Charging Your Tesla
Where can I charge my Tesla?
Renting a smart car is great for many reasons - one of the top reasons being you do not have to put in much work! Your vehicle will tell you on the navigation screen exactly where any and all chargers are. Your Tesla can be charged at any of the 40,000+ electric vehicle charging locations nationwide, Tesla, third-party and public locations.
LOCATING CHARGING STATIONS ON THE ROAD
Tesla Supercharger stations – the fastest charging option – will automatically appear on the navigation screen. To find all available charging stations:
● Tap the Navigation search bar, then select Charging;● Use voice command to ask the car’s navigation; or● Visit afdc.energy.gov or search the Tesla, Plugshare, or ChargePoint apps
HOW DO I OPEN THE CHARGE PORT?
The charge port is located near the driver’s side taillight. To open the charge port cover, use the touchscreen or push once on the cover. When using a Tesla charging station, press the charging station connector button and the cover will open. The charge port cover will close automatically when connector is removed.
HOW DO I CHARGE MY CAR?
To charge, remove the charging station connector from its dock, open the car’s charge port and insert the connector into the charge port. When charging is complete, press the connector button until the charge port logo turns white, then remove the connector and return it to its dock. Do not shake, jam, or shove the charger into the port, as that may result in costly damage. No payment is needed, all charging fees will be reimbursed from the security deposit.
PLUGGING IN AT A NON-TESLA STATION
Once the charge port cover is open, insert the charging station connector into the charge port. When charging at a non-Tesla charging station, you will need to connect a SAE J1772 adapter to the connector before inserting. Be sure to remember to remove the adapter from the charge port before leaving the charging station.
CHARGE PORT LOGO COLOR INDICATORS
The charge port logo will flash green while charging and be solid green when charging is complete. If the logo is yellow, unplug the connector and then plug in again. A red logo indicates an issue with the charging station. Move the car to a different dock and try again.
More things to know about charging
Does charging cost money?
Please remember to return your Tesla with its battery charged to at least 70%.
Although free public charging stations exist, most stations charge a fee based on kWH usage, charging time or percentage of battery charged. Just as gas prices fluctuate, charging fees vary from station to station.
If you charge at a Tesla network station, we’ll pass through your charging-related fees to the credit card you used to rent your Tesla.* And if you charge at a third-party charging station, just pay on the spot.
*See your EV Rental Terms to learn more.How do I know when the battery is done charging?
The touchscreen displays battery charge status, both percentage and time remaining, and will let you know when charging is complete. Additionally, the charge port logo and Tesla charging dock will display solid green. We highly recommend you set a timer on your phone, so you are prompt with removing your car from a charger once the charging is complete.
How far can I drive on a full charge?
Model 3 can travel up to 230 miles** on a full charge. Model Y can travel up to 330 miles** on a full charge. Regen braking, safe driving practices, outside temperature, terrain, and minimal accessory usage can affect your vehicle's driving range. The battery meter and range are displayed at all times on the touchscreen. You can also use voice command to ask for the battery charge status.
**EPA estimate according to Tesla, Inc. product specifications. Different classes of models vary in range.Can I stay in the vehicle while it charges?
You can remain in your Tesla while it charges, but turning the car on and utilizing features such as the Toybox, air conditioning or device charging will cause the car to charge at a slightly slower pace.
Can the battery die?
While not impossible, the chance of your Tesla running out of battery power is extremely unlikely. Monitor your charge, plan for your next charging station, and pay attention to car alerts to avoid a depleted battery. In the improbable event your battery dies, you be responsible for towing to a charging station. Allowing your battery to die can be harmful to the battery and costly to replace.
Do I need to return my Tesla with its battery fully charged?
No; however, we ask you return it with its battery charged to at least 70%. You will be charged $0.50 for every percent your vehicle is returned under 70%.
How do I pay for charging?
If you need to charge your car during rental, you may use a Tesla network charging station or a third-party charging station. If you opt for Tesla’s network, we’ll automatically pass through fees to the security deposit or from your card on file. If you use a third-party station, just follow the station’s prompts and pay on the spot – similar to how you’d pay for fuel at a gas station.
What type of fees will I incur during charging?
Beyond the cost of charging outright, you may incur parking or idle fees, depending on where you charge. Fees are determined by the type of charging station you use. Generally, you only pay for charging as long as you disconnect from the charging station and move your car as soon as your charging process completes. We highly recommend you set a timer on your phone, so you are prompt with removing your car from a charger once the charging is complete.
What are idle fees?
As demand is high for Tesla Superchargers, Tesla charges an idle fee for all Tesla owners or renters if they leave their cars connected to a charging station for a prolonged period once charging completes. Just make sure to disconnect once your car’s charged and move your car – freeing up the charging station for others – and you won’t incur an idle fee. Idle fees do not apply if your car is actively charging. To learn more about Supercharger idle fees, take a look here.