How Long Does It Take to Charge a Tesla? A Comprehensive Guide

The time to fully charge a Tesla will depend on the battery size, the charging input limits of the model and the charger output. Tesla Model 3 and Y come in two battery pack sizes:

1. 57.5 kWh for the Tesla Model 3 and Y RWD variants

2. 75 kWh for the Tesla Model 3 and Y Long Range and Performance variants.

Fully charging a Tesla Model 3 or Y RWD variant with a 57.5 kWh battery will take as little as 25 minutes to 29 hours.

Fully charging a Tesla Model 3 or Y Long Range/Performance variant with a 75 kWh battery will take as little as 32 minutes to 38 hours.

In the below table, we’ve listed the charging limits for each model forAC charging and DC charging and the time taken to reach a full charge.

Different Charging Speeds and Their Impact

There are various charging speeds available, from slow AC charging to ultra-rapid DC charging. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Slow AC Charging (1.8kW to 7kW): Known as level 1 or 2 charging, is ideal for home use, these chargers can take anywhere from over night to a few nights to fully charge an EV. They're perfect for overnight charging.
• Fast DC Charging (50kW to 350kW): Known as level 3 charging, these are found at public charging stations. They can recharge an EV's battery from 10% to 80% in 20 to 60 minutes, making them perfect for long road trips.

When it comes to charging your Tesla at home you have two main options.

Charging from a power socket using a Tesla Mobile Connector

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🚀 Charging speeds: ~2.0 kW

⏲ Charging times (0 to 100%): 29 hrs to 38 hrs

Level 1 charging typically describes the slowest and most basic charging setup. In the case of a Tesla Model 3 or Y it would comprise the Tesla Mobile Connector (a portable charger) plugged into an existing powerpoint.

The average charge time using a standard 10 amp power socket will typically take between 29 hrs for the RWD variant and 38 hrs for the Long Range/Performance

Charging from a Tesla Wall Connector

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🚀 Charging speeds: ~7 kW

⏲ Charging times (0 to 100%): 9.5 hrs to 12.5 hrs

A Level 2 charger typically involves the installation of a fixed charging unit on the wall, connected to a dedicated power source, Tesla's version of this is referred to as the "Wall Connector". The installation of a Wall Connector will need to be completed by a licensed electrician. These will generally provide a higher power output resulting in faster charge times, approximately three times faster than a standard power socket.

The average charge time using a 7 kW Tesla Wall Connector (single-phase, 32 amps) will typically take between 9.5 hrs for the RWD variant and 12.5 hrs for the Long Range/Performance.

▶ MORE: Tesla Model 3 & Y Home Charging Guide

When it comes to Tesla public charging stations, they can be categorised into two main types; AC charging points (also known as 'Tesla Destination Chargers) and DC charging stations (also known as Tesla Superchargers). The main distinction between them is the way energy is accepted into the car which determines the charging speed.

Tesla Destination Chargers (DC)

🚀 Charging speeds: 11 kW

⏲ Charging times (0 to 100%): : 6.25 hrs to 8.15 hrs

Tesla Destination Chargers are often found in hotels and shopping centre car parks with access to three-phase power, meaning they will support AC charging speeds of up to 22 kW. But as noted earlier as the Tesla Model 3 and Y are limited by their onboard charging capabilities of 11 kw.

The average charge time using Tesla Destination Chargers (three-phase, 16 amps per phase) will typically take between 6.25 hrs for the RWD variant and 8.15 hrs for the Long Range/Performance

Tesla Superchargers (DC)

🚀 Charging speeds: 120 kW to 250 kW

⏲ Charging times (10% to 80%): 25 minutes to 32 minutes

These are commonly found at highway rest stops and shopping centres. Charging speeds range from 120kW (V2) to 250kW (V3). As noted earlier, the ability to make the most of these charger speeds will be dependant on the battery’s ability to take power. Check the capabilities in our EV database or refer to the table above.

It should be noted that for DC fast charging the maximum charge speed does not occur for the duration of the charge session. To protect the battery, the battery management system (BMS) limits the charge speed depending on several factors (battery type, state of charge, temperature) to minimise damage to the battery. By way of example, if a 2022 Tesla 3 RWD was to maintain is max charge limit from 10% to 80% it would take only 16 minutes to reach 80%, however due to the way the BMS takes the charge to protect the battery it takes 28 minutes.

▶ MORE: Best EV Charging Networks in Australia

▶ MORE: Are Tesla Superchargers worth it in Australia?

Key factors affecting charge speed include the following:

• Battery Size: Larger batteries naturally take longer to charge.
• State of the Battery: Charging from 50% is faster than from empty.
• Charging Rate of the Vehicle and Charging Point: Both the car and the charger have maximum rates they can handle.
• Environmental Conditions: Cold weather can slow down the charging process.

Calculate how long it will take to charge a Tesla.

➡️TRY: EV Charging Calculator