Charging is simply part of the experience with electric cars. To ensure the whole process is as safe and convenient as possible, we've compiled five quick and easy tips for the perfect charging experience with your Tesla.
Charging tip 1: Precondition battery
For electric cars, it's recommended to bring the battery to a specific temperature before charging. If you plan to charge at a Supercharger, it's best to enter the station as your navigation destination, even if you already know the way. Your Tesla will then automatically bring the battery up to temperature as soon as it detects that you're nearing your destination.
Manual preheating is unfortunately not currently possible. Therefore, if you want to charge at home, the only option is to preheat the vehicle completely using the app, as this activates both the air conditioning and the battery heater.
Charging tip 2: Use your own charging station
Whenever possible, you should always choose a charging spot at the Supercharger so that you have a charging point to yourself – at least with older V2 charging stations, i.e., those with two cable types (Type 2 and CCS). Otherwise, you'll have to share the charging power with the other vehicle, which can lengthen the charging time. Newer V3 stations don't have this problem.
Charging tip 3: (If needed) Buy a charging adapter
Older Tesla models (S and X) may still have a Type 2 charging port. However, this is not compatible with Supercharger V3 stations or many public charging stations. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase a Type 2/CCS adapter, which is also available directly from Tesla. If your vehicle already has CCS, you do not need an adapter.
Charging tip 4: How to easily open the charging port
Official Tesla cables and Superchargers have a button to open the charging port door. Simply press this button when your charging cable is next to your Tesla's charging port. – simple and convenient.
Charging tip 5: How to charge correctly at home
Those charging at home should consider using a wallbox instead of a standard household outlet, both for safety reasons and to improve charging speed. Studies have also shown that the gentlest charging power is between 11 and 16 kW, and that the charging current for Model S and X should ideally be reduced to 12 amps (instead of 16).
