is only slightly weaker than that of Model S — but it’s still quite powerful. A 3-pin plug that you can install in your home’s outdoor outlet can take up to 44 hours to charge your car. It also gives you around six miles of driving range per hour.
If your home has a 3.7 kW plug, you’ll need around 21–27 hours to charge your battery. Additionally, it will give you a driving range of 10 m/h.
If you’re using a 7 kW plug, you’ll have a driving range of 19–20 m/h, and be able to fully charge your battery in up to 15 hours. The one advantage Model X has over Model S is that it can use 22kW plugs that allow you tofill up your battery in as little as five hours. The plug also comes with a great driving range of 46 miles per hour of charging.
By charging your battery from 20 to 80%, and using a 50 kW Supercharger, you’ll get up to 70 miles of driving range per 30 minutes of charging. Also, the whole process won’t last any longer than 80 minutes. Finally, if you find a 150 kW plug — you’ll be able to charge your battery in 30 minutes.
Tesla Model Y
By using a standard 3.7 kW plug, you’ll get around 12 m/h of driving range. Unfortunately, you’ll only get to a full battery after charging it for 24 hours.
A 7.4 kW plug will charge your battery in approximately 12 hours and give you a driving range of 34 m/h. Both an 11 kW and 22 kW plug will allow you to fully charge your battery in 8 hours, and give you a driving range of 34 m/h.
If you use a 75 kW Supercharger and apply the 20–80% method, you’ll be able to charge your Tesla Model Y in about 50 minutes. Finally, with 150 kW of power — it will only take you 30 minutes to charge your battery.
Tesla Model 3
A regular 3-pin plug will charge your Tesla Model 3 in around 24–33 hours. On top of that, you’ll get a driving range of up to 10 m/h.
Additionally, with a 3.7 kW plug in an outdoor outlet at your home or office — you can charge it in 15–21 hours. It will also give you a driving range of around 15–16 miles per hour.
A 7 kW plug can power up your car just 8–11 and comes with a 27–29 m/h driving range. 22 kW will fully charge your battery in less than 7 hours and give you a 29 m/h driving range.
By using a 50 kW Supercharger, you can charge your battery from 20–80% in 60 minutes at most. Finally, 150 kW will give you a driving range of up to 301 m/30 min and a full charge in 20 minutes.
All that being said, keep in mind that charging rates may vary, depending on a few key factors. For example, you’ll need to take into account the outside temperature, the state of your battery, and driving style.
Final Thoughts
By driving a Tesla, you’ll be helping to preserve the planet while keeping your costs down. Also, the Electric Vehicle (EV) field is constantly developing, so you can expect more power, speed, and even faster charging in the future. For example, Tesla Cybertruck will decrease the charging time significantly and allow you to drive your car longer. Finally, now that you know all there is to know about charging any Tesla model — you’re ready to hit the road. Whether you plan on using a plug at home or a Supercharger, you know just how long it will take to charge your Tesla.
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