Tesla Charging Speeds for All Models
If you’re considering Tesla ownership, one of the most important subjects to grasp is the matter of charging speeds (or, the time needed to achieve a full battery) as well as options for Tesla charging stations in the home. In this article we’ll cover both of these topics and include a handy reference chart for Tesla charging speed by model with our recommendations for Tesla charging at home. Let’s dive in!
Say Hello to Convenience With At-Home Tesla Charging
Tesla has come a long way since its first car hit the road in 2015. In nearly every year since sales began for the inaugural Model S, the electric vehicle industry leader has seen exponential growth year over year, arguably while being the single-most powerful catalyst that dragged the motor vehicle industry into its new electrified era.
From a smooth, quiet ride to its quick 0-60, there are many pros to electric vehicle ownership (and specifically Teslas). And while Tesla’s customer service pains still exist, many customers overlook this for the ability to live more cost-effectively and skip gas station runs. EV drivers can experience the luxury of waking up with a full “tank” if a Level 2 Tesla charging station is correctly installed at home.
As a quick refresher, there are two options for EV charging installation at home:
Level 1 EV Charging: Also referred to as “trickle charging” using a regular household outlet to charge your electric car. This can take up to 4 days or more to achieve a full charge.
Level 2 EV Charging: At electrical outputs of 240 volts and up to 60A, this home EV charging option is most preferred and recommended to maximize your investment into an electrified lifestyle.
If you do a considerable amount of driving, a workable Tesla charging speed will be one of the most prominent subjects you’ll want to understand. A charge that’s too slow can impact your daily routine greatly, making EV ownership stressful and unworkable.
Tesla Charging Stations vs NEMA 14-50 Outlets
This is one of the most common questions our team is asked: Which should I install? Comparing the Tesla Wall Connector vs NEMA 14-50 Outlet (with Tesla Mobile Connector) is a fairly straightforward comparison:
Tesla Wall Connector:
-Fastest possible Tesla charging speed at home for all models
-WiFi connectivity powering more efficient troubleshooting, customer support and smart features
-48 month equipment warranty
-Efficient diagnostic and warranty replacement process
Tesla Mobile Connector (for use with NEMA 14-50 Outlet):
-Good for on-the-go charging (doesn’t hold up as well with continued daily use)
-No smart features, customer support delays as a result
-1 year warranty
For these reasons (and more), we suggest the Tesla Wall Connector for a more dependable at-home charging option that will stand up better over time and not send you into customer service hell. If you’re in a temporary living situation or rental property, a NEMA 14-50 Outlet with Tesla Mobile Connector may be a better set-up for you and you can always upgrade down the line.
For multi-brand or dual EV households (Tesla and VW or Rivian, for example), the preferred charging set-up is now the Tesla Universal Wall Connector. Using their patented Smart Dock Technology, this charger has built-in ports for both NACS (Tesla) and J1772 (non-Tesla) charging styles.
Tesla Charging Speed Chart
The fastest models for Tesla charging speed are the Model 3 (Long Range) and the Model Y. Using the Tesla Wall Connector, these cars charge at 44 miles per hour since they are the lightest weight of Tesla’s current fleet.
The next fastest model for Tesla charging speed is the Model S at 41 miles per hour, followed by the Model X at 35 miles per hour.
The Tesla Model 3 Standard Range (also called the Tesla Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive or RWD) is built as an “efficiency” model and has a maximum battery acceptance rate of 30 miles per hour. This means that regardless of whether you charge using a NEMA 14-50 or Tesla Wall Connector, this Tesla Model will max out at 30 miles per hour.
All of these charging times are somewhat subject to change as battery technology and software changes are made. Further, due to voltage fluctuations in your home or neighborhood you may experience slightly different times than the ones listed here.
Tesla’s Universal Wall Connector begins shipments in November, 2023!
(Click chart to enlarge.)
Why Does the Tesla Model X Charge Slower than a Model 3?
Comparing Teslas and other EV models, you may find yourself scratching your head a bit when comparing the charge times. For example, why does a Tesla Model X charge so much slower than a Model 3?
The simple answer to this question is that it actually charges at the same exact rate, energy-wise. However, for heavier vehicles (such as the Model X) more energy is needed to propel the car forward over the same distance as a Model 3, Y or even S.
If you were to do a side-by-side comparison of charging sessions for a Model 3 and a Model X, you’d see the same amount of energy is transferred, however it equates to fewer “miles” because heavier vehicles simply use more energy.
This same rule applies to gas-powered cars – more fuel is needed to power a semi truck than a compact car. Thus, you’ll see heavier electric vehicle models such as the Ford F150 Lightning, Rivian R1T and R1S, electric school buses or a Hummer EV.
The Electric Vehicle Charger Installation Experts
Over the last 10 years, Gulfstar has remained hyper-focused on quality installation of residential and commercial electric vehicle charging systems. Our team of professionals are certified installers and preferred partners for Tesla charging stations and all leading brands in the EV industry, including:
- Tesla
- BMW
- Porsche
- Mercedes
- VW
- Rivian
- Enphase (formerly Clipper Creek)
- Chargepoint
- JuiceBox
Considering an electric car? Contact Gulfstar Electric for a free assessment of your electrical panel before you buy!