Charging up your Tesla is super important if you wanna drive an electric car. Lots of stuff affects how long it takes to juice up a Tesla – the kind of charger you use, the battery size, and how much charge is already in the car. Plus, if you’ve got an older Tesla, it might take longer to charge than the newer ones. So, in this guide, we will find out how long does it take to charge a Tesla.
Variables that affect the charging time of a Tesla
The different factors that can affect the charging time of Tesla include the type of charging cable used, the voltage and amperage of the charging station, and any software updates or limitations on the vehicle itself. Additionally, external factors such as temperature and weather conditions can also impact the charging speed.
One important factor to consider is the charging speed of the station. Tesla Supercharger stations, for example, are known for their high charging speeds and can provide a significant amount of charge in a short amount of time. However, other types of charging stations may have slower charging speeds, which can result in longer charging times.
It’s essential for electric car owners to check out and plan their charging stops ahead of time, considering what kind of charging speed and access different stations have. It is also worth noting that advancements in technology are continuously being made to improve charging speeds and efficiency, which will further enhance the overall charging experience for electric vehicle users.
Tesla Charging Levels & Speeds
Tesla has three different charging options for their electric cars: Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging. The Level 1 charging uses a regular old wall socket (120 volts) and gives you the slowest charging time. This is typically used for overnight charging or when a higher charging speed is not necessary. Level 2 charging takes advantage of a 240-volt outlet, which is capable of delivering faster charging speeds than Level 1. Public charging stations often provide this type of charging, and it can also be installed in the home to decrease charging time.
Tesla offers DC Fast Charging as their quickest charging option, which is usually accessible at their Supercharger stations. There is no official mention of Level 3 charging level by Tesla. DC Fast charging allows for rapid charging, significantly reducing the time needed to recharge an electric vehicle. But if your EV has a more powerful onboard charger, then you can charge even faster using Level 2 charging stations. Of course, the charging station should deliver enough power to make a notable difference.
Tesla’s four models – Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X – have different charging times. Larger and heavier models, such as the high-performance trims, take longer to charge. The base Model 3 has a less powerful onboard charger (7.7-kW/32-amp) compared to other Tesla vehicles (11.5-kW/48-amp), meaning it doesn’t charge as quickly on Level 2.
Charging time for different Tesla models
It is rare for Tesla to reach 0% battery charge, as the vehicles are designed to optimize battery life and performance. However, when you’ve got a low battery level, the time it takes to charge up can depend on the model you have and the way you’re charging it.
Here, we will learn how long does it take to charge a Tesla from zero to 100% battery life. Of course, we will include information for different Tesla models.
Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model 3 was first introduced in July 2017. Since then, Tesla has released several variants of the Model 3 with different features and specifications. This section provides charging information for different Tesla Model 3 variants.
- Standard Model 3: This model has a range of 272 miles. It takes up to 9 hours to charge using a NEMA 14-50 or Tesla Wall Connector (Level 2 chargers) and less than 1 hour using a Tesla Supercharger (DC Fast Charging). Charging to 80% using a Supercharger takes about 25 minutes.
- Model 3 Long Range: This model has a range of 358 miles. It takes up to 12 hours to charge using a NEMA 14-50, 8 hours using a Tesla Wall Connector, and about 1 hour using a Tesla Supercharger. Charging to 80% using a Supercharger takes about 30 minutes.
- Model 3 Performance: This model has a range of 315 miles. It takes anywhere between 10-12 hours to charge using a NEMA 14-50, 7-8 hours using a Tesla Wall Connector, and about 1 hour using a Tesla Supercharger. Charging to 80% using a Supercharger takes about 30 minutes.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is a fully electric, mid-sized crossover SUV manufactured by Tesla, Inc. It is first released in 2020 and is largely based on the Tesla Model 3 sedan platform. The Model Y shared an estimated 75% of its parts with the Tesla Model 3. Here are the charging times for different variants of the Tesla Model Y:
Model Y Long Range: This model has a range of 330 miles. It takes at least 11 hours to charge using a NEMA 14-50, 8 hours using a Tesla Wall Connector, and about 1 hour using a Tesla Supercharger. Charging to 80% using a Supercharger takes about 30 minutes.
Model Y Performance: This model has a range of 305 miles. It takes at least 10-11 hours to charge using a NEMA 14-50, 7-8 hours using a Tesla Wall Connector, and about 1 hour using a Tesla Supercharger. Charging to 80% using a Supercharger takes about 30 minutes.
Tesla Model S
Tesla Model S is a fully electric, full-size luxury sedan with a liftback body style. It was officially announced on June 30, 2008, and a prototype vehicle was unveiled in March 2009. The Model S debuted on June 22, 2012 1. Since then, Tesla has released several variants of the Model S with different features and specifications.
Model S: This model has a range of 405 miles. It takes 17-18 hours to charge using a NEMA 14-50, up to 12 hours using a Tesla Wall Connector, and over 1 hour using a Tesla Supercharger. Charging to 80% using a Supercharger takes about 30 minutes.
Model S Plaid: This model has a range of 396 miles. It takes up to 22 hours to charge using a NEMA 14-50, up to 15 hours using a Tesla Wall Connector, and about 1 hour using a Tesla Supercharger. Charging to 80% using a Supercharger takes about 30 minutes.
Tesla Model X
Tesla Model X is a fully electric mid-size luxury crossover SUV built by Tesla, Inc. since 2015. It is based on the Model S sedan platform and shares around 30% of its content with the Model S.
Model X: This model has a range of 351 miles. It takes up to 19 hours to charge using a NEMA 14-50, up to 12 hours using a Tesla Wall Connector, and over 1 hour using a Tesla Supercharger. Charging to 80% using a Supercharger takes about 30 minutes.
Model X Plaid: This model has a range of 333 miles. It takes 17-18 hours to charge using a NEMA 14-50, 11-12 hours using a Tesla Wall Connector, and over 1 hour using a Tesla Supercharger. Charging to 80% using a Supercharger takes about 30 minutes.
Note: The actual amount of time it takes to charge a Tesla may not match the estimated times due to factors such as the size of the battery, the temperature, the charge level when charging begins, and the output of the charging station. Also, it is not typical to charge an electric vehicle from an empty battery to a full one, and it is usually more effective to charge the battery to around 80%.
Best charging tips for your Tesla
Here are a few tips to optimize your Tesla charging experience:
- You should install a Tesla Wall Connector at home, as it would likely lead to quicker charging times than if you used a NEMA 14-50 outlet.
- Plan your long-distance trips strategically by utilizing Tesla Superchargers along your route to minimize charging time.
- Supercharging your Tesla frequently can lead to faster battery degradation. This is due to the rapid charging rate of Supercharging, which generates more heat and puts strain on various components, including the battery cooling system and the charging port. As a result, relying heavily on Superchargers can impact the battery’s lifespan. This, in turn, increases charging costs and limits availability in some areas.
- Charge your battery between 20% and 80%: This helps maintain your battery’s health in the long term. Also, this range is supported by Tesla.
- Preheating the battery before supercharging is beneficial for your Tesla. It optimizes the battery’s temperature for charging, ensuring faster and more efficient charging speeds.
- Whenever you can, take advantage of regenerative braking. All electric vehicles come with this feature, which allows the car to convert its kinetic energy into chemical energy stored in the battery. This energy can then be used to increase the range of the car.
- Use the in-car Energy App to optimize the battery performance of your Tesla. The Energy App on your Tesla touchscreen provides a visual representation of your car’s battery and helps you maximize range and efficiency based on your driving habits.
- Efficient driving habits can significantly enhance your Tesla’s battery life. This includes smooth acceleration and deceleration, moderate speeds, and anticipating traffic conditions. Avoid rapid accelerations, abrupt braking, and excessive speeds. Utilize features such as regenerative braking to capture and store energy while slowing down. This not only optimizes energy consumption but also reduces wear on various vehicle components.
- Tesla regularly puts out updates that not only bring in new capabilities but also focus on enhancing battery performance. These updates can improve battery charging algorithms, thermal management systems, and overall battery performance. Thereby maintaining the longevity and efficiency of your Tesla’s battery. It is recommended to stay proactive and ensure your Tesla’s software is up-to-date by regularly checking for and installing updates.
Conclusion
The duration of charging at a station for a Tesla may be different based on several aspects. It is important for Tesla owners to understand these factors and plan accordingly to ensure they have enough time for a full charge when needed. Additionally, as technology continues to advance, the charging capabilities of Tesla vehicles are likely to improve. This would potentially reduce the charging times in the future.
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