Tesla Charging | 33 Things That You Should Know

Let us share 33 things that you should know about Tesla charging. Tesla has become quite popular following the introduction of the Roadster in 2008.

Nevertheless, the question might arise as to why this particular auto manufacturing company has created so much hype over the years. So, what is that which makes Tesla so special, and why should you be purchasing a Tesla?

Being an electric vehicle, Tesla cars are meant to be non-polluting or “green”. It is a fact that there is a lot of pollution out there which affects our health and overall well-being. Tesla electric vehicles are the future of green cars. Tesla has taken their brand to an entirely new level by creating vehicles that get over 200 miles per charge, and they’re only going to get better with time.

Although this technology is still relatively new, it is expected that these advancements will become more common in the years ahead as companies compete for dominance within this emerging market. Some predict that all cars will be electric by 2040 due to environmental factors such as climate change and air pollution caused by fossil fuels.

Nonetheless, one cannot deny the fact that Tesla has changed the perspective of people on electric vehicles. All cars before Model S had proved to be unsatisfactory for the drivers. They were heavy, not attractive, and took a long time to charge. Everything changed with the introduction of Tesla, particularly when the Roadster and the Model S were launched.

Having the design of a sports vehicle and the safety that you will get from a Toyota, the Model S could be charged within a few hours only. Moreover, this version of Tesla was safer than most of the other similar vehicles on the market. Apart from this, it was also quite fast which played an important role when it came to the success of Tesla.

Tesla EV Batteries

The battery pack of Tesla is superior to that of the competitors. In fact, Tesla models come with a maximum range of 360 miles which you will be able to drive on just one charge. On the other hand, the closest rivals have a maximum range of fewer than 300 miles out there. In fact, the BMW i3 features a range of only 200 miles.

It is a fact that Tesla would’ve shot into the limelight only because of the batteries. A Supercharger network was created by Tesla which helped to make the charging quick as well as free. At one stage, the unlimited free option for charging was phased by Tesla since, according to them, it was not sustainable. However, the company had different thoughts only recently and the free unlimited option was brought back.

Tesla is also the car of the future. It was described as a laptop on wheels by its CEO, Elon Musk. The vehicle was labeled by one particular owner as a car that is “out of this world”. It is good to see what features will be added by the company in the upcoming days.

According to some critics and analysts, Tesla is not an ordinary carmaker by any means. Its operation can be compared to that of a software company. After introducing a version, they take the feedbacks of the customers and try to improve the product without making any delay. There is no doubt about the fact that Tesla happens to be the car of the future.

That being said, we like to reassert that Tesla is known to produce several most talked-about electric vehicles out there including the Model S, Model 3, and Model X. All these versions feature a reasonable price tag as well as a long travel range. It is important to comprehend the charging station options of a Tesla so as to handle the car in the best possible way.

Tesla Charging: The Complete Guide

As already mentioned, every Tesla features some basic charging options. It will require somewhere between 1 hour to 12 hours to get the job done. The time for charging will depend on how full the battery is as well as the type of charging station used by you. Most electric vehicles provide significant fuel savings mainly due to the efficient usage of electricity as fuel. The cost of electricity will differ from one state to another and, for this reason, your location will play an important role when it comes to the cost of fully charging your Tesla.

It will be possible for you to save your money considerably by setting up solar panels in your home. This will result in affordable electricity for your car as well as your residence. In case you are thinking about what will be the best option for charging your Tesla, then you need to consider a number of factors. It will be essential for you to know all these aspects before thinking of charging your dream machine. Go through the following paragraphs in this article where we have mentioned the different aspects that you should consider while charging your Tesla. Let us hope that this information will help you significantly in the long run.

Why does my Tesla charging get interrupted?

It is a nightmare of every Tesla car owner to find that his/her Tesla charging is getting interrupted from time to time. It can be frustrating when your Tesla’s charging gets interrupted without warning. Teslas are some of the best cars on the market today, but they have their drawbacks too. For example, if you live in an area with frequent power outages or severe weather conditions like thunderstorms, your charge might get interrupted at any time! You may find that your car is not fully charged when you need to leave for work in the morning after being caught by surprise without electricity for several hours overnight.

Why is my Tesla charging so slowly?

It is not uncommon for Tesla owners to experience slow charging at home. As a result, many drivers are looking for ways to make their charge time faster again. There are two types of cables; some allow for slow charging and others support an increased charging speed. The most common charging connectors used to charge electric vehicles at home include NEMA 5-15, L5-20R, and L6-30. These types of pins connect to your car’s standard charging cable and can provide a level 2 charge (120 volts and 240 volts) and up to 32 amps which will charge an electric vehicle in less than 8 hours.

Can you schedule a Tesla charging?

Tesla has already provided the ability to charge your vehicle at a particular time or get it charged by a specific time. It will be possible for you to set a daily time when you’d like to make your vehicle ready to drive. This will help to make sure that Tesla charging will be complete and the cabin climate will be conditioned comfortably by your time of departure. On the other hand, you might also like to switch to Schedule Charging for specifying a daily time when you want the vehicle to start charging.

Can you leave a Tesla charging overnight?

The battery happens to be the most expensive thing when it comes to a Tesla vehicle and it is also the most important component. In case the question comes to your mind whether it is possible to overcharge your Tesla accidentally, the answer will be no. Once the system will detect that the battery is going to be 100% charged, the Tesla charging process will be slowed down. It is perfectly safe to leave your Tesla charging overnight since it will allow you to make use of the off-peak electric hours to make your charging cheaper.

When does Tesla charging slow down?

Tesla’s supercharging rate can differ because of the present usage of the Supercharger station, battery charge level, as well as extreme climatic conditions. Your car will charge faster when the battery happens to be at the lower charging state and Tesla charging will slow down once it begins to fill up. The speed of charging is going to slow down all through your charging period, although every car will decide that rate in a different way. This will be figured out by every manufacturer for maintaining the health of the vehicle’s battery and also enhancing its longevity.

What voltage are Tesla charging stations?

Tesla charging can be done in various ways including tester destination chargers, Tesla Superchargers, and other EV charging stations. Most of the US citizens reside within 120 miles of a Supercharger station which is situated along interstate highways at present. Charging can be of 3 different levels and Level 1 charging makes use of standard 120 V electrical outlets which are also utilized by most of the home appliances. Level 2 chargers make use of 240 V electrical circuits and the Level 3 fast chargers utilize 480 V circuits which are actually Superchargers.

Is my Tesla charging?

When the charging port of your Tesla is open, there will be a change in the color of the status light to indicate the present state of charging. For instance, the charging port will shut off after a brief period of time in case the car is locked. If the indicator light is a blinking blue, it suggests that the Tesla charging station is actively communicating with the car. If the light is solid Amber, it indicates that the connector has not been plugged properly and if it is a solid red, there is a charging error.

How long does it take to charge a Tesla?

You need to consider a number of factors while figuring out the time required for charging a Tesla that you have bought recently. The charging process, battery capacity, as well as available power output, can play an important role when it comes to Tesla charging. In general, Level 1 AC will be taking somewhere between 20 and 40 hours to get charged while AC Level 2 will require 8 to 12 hours. On the other hand, Level 3 DCFC or Tesla Supercharger will take 15 to 25 minutes which makes it the best way to do Tesla charging at present.

Is the Tesla charging port waterproof?

It is a fact that a Tesla charging port is meant to be waterproof since you will be required to charge it in the rain on some occasions. The charging port features electronics within it to verify that it is properly connected as well as insulated before the application of power. It is going to work properly in all types of weather conditions although one must take care not to pack snow in between the connector and the port. The only way Tesla charging port is not waterproof is in case the vehicle is submerged, but the fact is that the car itself is not going to operate underwater.

How long is the Tesla charging cable?

Tesla has a nice accessory for their Supercharger stations, the mobile connector. This thing allows you to charge your car from any normal power outlet at home or work. Make use of a 120 V, 208 V, or 240 V AC supply along with a wall outlet having a dedicated circuit. Also, a dedicated receptacle should be used along with a single socket and no other item should be plugged into the other socket if the receptacle comes with 2 sockets. The Tesla charging cable is 20 feet in length and you need to use an outlet within approximately 4 m of the charging port of the car. Moreover, it should be a minimum of 18 inches above the ground and never use any extension cord or a conversion plugin the Mobile Connector.

What Tesla charging adapters do I need?

In case you like to charge your Tesla charging at home, the installation of home charging equipment might take several hours. In fact, you might be required to spend at least a couple of days getting the job done if it is a complicated one. All new Tesla vehicles come with an adapter for a 110 V outlet which offers around 2 to 4 miles of range on every hour of charge. However, it will be a good idea to install a wall connector for having the best Tesla home charging experience.

How much is a Tesla charging cable?

All new Tesla cars feature the adapter at present except the Model 3 that has it pre-installed. Nevertheless, it is also possible to get the vehicle to retrofit the necessary in-car Tesla charging and you will be getting a CCS adapter as well. The price of the most recent Gen 3 Wall Connector will be $500 which will be able to charge the vehicle up to 45 miles of range every hour. The Gen 3 makes use of a much bigger 240 V adapter which is compatible with the Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model Y, and Model X. 

How much does it cost to install a Tesla charging station at home?

The cost is going to vary widely depending on the specific installation. Particulars, the person who is doing the work, the charger type, and the labor cost. On most occasions, the majority of the Tesla owners have installed a Tesla High-Power Wall Connector that costs around $500. In case the wall connector is already installed just beside an electric panel, the cost should be less than $100. However, it will be necessary to ask the help of a certified electrician who will perform the installation of the Tesla charging station. 

Can you charge a Tesla at a non-Tesla charging station?

It is feasible to perform Tesla charging at just about any public charging station at present. This can be done by using the plug adapter which comes along with the vehicle and one should keep the adapter for easy access in the glove box. However, it is a fact that the rate of charging at a Tesla Supercharger will be a lot faster as compared to a non-Tesla charging solution. In the same manner, the Tesla Supercharger network can be accessed by other vehicles as well. 

Do Tesla charging stations have WiFi?

The more recent Tesla wall connector happens to be a smart Tesla charging option that is Wi-Fi enabled so that you can use your smartphone to control it. There is no need for you to set switches manually unlike the previous models, and the charger likewise receives firmware updates automatically. The Wi-Fi network will be broadcast for 5 minutes after energizing the connector and one can re-enable it for another 5 minutes as well. Moreover, according to Elon Musk, all Tesla Superchargers are going to have access to Wi-Fi and the Supercharger network will also be open to non-Tesla electric vehicles.

How does Tesla charging stations work?

The “supercharging” stations of Tesla will be able to deliver approximately 120 kW of power by means of a specialist coupling to the batteries of the vehicle. The process is monitored by a charging system controlled by the computer so that the batteries don’t become overheated. It might take approximately one hour for providing a full charge of 100 kWh and a charging time calculator is also provided by Tesla. Some energy will be lost in the form of heat while the Tesla charging is being done and the home chargers operate at approximately 10 kW which takes a bit longer.

Can you buy a Tesla charging station?

This question refers to the availability of the product itself ie., “When will I be able to go online and purchase my own Tesla Charging Station?” Unfortunately, there is no way for a potential customer to be able to buy a Tesla charging station until it is released. Tesla Motors, Inc. does not have any dealerships that sell the product and they only manufacture cars through orders from customers. So, it’s up to you when you can purchase your Tesla Charging Station, but it will eventually be available on their website in certain locations worldwide.

Is it hard to find Tesla charging stations?

It should not be difficult to find Tesla charging stations at present given that the company operates more than 23,200 superchargers across the globe. You’ll come across 592 stations in Europe, 1101 stations in North America, as well as 498 stations in the Asia/Pacific region. It is likewise possible to locate 3rd-party charging stations via Plugshare.com and you should search for charging stations labeled as 120 V. These are compatible with the Mobile Connector bundle that comes along with your vehicle at the time of delivery.

How many Tesla charging stations are in the US?

A Tesla Supercharger happens to be a 480 V Tesla charging technology that was introduced by Tesla Inc. for all their electric vehicles. At present, there are as many as 23,277 Superchargers in more than 2500 stations across the globe with 1101 stations in North America. There are 908 stations right now in the US and Tesla is offering free Supercharging as well. Here, we like to mention that there are 9 chargers on average at every station for the convenience of the customers.

Does Yellowstone have Tesla charging stations?

Ans. In case you own an electric car, it is your responsibility to reduce your carbon footprint and you might tend to skip the Yellowstone National Park for a more electric vehicle-friendly vacation. However, there is no need to give up just yet since in spite of having an area of more than 3200 mi.², there are a number of electric Tesla charging opportunities here as well. If you are looking for a supercharge while driving your Tesla, your closest option will be the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, Mont. However, you might also go for Jackson Whole Grocer & Café in Jackson, Wyo. as well.

Do apartments have Tesla charging stations?

Most of the apartment dwellers face a significant problem of charging their electric vehicles due to a lack of sufficient charging infrastructure. However, apart from the Destination Chargers and proprietary Superchargers of the company, Tesla is promoting its urban Tesla charging initiative too. It will be feasible for you to locate a place for performing the charging of your Tesla even though you might live in a condo or apartment right now. Nevertheless, take care not to run the cord across the parking lot or sidewalk where somebody might trip on it.

Does Google Maps show Tesla charging stations?

You will need to search “Tesla charging station” in Google maps so that nearby choices are going to pop up. It was announced by Google recently that it is planning to have Google maps integrated into an increasing number of car navigation systems out there. After searching in Google maps, you will be able to locate the immediate location of the chargers plus the type of charger available to you. This innovative feature is now available in the US as well as the UK offering a range of different Tesla charger networks.

Does Disney World have Tesla charging stations?

Once you arrive at Disney World, you simply need to inform the parking attendant that you want to use the chargers. They will be putting a blue card below the windshield wiper while pointing you in the proper direction. Several Tesla charging stations are available right now in the parking lots at Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Magic Kingdom Park, and Disney Springs. Apart from this, stations are also provided at a number of resort hotels plus the Wilderness Lodge and Coronado Springs come with ChargePoint stations.

Are Tesla charging stations free?

Ans. Tesla charging stations are not usually free although it was free for a particular category of customers who own a Tesla. At present, you will come across 4 different classes of buyers depending on at what time and where the vehicle was purchased and the type of the car. Some of them will not get any free charging, while others might get even 1000 miles of free charging when they purchased the automobile. Some buyers will get unlimited free charging as long as the car is owned by them irrespective of whether they sell the vehicle and purchase a new one. 

Is Tesla charging cheaper than gas?

Tesla charging is cheaper as compared to gas which might flip in case gas becomes super cheap and power becomes quite costly. However, generally speaking, Tesla charging is cheaper than gas. The reason why charging is cheaper is that most of the EVs including Tesla are more efficient in transforming stored energy to mechanical energy. As a matter of fact, a typical Tesla takes around $15 to become fully charged which is about 4 cents every mile. 

Who pays for public Tesla charging stations?

This is going to depend on who is putting it in and if it happens to be a pay station, the user will be paying for Tesla charging. In case it has been put by a municipality on the street, the city might pay for the charging or it might be a local power company as well. The cost will be around $.25 every KW if you are charging at a Tesla supercharger for a Model X or Model S. Some establishments such as condos, malls, and so on might offer free Tesla charging and there are all kinds of possibilities out there.  

Do Tesla charging stations cost money?

Tesla charging stations happen to be an essential component of the infrastructure for electric vehicles at present. The intention of the charging stations will be to offer a service to the owners of the Tesla vehicles instead of generating cash. While Tesla charging was provided initially for free, at present, it is imperative for the car owners to pay for them. While you might expect to pay approximately 3.7 every mile for owning a Tesla Model S, you need to pay $15.29 for a full charge. 

Why is Tesla charging free?

It was announced recently by Tesla that all brand-new Model X and Model S versions will have free unlimited access to superchargers. Previously, this sort of unlimited and free supercharging was an integral part of purchasing a new Tesla car. Tesla announced that individuals purchasing cars after 1st January 2017, will be having approximately 1,000 miles or 400 kWh of free Tesla charging each year. However, they have to pay a nominal fee once they exceeded that amount and the free and unlimited referral program will be ending soon. 

How much does Tesla charging cost a year? 

The average cost of performing full Tesla charging when it comes to a Tesla Model X is $15.29. On the other hand, a Tesla Model 3 which has 262 miles of range and a 50 kWh battery will be costing $7.66 for a full charge. Most individuals are going to drive around 30 miles per day for 5 days every week which will use around 10kWh per day. In case you assume that the car is charged for 300 days per year, the yearly Tesla charging costs will be $390.  

How much does Tesla charging cost at home? 

You need to spend around $15 to $18 for performing a Tesla charging with the help of a Level 1 or Level 2 charger at your home. However, the time of the day, the electricity pricing of your locality, and how much is charged by you will determine this cost.  You can use a process known as top-up charging if you want to charge your vehicle as and when you like. This helps to make certain that the battery of the Tesla will never be fully depleted even though you have plenty of range left. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes Tesla charging stations?

Large electrical switchgear designs supplying 500 to 1,000 kVA were required by the Tesla Supercharger sites for performing Tesla charging. This issue was solved by Black & Veatch by rapidly deploying large and concurrent telecommunications infrastructure. This company was capable of fulfilling the demand of Tesla when it comes to installing the Supercharger technology at a rapid pace. An online project management tool was developed by Tesla and Black & Veatch which enabled the folks to track progress via real-time status reports. 

Are Tesla charging stations profitable?

Tesla provides its charging stations as an essential component of the infrastructure of the electric vehicles and also for the convenience of the Tesla owners. The intention of the Tesla charging stations was not to make a profit but to render services to the customers. Although charging was provided for free in the past, one has to pay for it right now and the revenue generated is meant to support the supercharger network. It also covers the expenses of electricity provision and isn’t designed for making profits but to avoid any losses while offering the service. 

How does Tesla charging stations make money? 

Supercharging is free for those Tesla vehicles which were bought before 1st January 2017 and the cost will be $0.25 per KW if the car was bought after January 2017. The most obvious way in which Tesla charging stations make money is the revenue generated from the charging stations themselves. It will be feasible to make additional profits by setting charging fees which the customers will be happy to pay. Moreover, the automaker can make more than $25 billion every year by allowing other electric vehicles to charge on its network. 

Conclusion

We like to conclude this post by offering a few charging tips for your Tesla. It might be the fact that you have fine-tuned certain things that have helped you to improve your driving experience to a great extent. These tips mentioned here will help you to save time and money and will also allow the battery to last longer.

A Tesla battery will be charging quicker when it is empty rather than when full. It will not be a good idea to charge your vehicle to 100% and then stop at a charging station once it becomes 50% for charging it back to 100%. This is due to the fact that most of the charging will be done at a high state of charge which can be extremely slow. On the other hand, it would be prudent if you allowed the battery charge to go down to 20% and then charge it only up to 70%. In case you are driving under navigation, you will be informed by your car when there is an adequate charge for continuing your trip. Make sure to stick to the advice.

In case you like to charge your car at your own residence, the costs will vary significantly according to the time of the day. In that case, make certain to program your automobile to charge once the electricity becomes cheap. Apart from saving cash, it will likewise help the power company to use the most effective generation capacity plus save construction expenses by lowering peak demand. 

You will come across lots of superchargers at present. Search for them with the help of apps such as Sharepoint, Plugshare, and so on. Most of them happen to be subsidized or free although an account will be needed for activating them along with an app on your smartphone. On most occasions, these are either free or at the identical price as street parking. Make use of that for saving your time and money.

Lastly, we like to highlight one more safety tip. A lot of Tesla owners set up a NEMA 14-50 outlet and plug in their cars using the adapter and the Tesla charging cable that came along with the car. This is ok as long as the cable is plugged into the wall and left like that. The NEMA 14-50 will not work fine in case you plug and unplug repeatedly. It is actually intended for the electric dryers and ovens which are plugged in once and left like that for years together. If the cable is plugged and unplugged repeatedly, it can result in outlet overheating which might cause a fire. The Tesla owners are suggested to install a Tesla HPWC (High Power Wall Connector) and leave the charging cable in the car until they are required in a travel scenario. The HPWC will allow you to charge the vehicle faster in a neater and safer manner. 

Most Tesla owners prefer plugging in their batteries at night such that their vehicles will get charged up while they are sleeping. Even though this will be an appropriate time for charging, you should make certain that the charging is not performed for too long. If the charger comes with a timer, program it in such a way that it shuts off at least a couple of hours before you leave your home in the morning.