How Long Does It Take To Charge a Tesla: Complete Guide

“How long does it take to charge a Tesla?” This is one of the first questions that new and prospective Tesla owners ask. The switch from traditional gas-powered cars to electric often hinges on the convenience of charging compared to filling up at a gas station. So, whether you’re a new Tesla owner or considering an EV, take a look at this complete guide to learn all about your Tesla charging options. 

How Long Does It Take to Charge a Tesla: Model S, X, Y, and 3

How long it takes to charge a Tesla, or any EV for that matter, depends largely on the type of charger in use. So, before breaking down the average charging times for each Tesla model, it is worth knowing a bit about the two most common types of EV chargers: level one and level two. 

Types of Tesla Chargers

Level one chargers provide 120 volts of power while level two chargers provide 240 volts. Charging any Tesla to 100% on a level one charger can take over 20 hours. That’s why most Tesla owners use a type of level two charger at home, Tesla’s wall connector, which can charge most Teslas to 100% overnight. Tesla supercharger stations are level three chargers, capable of charging a Tesla to 100% in just 15 to 25 minutes. 

Charging Times for Different Tesla Models

If you’re wondering, “how long does it take to charge a Tesla”, you’ll need to start by looking at the specific model. As of 2022, there are four main Tesla EVs: the Model S, the Model X, the Model Y, and the Model 3. Each model has a slightly different battery configuration, particularly when comparing long range and standard range models. Long range Teslas have a larger battery capacity, which does come in handy but also requires slightly more charging time. 

On average, all Tesla models take about 8 to 9 hours to charge to 100% from a standard home wall connector. All Teslas can be charged to full or nearly full in around 30 minutes at a Tesla supercharger station. Additionally, all Teslas charge at a rate of about 3 miles per hour on level one 120 volt chargers. 

Times vary more for level two 240 volt charging stations. The Model 3 and Model Y, Tesla’s two newer models, have the best charging times in this category. On average, the Model 3 takes about 8 to 12 hours to fully charge at a 240 volt charging station. The Model Y takes slightly longer at about 11 to 12 hours for a full charge. The Model X and Model S both need about 18 hours to fully charge at 240 volt charging stations. 

Where to Charge Your Tesla

Most people have a lot of important questions to consider when considering investing in a Tesla. How long does it take to charge a Tesla? How far does a single charge last? Where do you charge a Tesla? These are all great questions to have in mind when you’re switching to a Tesla EV from a conventional gasoline-powered car. After all, accessibility is a top charging concern for EV owners. 

Luckily, charging your Tesla is much more convenient today than it used to be. Charging stations are becoming more common all over the country, so you have a few different options for charging your Tesla. 

Home Charging

The easiest and most cost-effective way to charge your Tesla is at home. When you purchase a Tesla, you get an option to purchase a wall connector charger for your home (or indoor assigned parking for apartment dwellers). The wall charger can fully charge your Tesla overnight in most cases. Plus, the wall charger is usually the least expensive way to charge your Tesla. 

Supercharger and Destination Charger Stations

You may have already seen Tesla superchargers while out and about. The Tesla supercharger map has expanded over recent years with superchargers becoming common around a lot of shopping centers. For instance, you can often find supercharger stations at Target parking lots. 

Superchargers are a super convenient way to fill up your Tesla’s battery. While you’re doing your grocery shopping, just leave your Tesla plugged in at the supercharger and your battery will probably be full by the time you return. Superchargers can usually fully charge a Tesla in about half an hour. 

It is worth noting that you shouldn’t use superchargers on a daily basis, convenient as they may be. These quick chargers can be bad for your car’s battery if used too often. It is a bit like using a quick charger for your phone too often. Eventually, it will start to degrade the maximum capacity of your battery. 

In addition to superchargers, Tesla also has destination charging stations all around the US. Destination chargers use a lower-powered, slower charging method that is more economical and easier on your car’s battery. These chargers are found at places like hotels, where you’re likely to leave your car parked for extended periods of time. Destination chargers are generally level one chargers, so expect a charging rate of about 3 miles per hour. 

Do You Have to Pay to Use Tesla Superchargers? 

You do have to pay to use Tesla supercharger stations, but it will likely be much less expensive than paying for gas. Data from the past few years shows that the price of electricity has remained well below the price of gas and has fluctuated much less. So, you can reliably assume that you’ll be able to top off your Tesla for about $25 at a supercharger station, though that average may vary slightly based on local electricity rates. 

Conveniently, Tesla superchargers will automatically charge the payment method connected to your Tesla account so you don’t need to input any info at the charging station. You can just plug in and go. This is not the case with non-Tesla charging stations. 

Can You Charge a Tesla at Non-Tesla Chargers?

“How long does it take to charge a Tesla” is one of the first questions new and prospective Tesla owners ask. However, it is just as important to consider absolutely everywhere that you can charge a Tesla. This is particularly true for those living in the middle of the U.S., areas with fewer Tesla supercharging stations, and anyone looking to take their Tesla on a road trip. 

Teslas aren’t the only EVs on the road, so it only makes sense that Tesla charging stations aren’t the only ones out there. Can you charge a Tesla at a non-Tesla charging station, though? The answer is yes, but come prepared. 

In the US, the J1772, or J-type, plug is the standard for most consumer EVs, besides Tesla, which uses a proprietary plug. So, most non-Tesla charging stations you find on the road will have a J-type plug. You can still charge your Tesla at these charging stations, though. You’ll just need to keep an adapter handy. Tesla offers a certified J-type adapter that is fairly affordable. It’s a good idea to keep one of these in your trunk (or frunk) just in case you need to use a non-Tesla charging station. 

How Long Does It Take To Charge a Tesla: The Complete Charging Guide

Investing in a Tesla is often a great choice, considering that Teslas are the most popular EVs in the world with a fantastic user experience. If you’re wondering how to dive into the EV world or asking how long does it take to charge a Tesla, you’re not alone. Switching to an EV can be a little intimidating at first. Luckily, there are plenty of spots to conveniently charge your Tesla all over the country today, so you can go electric worry-free.