Energy Savings Calculator
0203 193 8888
0203 193 8888
Owning a Tesla is more than just a commitment to electric mobility—it's an opportunity to optimise how you charge your vehicle to enhance its performance and longevity. Charging efficiently is not merely about plugging in your Tesla whenever you have the chance; it involves understanding the best practices that can help maximise your range, maintain your battery’s health, and even reduce energy costs. Efficient charging can have a significant impact on the overall ownership experience, ensuring your Tesla is always ready to go when you need it.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to charge your Tesla efficiently, whether you’re at home, on the road, or using a Supercharger. We’ll delve into the technical aspects of Tesla’s battery system, discuss the best practices for home and on-the-go charging, and provide tips on how to get the most out of your vehicle’s battery. Let’s get started!
Tesla vehicles are powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries, which are known for their high energy density and long lifespan. Understanding the basics of your Tesla’s battery technology is crucial for optimising charging efficiency.
Each Tesla model comes with a specific battery capacity, typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The capacity determines how much energy the battery can store, directly influencing the vehicle's range. For example, a Tesla Model S Long Range has a larger battery capacity than a Model 3 Standard Range, resulting in a longer driving range.
The efficiency of your battery—how much energy it retains and how quickly it charges—can be affected by several factors, including temperature, charging habits, and the state of charge (SOC). Being aware of these factors can help you charge more efficiently and prolong the life of your battery.
Two key concepts in battery management are the State of Charge (SOC) and Depth of Discharge (DOD):
State of Charge (SOC): SOC represents the current level of charge in your battery as a percentage of its total capacity. Keeping your SOC within an optimal range is crucial for maintaining battery health. For most Tesla batteries, staying between 20% and 80% SOC is recommended for daily use.
Depth of Discharge (DOD): DOD refers to the percentage of the battery that has been discharged relative to its total capacity. A higher DOD means more of the battery’s capacity has been used. Regularly depleting the battery to low levels can accelerate degradation, so it’s advisable to avoid deep discharges whenever possible.
Understanding SOC and DOD helps you make informed decisions about when and how much to charge your Tesla, contributing to more efficient energy use and longer battery life.
Tesla’s batteries are based on lithium-ion chemistry, which has unique charging characteristics. For example, these batteries charge more efficiently at lower SOC levels—charging from 20% to 60% is usually faster and more efficient than charging from 60% to 100%.
The charging speed also slows down as the battery nears full capacity. This is why Tesla’s Superchargers, while extremely fast, taper off the charging speed as the battery reaches a higher SOC. By understanding these characteristics, you can plan your charging sessions to be more time-efficient and less taxing on the battery.
When it comes to home charging, Tesla offers a few different options, with the Wall Connector and Mobile Connector being the most popular. Choosing the right Tesla charger to install one depends on your specific needs:
Wall Connector: This is Tesla’s recommended charging solution for home use. It is capable of providing up to 44 miles of range per hour of charge, depending on your vehicle and electrical setup. The Wall Connector is hardwired into your home’s electrical system, offering a faster and more reliable charging experience compared to the Mobile Connector.
Mobile Connector: This portable charger comes standard with all Tesla vehicles and can be plugged into any standard outlet. While convenient for travel or as a backup, it charges more slowly than the Wall Connector, providing about 3 to 4 miles of range per hour when connected to a 120-volt outlet. If connected to a 240-volt outlet, it can deliver faster charging, though still not as quick as the Wall Connector.
Choosing the right charger for your home depends on how often you drive and your charging speed needs. For most Tesla owners, the Wall Connector is the better choice for daily home charging due to its speed and convenience. Make sure this is placed in the best place for your personal situation - for most people there are many considerations to take if you want to get an outdoor Tesla charger but it can make it a lot easier to use on a daily basis.
Charging your Tesla during off-peak hours can significantly reduce your electricity costs. Many energy providers offer lower rates during specific times of the day when demand for electricity is lower, typically overnight.
By scheduling your charging sessions during these off-peak hours, you can take advantage of these lower rates. Tesla’s charging system allows you to set a scheduled charging time through the mobile app, ensuring your vehicle charges during the most cost-effective periods.
For example, if your energy provider offers reduced rates from midnight to 6 AM, you can set your Tesla to begin charging at midnight. This not only saves you money but also reduces the load on the electrical grid, contributing to a more sustainable energy usage.
Scheduled charging is a feature that allows you to set a specific time for your Tesla to start charging. This is particularly useful if you want to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates or if you have a regular daily routine.
Setting up scheduled charging is simple:
Scheduled charging ensures that your Tesla is ready to go with the desired amount of charge at the right time. It also helps manage your energy consumption more efficiently, aligning your charging habits with your lifestyle and energy cost considerations.
Tesla’s Supercharger network is extensive, with stations strategically located to make long-distance travel convenient. However, not all Superchargers are the same. Charging speeds can vary based on the station’s capacity and your vehicle model.
When selecting a Supercharger, consider the following:
V2 vs. V3 Superchargers: V3 Superchargers are the latest generation, offering charging speeds up to 250 kW, which is significantly faster than the 150 kW maximum of V2 Superchargers. If you’re in a hurry, look for V3 Superchargers.
Station Capacity: Some stations can become crowded, especially during peak travel times. This can lead to reduced charging speeds as the available power is shared among multiple vehicles. If possible, choose a station with fewer vehicles charging to ensure you get the fastest possible charge.
Location: Some Superchargers are located near amenities such as restaurants, shopping centres, or rest areas. Choosing these locations can make your charging time more productive, allowing you to grab a meal or run errands while your vehicle charges.
Charging speed at a Supercharger depends on several factors, including the state of charge (SOC), battery temperature, and the station’s available power. Here’s how these factors come into play:
State of Charge (SOC): As mentioned earlier, charging is faster at lower SOC levels. If your battery is below 20%, you’ll experience the fastest charging speeds. However, as the battery nears full capacity, the charging speed slows down significantly to protect the battery from overcharging.
Battery Temperature: The battery needs to be within an optimal temperature range for efficient charging. In cold conditions, the charging process may start slowly as the vehicle heats the battery to the right temperature.
Station Power Availability: At busy times, the available power at a Supercharger station may be divided among multiple vehicles, leading to slower charging speeds. Choosing less busy times to charge can help you avoid this issue.
To maximise efficiency when using Superchargers, consider these tips:
Precondition the Battery: Use the ‘Navigate to Supercharger’ feature on your Tesla’s navigation system to precondition the battery en route to a Supercharger. This ensures the battery is at the optimal temperature for fast charging upon arrival.
Avoid Peak Travel Times: Charging during off-peak hours or at less busy stations can reduce your wait time and ensure faster charging speeds.
Charge to the Necessary Level: Instead of charging to 100%, consider only charging to the level needed to reach your destination or the next charging stop. This reduces the time spent charging and is more efficient overall.
Maintaining your Tesla’s battery health is essential for long-term efficiency and performance. Here are some best practices:
Avoid Frequent Full Charges: Regularly charging to 100% can stress the battery and accelerate degradation. For daily driving, aim to keep the SOC between 20% and 80%.
Minimise High DOD Cycles: Try to avoid letting the battery drop below 10% regularly. Low SOC levels can be harsh on the battery, especially if it’s stored at this level for extended periods.
Use Regular Charging Cycles: Frequent charging, rather than deep discharges, is generally better for lithium-ion batteries. Top off your battery regularly instead of letting it deplete completely before recharging.
Tesla recommends keeping the battery charged between 20% and 80% for regular use. This range provides a good balance between usable range and battery longevity. Charging above 80% or discharging below 20% should be reserved for specific situations, such as long trips.
Staying within this range helps minimise battery wear and maintains efficiency, ensuring your Tesla’s battery remains healthy over the years.
Temperature has a significant impact on battery efficiency and health. Extreme cold can reduce the battery’s ability to charge quickly and can decrease range, while extreme heat can accelerate battery degradation.
Here’s how to manage temperature effects:
Precondition the Battery: In cold weather, precondition the battery before driving to improve efficiency. This can be done through the Tesla app by setting a departure time or by using the ‘Navigate to Supercharger’ feature.
Avoid High Temperatures: Try to park in the shade or in a garage during hot weather to prevent the battery from overheating. The Tesla’s thermal management system will help, but avoiding extreme temperatures is best for long-term battery health.
When embarking on a long trip, efficient route planning is crucial to ensure you have access to charging when needed. Tesla’s navigation system makes this easy by integrating charging stops into your route based on your current SOC and the locations of Superchargers.
Plan your stops at Superchargers with amenities, and consider charging to only the necessary level to reach your next destination. This not only saves time but also keeps your battery within the optimal SOC range.
Tesla’s Trip Planner is a powerful tool for long-distance travel. It calculates the most efficient route, including the necessary Supercharger stops, based on your destination and current SOC. It also takes into account real-time traffic and weather conditions, adjusting the route and charging stops as needed.
By relying on the Trip Planner, you can ensure that your charging stops are optimally spaced, minimising the time spent charging and maximising your travel efficiency.
During long trips, efficiency is key to reducing downtime. Here are some tips:
Charge During Breaks: Plan your charging stops around meal breaks or rest periods. This allows you to charge while you’re taking care of other needs, reducing overall travel time.
Monitor Charging Progress: Use the Tesla app to monitor your vehicle’s charging status. This allows you to return to your vehicle as soon as it has charged enough to reach the next destination, avoiding unnecessary waiting.
Keep SOC Between 20% and 80%: As with home charging, try to keep the battery within this range during your trip. It’s more efficient and better for the battery.
Regenerative braking is a feature that allows your Tesla to recover energy that would otherwise be lost during braking. When you lift off the accelerator, the electric motor runs in reverse, slowing the car and converting kinetic energy back into stored energy in the battery.
This not only extends your driving range but also reduces wear on the traditional braking system. Regenerative braking is a key feature for improving overall efficiency.
Tesla allows you to adjust the level of regenerative braking through the vehicle’s settings. You can choose between ‘Standard’ and ‘Low’ settings:
Standard: Provides maximum regenerative braking, allowing for greater energy recovery and the potential for ‘one-pedal driving,’ where you rarely need to use the brake pedal.
Low: Offers a more gradual deceleration, which might be preferable for certain driving conditions or personal preference but recovers less energy.
For maximum efficiency, especially in urban driving, keep regenerative braking set to ‘Standard’ to maximise energy recovery and extend your range.
Incorporating regenerative braking into your everyday driving habits can have several benefits:
Extended Range: By recovering energy during braking, you can extend your range, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
Reduced Brake Wear: Since regenerative braking slows the vehicle without using the traditional brake pads, it reduces wear and tear on your braking system, potentially lowering maintenance costs.
Improved Energy Efficiency: Using regenerative braking optimally means you’re making the most of the energy your battery has already expended, improving overall energy efficiency.
Charging your Tesla efficiently is more than just a matter of convenience—it’s essential for maximising your vehicle’s performance and longevity. By understanding the basics of Tesla’s battery technology and following best practices for both home and on-the-go charging, you can extend your vehicle’s range, maintain your battery’s health, and enjoy a smoother, more efficient driving experience.
Whether you’re setting up scheduled charging at home, optimising your stops on a long journey, or taking advantage of regenerative braking, these tips will help you get the most out of your Tesla. Start implementing these strategies today and experience the benefits of efficient charging for yourself!
Back to Blog