Depending on the type of charger and the Tesla model, a charger for a Tesla could use somewhere from 15 amps to 300 amps.
When charging a car at home, the lower part of this continuum is more likely to occur, whereas the upper end is more likely to take place at charging stations open to the public with a greater electrical output.
I have gathered all the details you require concerning how many amps to charge a Tesla in this blog post. So, let’s get started straight away.
How Many Amps to Charge a Tesla?
To start, there are three charging levels available for your Tesla:
- Level 1
- Level 2
- Level 3
The first level of EV charging, level 1, uses a conventional 120 V outlet with a 15-amp amperage and is the slowest. When you put your car on the charger for an hour, it will have enough juice to travel 3 miles.
Level 2 employs a 240-volt circuit with roughly 40 amps and is significantly faster. By using “The Wall Connector”, which is applicable at public charging stations as well as private residences. For every hour it is connected to the charger, this charging level can provide you with enough energy to drive 30 miles.
The fastest charging level, Level 3, uses a 480-volt system and a Superfast charger. Only commercial charging stations offer this option, which can charge your car at a 300-amp pace.
Different Circuit Grades and Charger Efficiency Levels for Tesla Models
With its home charging station, a Tesla electric car frequently demands a separate circuit. So, how many amps to charge a Tesla? More amps mean a quicker return to operation for the vehicle.
The first thing to think about, though, is what will fit in your service panel before creating an interface for any type of wall charger. I’ll walk you through all of them using the Tesla charging speed chart that is provided below.
Wall Connector Circuit | Home Charger Speed (mph) | |||||
Size of Breaker(amps) | Output(Amps) | 240-volt power rating (kW) | S Model | 3†Model | X Model | Y Model |
60 | 48 | 11.5 | 41 | 44 | 35 | 44 |
50 | 40 | 9.6 | 34 | 37 | 29 | 37 |
40 | 32 | 7.7 | 27 | 30 | 23 | 30 |
30 | 24 | 5.7 | 21 | 22 | 17 | 22 |
20 | 16 | 3.8 | 14 | 15 | 12 | 15 |
15 | 12 | 2.8 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 11 |
How Quickly Can I Charge My Tesla at Home?
The quickest way to charge a Tesla in the convenience of your own home is by using a wall connector.
This wall connector, connected to a 240-volt electrical line, which has a maximum output of 11.5 kW, may deliver up to 44 miles of range for every hour of charging.
This technique ought to power your Tesla in 6 to 12 hours, contingent on the Tesla model.
You could initially charge your electric car in two different methods.
- Utilizing the mobile charger that is already in your automobile was the first option. Despite allowing you to power your car at home, this technique of charging is extremely slow.
- The other type of charger is a faster one that may be found at public charging stations. This kind of charging is a lot quicker. The disadvantage is that you have to charge while away from home.
Between these two approaches, the wall connector has filled the gap and delivered fast charging right into the convenience of your house. Based on the Tesla model, you may charge an EV to 100% using a wall connector from Tesla in 6 to 12 hours.
For each hour your car is linked, you can acquire up to 44 miles of range with this technique. That may change, though, given how much current your Tesla model can draw when charging using this technique.
A Tesla Model S, for example, will acquire 32 mph while a Model Y will gain 42 miles during the same charging period. vehicle 3 Performance, the more effective Tesla vehicle, will reach 44 mph.
But the quickest method to charge your Tesla at home, regardless of the model, is using a Tesla wall connector. It charges significantly more quickly than a portable charger and doesn’t require you to leave your house.
However, Installing the Tesla wall connector necessitates complex wiring that calls for expert assistance charging.
How Quickly Can a Tesla Charge from a 120-Volt Home Outlet?
It takes a while to fully charge a Tesla using a typical 120-volt home outlet. It’s so slow in fact that it could be worthwhile to go to a nearby supercharger and fill off the battery packs that way.
However, due to its low cost and simplicity, many people continue to use this approach to power their Tesla at home. When you arrive home from work, plug in your Tesla. Usually, this will add enough juice for you to return to work the following day.
So how far and how quickly can you go with a home outlet? As an illustration, consider the Model S. A Model S will require approximately four days for a complete charge using a 120-volt home connection.
Read Also: Why Is Tesla Only Charging At 16 Amps? (Explained!)
How Quickly Can You Charge a Tesla 240-Volt Home Connection?
A Tesla charges far more quickly using a 240-volt household connection, which typically provides 80 amps of power, than using a 20-amp 120-volt charger. You can finish charging a Tesla Model S with a 240-volt hookup in anywhere within 6-30 hours.
For commuters who use their cars frequently, a 240-volt connector is perfect because the majority of houses already have this kind of connector in the crawlspace or garage, and installing it is not very expensive. The 240-volt charger increases the range by 9 to 52 miles after an hour of charging.
Extender Cords and Power Strips For Charging Tesla EVs
Don’t bother with thin, inexpensive hardware store cords if you intend on charging a Tesla from the wall; you’ll need to purchase an extension cord with the appropriate wire gauge.
In America, there aren’t many regulations regarding extension cords. This is intriguing because electrical wires and overheating issues are frequently caused by extension cords.
Tesla wants you to compare electricity to water in that large pipes increase the rates of flow while small pipes reduce them. The key difference is that tiny gauge cords become exceedingly hot when exposed to a high-power load.
Furthermore, they increase resistance, which slows down the rate of charging for your Tesla. In order to charge your Tesla, it is crucial that you comprehend the label and choose an extension cord with the right wire gauge.
Wire thickness and gauge values are opposite each other. Accordingly, 14 gauge is narrower than 12 gauge, which is lighter than 18 gauge, and so on.
Use an extension cord with a ten- or 12-gauge diameter if your charger draws a 15-amp current. Use a cord with a minimum gauge of 10 for 20-amp charging.
Read Also: Tesla Mobile Connector Charging Speed – How Fast Can You Get Going?
Frequently Asked Question [FAQs]
Why Does My Tesla Charge Slowly?
Several typical reasons for sluggish charging include:
- Using a lower-amperage charging outlet
- Utilizing an outdated or weaker charging cord
- Other electrical devices present on the same circuit:
- A problem with the integrated charging electronics or the charging port
Will a 30-amp Tesla charger work?
Yes, particularly if you are overnight charging at home. Fast charging, however, requires more than thirty amps.
Can You Charge Your Tesla at 32A?
Wall Connector has an output capacity of 11.5 kW/32 amps. Wall Connector charges Tesla automobiles at a rate of up to 44 miles of mileage per hour.
Is it okay to charge Tesla to 90%?
Most Tesla Model Y owners, if you polled them, would say they typically charge 70 percent to 80 percent per day. It is acceptable to set a charge cap anywhere between 50% and 90%.
Read Also: The Ultimate Guide To Make the Most of Tesla Off Peak Charging!