Owning an electric vehicle comes with learning a whole new lingo around charging and batteries. Tesla aims to make this transition as smooth as possible by offering a range of charging solutions tailored to different needs. In this post, we’ll break down Tesla’s various charging levels and what the kilowatt (kW) charging speeds actually mean.
- What kW charging rates are and how they affect the charging speed of your Tesla
- How kW charging rates vary depending on the type of charger, the state of charge, the temperature, and the time of day
- How to calculate the cost of charging a Tesla using the amount of energy used and the price per kWh
What are kW charging rates?
kW stands for kilowatt, which is a unit of power that measures how much energy is transferred per second. The higher the kW, the faster the charging speed. For example, a 10 kW charger can deliver 10 kWh (kilowatt-hours) of energy in one hour, while a 50 kW charger can deliver 50 kWh in the same time.
Tesla offers different types of chargers with different kW rates, depending on whether you charge at home or on the road. The main types of Tesla chargers are:
- Wall Connector: This is a home charger that you can install in your garage or driveway. It can deliver up to 11.5 kW of power, depending on your home’s electrical system. It can charge a Tesla Model 3 from 20% to 80% in about 6 hours.
- Destination Charger: This is a public charger that you can find at hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and other places where you might stay for a few hours. It can deliver up to 22 kW of power, depending on the location. It can charge a Tesla Model 3 from 20% to 80% in about 3 hours.
- Supercharger: This is a fast charger that you can find on highways and major roads, where you might need a quick boost of energy. The latest Tesla V3 Superchargers can deliver up to 250 kW of power, adding up to 200 miles of charge in just 15 minutes. That’s over 1,500 miles per hour of charge! Older V2 Superchargers top out at 150 kW, still adding nearly 1,000 miles of charge per hour plugged in.
How do kW charging rates vary?
The kW charging rates vary depending on several factors, such as:
- The type of Tesla model: Different Tesla models have different battery sizes and capacities, which affect how much energy they can accept and store. For example, the Tesla Model S has a larger battery than the Tesla Model 3, so it can take more power from a Supercharger.
- The state of charge (SoC) of the battery: The battery’s state of charge refers to how full or empty it is. The lower the state of charge, the faster the charging speed. The higher the state of charge, the slower the charging speed. This is because the battery needs to protect itself from overheating and degradation when it is near full or empty.
- The temperature of the battery: The battery’s temperature also affects its ability to accept and store energy. The optimal temperature range for charging is between 15°C and 35°C. If the battery is too cold or too hot, it will limit the charging power to prevent damage.
- The time of day: The time of day affects the cost of electricity, which influences the cost of charging. Depending on your location and your electricity provider, you may pay different rates per kWh during peak and off-peak hours. Peak hours are usually during the morning and evening when there is more demand for electricity. Off-peak hours are usually during the night and early morning when there is less demand for electricity.
How to calculate the cost of charging a Tesla?
The cost of charging a Tesla depends on two main factors: the amount of energy used and the price per kWh. To calculate the cost of charging a Tesla, you need to multiply these two factors together.
For example, if you use 50 kWh of energy to charge your Tesla at a Supercharger that costs $0.28 per kWh, you will pay $14 ($0.28 x 50) for that session.
To find out how much energy you use to charge your Tesla, you need to know your battery size and your state of charge before and after charging. For example, if you have a Tesla Model 3 with a 76 kWh battery and you charge it from 20% to 80%, you will use about 46 kWh of energy (76 x (0.8 – 0.2)).
To find out how much you pay per kWh to charge your Tesla, you need to know your type of charger and your electricity rate. For example, if you use a Wall Connector at home and your electricity rate is $0.15 per kWh, you will pay $0.15 per kWh for that session.
Here are some examples of how much it costs to charge a Tesla Model 3 from 20% to 80% using different types of chargers and electricity rates:
- Wall Connector at home: $6.90 ($0.15 x 46)
- Destination Charger at a hotel: $13.80 ($0.30 x 46)
- Supercharger on the road: $12.88 ($0.28 x 46)
Of course, these are only estimates and the actual cost may vary depending on your specific situation and location. You can use Tesla’s charging calculator to get a more accurate estimate based on your model, location, driving habits and electricity rate.
Conclusion
Tesla kW charging rates are an important factor to consider when owning and driving an electric vehicle. They affect how fast you can charge your battery, how much range you can get, and how much you pay for charging. By understanding how kW charging rates work and how they vary depending on the type of charger, the state of charge, the temperature, and the time of day, you can optimize your charging experience and save money on electricity.
Some sources for your perusal:
: How Much Does Supercharging a Tesla Cost? | Compare.com
: Charging Calculator | Tesla
: 2021 Tesla Model 3 LR AWD With 82 kWh Battery: Charging Analysis
: How Many kWh To Charge A Tesla: How Much Does It Cost You? – Motor Verso
: What’s The Average Tesla Charger Price in 2023 | Checkatrade
