If you’ve never driven a Tesla or another electric car before, the idea of having to navigate using a charging station to “refuel” can be intimidating. But never fear, because TESPILA is here to walk you through the steps of how to charge a Tesla so you can be back on the road as fast as possible.
If you’re using public charging stations and you don’t know how to charge a rental tesla, you’ll need to have the Tesla app to make an account and enter a form of payment so you can pay for charging sessions.
Note that these charging instructions are for a Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, which we have in our US fleet. Charging at a Tesla supercharger station is slightly different, and you can see the estimated cost and duration of a charging session either at the charging station or in the Tesla app.
STEP 1: OPEN THE CHARGING PORT
There are several ways to open a Tesla charge port door. Park your Tesla and leave it unlocked or have your authenticated smartphone handy. You’ll find the charge port on the left side of the Model 3 or Model Y by the rear tail light. Then take the charging cable and press and release the button at the top to open the charge port door.
You can also open the door by going to Controls on the touchscreen in the Tesla, then press the Charge Port icon. Or press the bottom of the charge port door when the Tesla is unlocked.
Other options include using voice commands, or pressing down the rear trunk button on the Tesla key fob accessory for a couple of seconds.
Once the charge port door is open, you’ll need to plug in a charging cable within a few minutes, or the door will close again.
STEP 2: PLUG IN THE CHARGING CABLE
If you’re using a public charging station, look for the right adapter to plug into the Tesla, then connect that adapter to the station’s charging connector.
Once the connector is correctly inserted, charging will start automatically after a latch is engaged, the vehicle switches to park if it’s not already, and the battery heats or cools if necessary.
If charging doesn’t immediately start, it’s likely due to one of these reasons. Tesla also recommended a charge limit for their vehicles, you should keep it mind and follow it.
STEP 3: CHECK THE CHARGING STATUS
Teslas show different colored lights on the “T” to let you know how charging is progressing. Here is what you might see and what the colors and blinking patterns mean.
White:
The charge port door is open and the vehicle is ready to be charged.
Blue:
A charging connector has been plugged in.
Blinking blue:
The Tesla is either preparing to charge or has been scheduled to charge at a later time.
Blinking green:
Charging is in progress. The frequency of the blinking will slow as the Tesla nears being fully charged.
Green:
Charging is complete.
Amber:
The connector is not fully plugged in. Realign the connector and reinsert it into the charge port.
Blinking amber:
The Tesla is charging, but with a reduced current.
Red:
There is an error and charging has stopped. You can check the Tesla’s touchscreen to see what the error is.
During charging you can look at the top of the car status screen to see how much time is left, the battery charge level, how much range has been gained, driving distance and other information.
STEP 4: STOP CHARGING
To stop charging, the Tesla will need to be unlocked or in range of your authenticated phone. Then you can disconnect the charging cable or press “Stop Charging” on the vehicle’s touchscreen.
To disconnect the charging cable, press the button on the adapter handle to release the latch. When you remove the connector from the Tesla, the charge port door will automatically close. Press and hold the button on the adapter handle again to disconnect it from the public charging handle.
Charging your Tesla on the supercharger network
Not all Tesla owners have the option to install an in-home charging unit. And if you’ve just booked a Tesla from a Turo host, you don’t need one. That’s because Tesla built a global network of supercharger stations for Tesla owners but mostly user think that tesla won’t charge at supercharger. Here’s complete insights about it.
Tesla has also been partnering with companies like Wawa, a popular East Coast chain, to install more charging stations, making it more convenient for drivers to find a station.
HOW DO TESLA SUPERCHARGERS WORK?
Charging at one of Tesla’s charging stations does come with a cost. According to Tesla’s website, “owners are billed per kWh (kilowatt-hour), which is the most fair and simple method.
In other areas, we bill for the service per minute.” The price listed is $0.28 per kWh plus idle fees for cars left attached to the charging stations after charging is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I locate charging stations for my rental Tesla?
Most Tesla vehicles come equipped with a built-in navigation system that can guide you to the nearest charging stations. Additionally, you can use the Tesla mobile app or third-party apps like PlugShare to find charging locations.
What types of charging connectors do Tesla vehicles use?
Tesla vehicles in the United States typically use the proprietary Tesla connector, which is compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger network. However, Tesla vehicles also come with adapters for other types of charging connectors, such as J1772 and CHAdeMO.
Can I charge my rental Tesla at any charging station?
While Tesla vehicles can be charged at most public charging stations using adapters, the fastest charging speeds are typically achieved at Tesla Supercharger stations. Ensure you have the necessary adapters with you if planning to use non-Tesla charging stations.
How do I pay for charging my rental Tesla?
Payment methods vary depending on the charging station. At Tesla Supercharger stations, you can typically pay using the Tesla mobile app or by adding your payment information to your Tesla account. For other charging networks, you may need to sign up for an account or use a credit card at the station.
How long does it take to charge a Tesla rental?
Charging times vary depending on the type of charger and the current state of charge of the vehicle’s battery. Tesla Superchargers can provide a significant amount of charge in a short time, typically adding up to 200 miles of range in about 15-20 minutes.
Can I charge my rental Tesla overnight?
Yes, you can charge your rental Tesla overnight using either a standard wall outlet or a dedicated home charging station, often referred to as a “Tesla Wall Connector.” Keep in mind that charging times will be longer with a standard wall outlet compared to a higher-powered charging station.
What should I do if I encounter any issues while charging my rental Tesla?
If you experience any problems during charging, such as a charging error or difficulty connecting to the charging station, first try restarting your Tesla’s touchscreen system. If the issue persists, contact the rental company’s customer support for assistance.
Can I return the rental Tesla with a partially charged battery?
Rental companies typically expect vehicles to be returned with a similar level of charge as when they were rented out. Ensure the battery has enough charge to reach the nearest charging station or the rental drop-off location as specified by the rental agreement.
