If you’re planning a road trip with your Tesla, the question of how long it takes to charge your vehicle might be a concern. After all, charging stations can be few and far between, and you don’t want to spend more time charging than driving. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the factors that affect charging time for Teslas on a road trip.
Factors Affecting Charging Time
There are several factors that can affect how long it takes to charge your Tesla on a road trip. These include:
- The battery level of your vehicle when you start charging
- The type of charger you’re using
- The available charging speed at the station
- The size of your vehicle’s battery pack
Battery Level
The battery level of your Tesla when you start charging will have a significant impact on how long it takes to charge. If you’re starting with a low battery level, it will take longer to reach a full charge than if you have more charge remaining.
Type of Charger
The type of charger you’re using is also an important factor in charging time. There are three main types of chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Chargers.
Level 1 chargers are the slowest, providing about 4 miles of range per hour of charging. They’re typically used for overnight charging at home or work.
Level 2 chargers are faster, providing up to 60 miles of range per hour of charging. They’re often found at public charging stations and can be used for both short and long-term parking.
DC Fast Chargers are the fastest option, providing up to 170 miles of range in just 30 minutes. However, they’re not as widely available as other types of chargers and are typically found along major highways and interstates.
Charging Speed
The available charging speed at the station will also impact how long it takes to charge. Some stations may only provide Level 1 or Level 2 charging, while others may offer DC Fast Charging.
Battery Pack Size
Finally, the size of your vehicle’s battery pack will also play a role in charging time. Larger battery packs will take longer to charge than smaller ones, as there is more energy to replace.
Charging Times for Tesla Models
Now that we’ve looked at the factors that affect charging time, let’s take a closer look at how long it takes to charge different Tesla models on a road trip.
- Tesla Model S: With a 75 kWh battery pack, the Model S can travel up to 259 miles on a single charge. Using a Level 2 charger with an output of 48 amps, it will take about 7 hours to fully charge the battery.
- Tesla Model X: The Model X has a slightly larger battery pack than the Model S, at 100 kWh.
It can travel up to 295 miles on a single charge and will take around 9 hours to fully charge using a Level 2 charger.
- Tesla Model Y: The Model Y has a range of up to 326 miles on a single charge and comes with either a standard range or long-range battery pack. Using a Level 2 charger with an output of 48 amps, it will take around 7-10 hours to fully recharge.
- Tesla Model 3: The Model 3 comes with either standard or long-range battery options and has ranges from up to 263 miles to 353 miles.
In Conclusion
Charging times for Teslas on a road trip will vary based on several factors, including battery level, charger type, charging speed, and battery pack size. It’s important to plan ahead and know where charging stations are located along your route. By doing so, you can ensure that you’re able to keep your Tesla fully charged and ready for the next leg of your journey.