Tesla Charging 101: Home vs Supercharger For Your EV

The typical American drives 13,474 miles (21,648 km) per year, according to Policy Advice, or slightly under 40 miles (64 km) a day. But too often, the discussion about Teslas and charging focuses on the need for long-distance driving.

In this article, we’re going to dive into the world of Tesla charging and explore the ins and outs of home charging vs supercharging.

From cost comparisons to charging time, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a Tesla newbie or a seasoned veteran, this charging 101 article is sure to have something for everyone. So buckle up, and let’s get charging!”

Is It Cheaper To Charge a Tesla at Home or With a Supercharger?

It’s much cheaper to charge a Tesla at home unless you have a pre-2017 model.

According to Car and Driver reports, in a year of driving, charging only on Superchargers would double the annual cost of “fueling” up their Teslas, which was estimated to be $2,500 a year. 

Americans report spending an average of $3,000 a year on gasoline, according to Value Penguin, so even a year of Supercharging would save a couple of hundred dollars. 

Compare that to the fuel costs Car and Driver reported without Supercharging—just over $1,300. 

The Difference Between Home Charging and a Tesla Supercharger

The difference between a Tesla Supercharger vs home charger is the power used. Homes supply AC power, so Teslas contain a built-in charger that converts the AC power from the plug into DC that’s stored in the batteries for future use. Superchargers bypass the conversion process by directly sending DC energy.

tesla-plugged-in-and-getting-an-electric-charge-at-the-supercharger
Think of a Supercharger as a giant AC-to-DC-conversion charger. Because the energy doesn’t need to be converted, the charging process is faster. It takes power directly from the power grid, and converts it to DC, dramatically speeding up the charging process.

Superchargers Vs. Destination Chargers 

Superchargers and destination chargers are different in speed of charge, user compatibility, and cost of use.

Here’s what you need to know about the Tesla destination charger vs Supercharger:

Superchargers are owned by Tesla, but destination chargers can be sold to businesses that aim to keep electric car owners at the “destination.” 

Who can use destination chargers and how much charging will cost depends on the charger’s location, but only Tesla drivers can use a Supercharger. 

A destination charger is essentially a Level 2 charger that’s installed so Tesla drivers can charge their cars. A company typically installs a destination charger in the hopes the driver will spend money at their site. 

This is the main difference between supercharger and destination charger.

As an added bonus to this article, I’ve created this easy-to-use charging calculator. Simply input your model, charging wattage, and charging percentage, and you will get the estimated time it will take to charge a Tesla in terms of hours. You can play around with numbers a bit just to see how charging time changes:

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For example, a restaurant might have a Destination Charger to encourage the driver to stop and buy a meal. The restaurant’s charger will be listed in Tesla’s network of stations. Drivers can use their in-car navigation to locate these chargers for their EV’s and make purchases at the destination. 

It’s up to the destination whether they’ll charge the driver. Some provide it as a free service to Tesla drivers, while others only charge non-patrons. Workplaces providing destination chargers are less likely to charge their employees for charging their EVs. 

The Destination Chargers are an essential component of the Tesla network. Without them, the Supercharger network would be unable to keep up with demand. 

Newer V3 Superchargers Vs. Older V3 Chargers

Tesla claims their V3 Superchargers will dramatically decrease charging time, but many drivers haven’t noticed a significant drop. Still, since V3 chargers don’t power share, your charging speed isn’t affected if another driver uses the same charging station.

Motor Trend tested a new V3 Supercharger to determine if Tesla’s claims the next generation of chargers was faster. They discovered that the V3 did charge more quickly, but the increase didn’t match Tesla’s claims of 50% faster charging time. 

This is partially due to battery limitations. Charging a battery too quickly damages the battery. As the battery is charged, incoming electrons have fewer places to go. In addition, the heat generated by this process can damage the battery. Therefore, the charging speed must slow down to protect the battery’s lifespan.

If you would like to find out more about Tesla Supercharging, feel free to give this related article a read. We covered the topic in detail.

black-tesla-charging-at-supercharger

However, a full charge isn’t necessary for most drivers. Instead, they charge enough to get to their destination—either home or the next charging station. In just 15 minutes, a V3 Supercharger adds 180 range miles (290 km). 

Tesla won’t add signage for a V3 charger, but the Tesla app indicates whether you’re pulling into a V2 or V3, and pricing remains the same. If you have lifetime free charging, Tesla will honor it.

And since Tesla is constantly updating firmware, standard Model 3s vehicles might be able to charge at 250 kW at newer V3 stations by the time you read this. 

Charging Tip: A colder batter takes longer to charge. To precondition the batteries to warm up, enter your Supercharger station in advance in your navigation system. 

To see the V3 Supercharger in action, check out this video:

The Difference Between a Level 1 and a Level 2 Charger

The most significant difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 charger is the electricity output. A level 1 charger runs on 110 volts, while a Level 2 runs on 240 volts. The additional voltage means a Level 2 device charges electric vehicles faster. 

The default EV charging option is Level 1. It operates with a standard power supply. Each Tesla includes level 1 charging equipment. 

All you do is connect your Tesla to a 120-volt regular AC outlet. This is the same outlet you plug most appliances into. If using Level 1 charging, you don’t need to change the wiring in your house. 

However, Level 1 is an extremely slow way of charging your vehicle. Typically, they’re powered at 12 or 16 amps and each hour of charging provides around 4 miles (6.43 km) range. Therefore, level 1 is the slowest charging option, commonly called “trickle charging.”

An overnight, eight-hour charge will get around 32 miles (51.4 km) range, depending on weather and other variables. If your commute is 15 miles (24 km) or less one way, an overnight charge will get you to work and back (with a grocery stop along the way).

But drivers typically charge up a long time over the weekend or head out to a Destination or Supercharger during the week, so the trickle charging is enough for most Tesla owners. 

electric-eco-friendly-tesla-charging-station-using-technology-tesla-car
Homeowners who have longer commutes can upgrade to Level 2 chargers. These chargers require a 240-volt outlet, like the ones a dryer or oven uses. If your house or apartment doesn’t have enough 240-volt outlets, an electrician is required to install one. They’ll verify if your home can handle an additional 240-volt outlet before proceeding. Photo @erimar via Twenty20

Charging Level 2 is much speedier than Level 1. For example, an hour of charging provides a 14 to 35 miles (22.5 to 56.3 km) range. Although it seems like you should opt for Level 2, consider the following: 

  • Installation costs can be steep, often a thousand dollars or more. 
  • The charger itself isn’t free. 
  • An overnight charge provides plenty of range for around town and work trips. 
  • Your workplace might provide a charger. 

Whether you opt for a Level 2 charger will depend on your budget and whether your driving habits necessitate it. 

Home Charging Station for a Tesla

You may need a home charging station for an EV if you drive longer commutes. Shorter commutes and the availability of Superchargers may significantly negate the need for a charging station. You must also factor in whether you want or can upgrade to a 240-volt outlet. 

If you plan to stick with Level 1, you do not need to buy a connector since they’re standard with all vehicles. The bundle includes the conductor, an adapter to plug into an outlet, and an adapter to plug into public charging stations.

Tesla encourages the purchase of a wall connector, but the advantage of a mobile connector is you can take it with you if you move. 

Tesla touts several reasons to upgrade to a Level 2 Wall Connector: 

  • Speed. Tesla claims charging speed can increase range up to 2 times, depending on the breaker amperage. 
  • Convenience. A Wall Connector can be linked to a home Wi-Fi network, enabling firmware updates, remote diagnostics, and control over which cars hooked up to the connector should be charged. In addition, up to 4 Wall Connectors can be linked from one circuit, which is excellent for people who have more than one Tesla.
  • Indoor or Outdoor. The Wall Connectors are designed so they can be mounted outdoors without damaging the connector or vehicle. 

Remember, however, you’ll need an electrician to add the connector to your wiring, as the electrical panel might not be able to handle a 50- or 60-amp breaker. Do not try to upgrade your power yourself.

Miles (Km) of range per hour of charge
Voltage/AmpsModel 3Model 5Model X
120/153 (4.8)3 (4.8)2 (3.2)
120/204 (6.4)4 (6.4)3 (4.8)
240/1511 (17.7)7 (11.3)5 (8)
240/2015 (24)11 (17.7)8 (13)
240/3022 (35.4)17 (27.3)14 (22.5)
240/5030 (48.2)23 (37)20 (32)
240/6044 (71)34 (55)30 (48.3)
Before making any decision, you need to know what your electrical system can handle, which is best done by an electrician.

Can I Install a Tesla Supercharger at My Home?

You can’t install a Tesla Supercharger at home, mostly because Tesla won’t sell them. Still, even if they were available for purchase, the financial downsides and installation process would likely deter you from doing so. 

Even if you could convince Tesla to sell you a Supercharger, the cost would be prohibitive. According to Electrek, a business owner in Sweden convinced Tesla to sell him a Supercharger due to the poor supercharger coverage in the region. Electrek estimated he paid a little less than the price of a new Model S. Which would you want—a Supercharger or a new Tesla? 

Another hurdle to jump would be installation. You may live in a county or city that doesn’t allow homeowners to install the electricity requirements for a Level 3 charger. Even if the jurisdiction does allow the installation of a 480-volt charger, the extra installation costs would be over $10,000 at a minimum. You could add a hell of a lot of Tesla accessories to your EV with that kind of money!

Finally, and most important, regular charging of a Tesla with Superchargers will degrade the batteries to the point they won’t be able to hold their charge as long. The battery management system of electric vehicles limits charging speed if the vehicle is charged too frequently at Superchargers. 

Luckily for Tesla owners, most use a combination of at-home and occasional Supercharging. 

How Much Does Your Electricity Bill Go Up With a Tesla?

How much your electricity bill goes up with a Tesla is negated by the costs saved in gasoline. For instance, the average American spends around $250 a month on gasoline, and an increase of $50 a month on your bill because of a Tesla means savings of $200 a month by no longer paying for gasoline. 

The estimates for how much you can potentially save vary from source to source. For example, Forbes estimated a 2020 Tesla Model 3 to have annual fuel costs of $500 while costs for a 2020 Honda Accord hover around $1,050. And Solar Reviews estimates that gasoline in a typical car comes out to $1,117 per year, while a Tesla would cost $485. 

Home Charging: The Convenience of Charging at Home

Owning a Tesla vehicle comes with a lot of perks, and one of the best things is the option to charge your car at home. With a home charger, EV drivers can charge their Tesla cars overnight or whenever it’s convenient for them, without having to worry about idle fees or finding a charging station.

This is especially useful for those who take short trips around urban areas in their EV or for those who want to avoid the high energy costs associated with charging at public stations.

Cost Savings: Why Charging at Home is Cheaper

Compared to public charging options, home charging is a cost-effective solution for EV drivers.

With a home charger, you can charge your EV at a slower charging speed, which can lower your electricity costs.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average cost of electricity in the United States is 13 cents per kWh, which means that charging a Tesla Model Y Long Range with a full battery capacity of 75 kWh would cost less than $10.

Additionally, some property managers and property owners offer free or reduced-cost electricity for EV charging, further reducing the costs for electric vehicle owners.

Going Green: The Environmental Benefits of Home Charging

Home charging also has the added benefit of being more environmentally friendly. By using a home charger, EV drivers can charge their Tesla cars using renewable energy sources such as solar panels. This not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with charging at public stations, but it also helps to support the growth of clean energy.

It’s important to note that if you’re planning on taking a road trip or a longer trip, you’ll need to plan for charging at a Tesla Supercharger station. With the Tesla Supercharger network expanding rapidly across North America, these charging stations are becoming more and more accessible, and they offer much faster charge rates than home charging. With the Model S Long Range and Model X Long Range, you can get up to 170 miles of charge in just 30 minutes.

Overall, home charging is a great option for those who primarily drive around urban areas and for those who want to save money on energy costs.

However, for longer trips or road trips, the Tesla Supercharger network is the best option for quickly charging your car’s battery.

How often should I charge my Tesla battery to maintain its health?

It’s recommended to keep your Tesla battery level between 20-80% as much as possible to maintain battery health, this also depends on the vehicle model and usage.

Does Supercharging my Tesla shorten its battery lifespan?

Supercharging your Tesla at a high rate will not shorten the battery life if you do it occasionally, but if you do it frequently it could affect the battery lifespan. Use a balance of both home charging and supercharging.

How Often Should I Perform Maintenance on My Tesla’s Home Charging Station?

Regular maintenance for your Tesla’s home charging station involves checking the cords, plugs, and overall cleanliness regularly. Ensure that the station is shielded from harsh weather conditions to prevent any potential damage.

These measures help maintain the longevity and safety of your EV charging equipment.

What Are the Key Factors to Consider Before Installing an EV Charger at Home?

Before installing an EV charger at home, consider your electrical capacity, installation location, and associated costs. Evaluate if your electrical system can support the charger and confirm if any local incentives are available for installing EV chargers.

These considerations ensure a smooth installation process and optimize the benefits of having a home EV charger.

EV Charging 101: Can I Charge My Vehicle From a Regular Power Outlet?

Yes, you can charge your EV from a standard power outlet, but it will be relatively slow. This method, known as Level 1 charging, is convenient for overnight charging but may not suffice for daily usage. Consider upgrading to a Level 2 charger for faster and more efficient charging.

How Can I Maximize the Lifespan of My Vehicle’s Battery When Using Fast Charging?

To maximize your vehicle’s battery lifespan during fast charging, avoid frequent rapid charging and maintain a balance between fast charging and regular charging.

Also, refrain from fully charging your battery frequently, and aim to keep it within the recommended 20-80% charging range for optimal battery health.

Are There Any Energy-Saving Tips for Home EV Charging?

Yyou can save energy by taking advantage of off-peak charging hours to benefit from lower electricity rates.

Additionally, consider utilizing renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to power your EV charging station.

These measures not only reduce energy costs but also contribute to a more sustainable charging solution.

What Safety Precautions Should I Consider When Using an EV Charger at Home?

When using an EV charger at home, ensure that your electrical system meets safety standards. Regularly inspect the charging equipment for any signs of wear or damage, and refrain from using unauthorized adapters or extension cords.

These precautions help prevent electrical hazards and ensure a safe charging experience for your EV.

How Does Cold Weather Affect Fast Charging Efficiency at the Charge Port?

Cold weather can slow down the charging efficiency at the charge port, leading to reduced charging speeds and overall range. To mitigate this, consider pre-conditioning the battery by using the car’s heating system before charging.

Additionally, park your EV in an insulated space or garage during colder temperatures to optimize charging performance.

Can I Use a Tesla Supercharger for My Non-Tesla EV?

Tesla Superchargers are specifically designed for Tesla vehicles and are not compatible with other EVs. However, various charging networks and stations cater to different EV models, providing convenient charging options for all electric vehicle owners.

What Are the Potential Benefits of Integrating a Smart Home System With an EV Charging Station?

Integrating a smart home system with an EV charging station allows for remote monitoring and control of the charging process.

You can schedule charging times during off-peak hours, monitor energy consumption, and receive notifications about the charging status, enhancing convenience and energy management for your EV.

How Can I Locate the Nearest Tesla Supercharger Stations During a Long Road Trip?

You can easily locate the nearest Tesla Supercharger stations along your route by using the Tesla mobile app. The app provides real-time information about station availability, charging speeds, and estimated charging times, ensuring a seamless and stress-free charging experience during your journey with your EV.


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Erwin Meyer
Erwin Meyer

A renowned Tesla enthusiast, and successful entrepreneur, enlightens global audiences through his compelling EV narratives. Discover more about his electric journey on his About Me page. Venture to read Erwin's incredible story that's reshaping the future of motoring. Want to spark a conversation with Erwin? Visit his Contact page, and let’s electrify the world together.