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How Long It Takes To Charge A Tesla, Plus Charging Options

Let’s be blunt—no other vehicle comes close to a Tesla in the EV industry. Whichever model you choose, these stylish vehicles come with an appreciably long travel range (and a price tag to match). Great! But charging them is also part of the deal. So, how long does it take to charge a Tesla, and what are your charging options?

It takes anywhere from less than an hour to 12 hours to charge a Tesla. Your charging options include the Wall Connector, the Destination Charging network, and third-party charging stations. The fastest option is the Tesla Supercharger, which can charge your Tesla in 15 minutes.

Depending on your needs, understanding the available charging options will help you choose between the extensive charging network or at-home charging. So now, let’s get started, so you know which option will allow you to hit the road in no time.

How Long Does it Take to Charge a Tesla? 

e-car station charger

Charging your Tesla can take anywhere from less than an hour to 12 hours. But, of course, the charging time depends on your car’s battery level and the charger you’re using when you plug it in. 

The charging time is quickest within 20-80% of a full charge, which is typically the battery’s sweet zone. For example, on a 220V system, most Tesla models charge from 40% to 80% in about one hour. After that, however, it takes an additional 2 hours to get to 100%. 

Here’s how long it takes to charge various Tesla models:

Tesla Model 3

Assuming your regular commute is 30 miles roundtrip, the Tesla Model 3 can take about 40 minutes to charge with the Wall Connector. However, if you’re using a NEMA 14-50 charger, expect it to take around one hour. 

But with the NEMA 5-15 charger, you’ll need to leave your Tesla plugged in for 10 hours after a long day at work.

Once fully charged, the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus will give you a 263-mile battery range. On the other hand, the Long Range and Performance versions of the Model 3 provide a 322-mile range.

Tesla Model S

A NEMA 5-15 charger would take an average of 10 hours to charge a Tesla Model S after a 30-mile commute. Conversely, a NEMA 15-50 charger could take roughly 1.5 hours. 

But if you’ve drained your Tesla’s battery far below the 50% level, it could take as much as 21 hours to charge your Model S fully.

Moreover, while the Wall Connector can charge your Tesla Model S in less than an hour, it may take up to 11 hours for the Performance version and slightly more than 14 hours for the Plaid version if you’ve depleted the battery. 

Once fully charged, each Model S gives you an incredible range of more than 300 miles. In addition, the Model S Plaid Tri-Motor AWD ranges over 520 miles.

Tesla Model X

The Model X takes roughly one hour to charge with the Wall Connector after a 30-mile commute. However, the charging time can range from 11 to 12.5 hours if you’ve depleted the battery.

The NEMA 5-15 charger typically drags a bit, taking nearly 15 hours to charge your Model X fully. Conversely, the NEMA 14-50 charger can take 1.5 hours, but it will go as long as 18 hours if you’ve depleted the battery. 

Once fully charged, the Model X Performance version will give you a range of 341 miles, while the Long Range version has an additional 30-mile battery range.

Tesla Model Y

It takes about 45 minutes to charge a Tesla Model Y with the Wall Connector after a 30-mile drive. But if you’ve depleted the battery, expect it to charge fully in about 6 hours for the Standard Range and up to 7 hours 50 minutes for the Long Range variant. 

Also, a NEMA 14-50 charger takes an average of 1.5 hours to charge your Model Y after a 30-minute commute and up to 16 hours if you’ve depleted the battery. The NEMA 5-15 charger takes roughly 15 hours to charge fully after a 30-mile commute.

Tesla’s best-selling EV gives an incredible range of 326 miles on a full charge if you go for the Long Range version. The Standard Range and Performance variants offer 244 and 303 miles, respectively. 

This may not be impressive compared to what the Model S offers, but the Model Y still boasts remarkable performance.

What are My Options for Charging a Tesla? 

While Tesla recommends charging where you park to meet most of your charging needs, you can charge anywhere else with access to an outlet, including on the road.

These are your options for charging a Tesla:

Mobile Connectors and Adapters

You can plug a Mobile Connector into a standard three-prong 120 V outlet to give your Tesla 2 to 3 miles range per hour of charging. Owners who drive less than 40 miles daily prefer this option for charging overnight. 

Tesla also offers adapter bundles you can use with other outlet types, including the 240 V outlet. In addition, it gives 30 miles range for every hour charged.

Wall Connector

A Tesla Wall Connector is the go-to option for home or office charging, adding up to 44 miles per 1-hour charge. You can order one online or have a Tesla  Certified technician install it.

Multi-Unit Buildings

EV charging is nowadays considered a crucial amenity at many top apartments, condos, and office buildings across the country. Tesla offers resources to start the charging installation process if your HOA or property manager doesn’t provide shared charging.

The Supercharger Network

The Tesla Supercharger is undeniably the fastest charging option on the road, taking just 15 minutes to charge your Tesla for a 200-mile range.

Tesla operates over 40,000 global Superchargers along major routes to help owners get as quickly on the road as possible.

Destination Charging

Tesla’s Destination Charging network consists of popular restaurants, hotels, resorts, vineyards, and other destinations with Wall Connectors for customer charging.

The network has over 35,000 Wall Connectors in various urban centers and rural locations, making it easy to recharge when you can only spare a couple of hours at your destination.

Third-Party Charging

Third-party charging stations labeled J1772 work with an SAE J1772 adapter, and 120-volt charging stations work with the Mobile Connector.

Tesla recommends storing your Mobile Connector in your trunk when not in use for easy access.

What’s the Fastest Way to Charge a Tesla? 

Tesla supercharger at a charging station

The fastest way to charge your Tesla is from a Tesla Supercharger, which may only take 15 minutes and gives you a 200-mile range. While cold weather may slow the charging process, it takes 25-30 minutes on average to get a full charge for all Tesla models. 

Tesla owners have 24/7 access to Superchargers located strategically along major highways and travel routes.

How Long Does a Fully Charged Tesla Battery Last? 

A fully charged Tesla battery will last for around 262 miles. This goes for the smallest battery capacity, which you’ll find in the Model 3. A fully charged Tesla Model S battery offers a range of 405 miles.

Notably, these numbers aren’t cast in stone, as they go with factors like the terrain you’re driving on and the size of your battery.