One of the biggest questions new Tesla owners have is: how long does it take to charge at home? While charging at public Superchargers gets all the hype, most Tesla drivers charge overnight in their own garage or driveway—and it’s often the most convenient and affordable way to power your car.
But charging times vary widely depending on the model, charger type, and even your home’s electrical setup. Let’s break it all down so you know exactly what to expect.
🔌 Tesla Home Charging Options
Before we dive into how long it takes, it’s important to understand your charging options at home:
1. Level 1 Charging (Standard Wall Outlet – 120V)
- Plug into any standard household outlet
- Adds about 2–3 miles of range per hour
- Best for emergency use or very low-mileage drivers
2. Level 2 Charging (240V Outlet or Tesla Wall Connector)
- Requires a dedicated 240V outlet or installed Tesla Wall Connector
- Adds 20–44 miles of range per hour depending on amperage
- Most common home charging setup for daily use
⚡ How Long Does It Take to Charge Each Tesla Model?
Charging times depend on two main factors:
- Battery size (varies by Tesla model and trim)
- Charging speed (depends on amperage and voltage at home)
Here’s a breakdown for each current Tesla model using both Level 1 and Level 2 charging:
🚗 Tesla Model 3
Battery Capacity: ~50–82 kWh depending on trim
Level 1 (120V):
- ~3–4 days from empty to full
Level 2 (240V): - Standard Plus: ~8–10 hours
- Long Range/Performance: ~10–12 hours
🚙 Tesla Model Y
Battery Capacity: ~75–81 kWh
Level 1 (120V):
- ~3–4 days
Level 2 (240V): - Long Range: ~10 hours
- Performance: ~11 hours
🚘 Tesla Model S
Battery Capacity: ~100 kWh
Level 1 (120V):
- ~4–5 days
Level 2 (240V): - ~12–15 hours
🛻 Tesla Model X
Battery Capacity: ~100 kWh
Level 1 (120V):
- ~4–5 days
Level 2 (240V): - ~12–15 hours
🚀 What About Tesla Wall Connectors?
Tesla’s Wall Connector is the fastest home charging option and can deliver up to 44 miles of range per hour depending on your circuit and model.
Here’s a quick look at Wall Connector speeds:
- Model 3: Up to 44 mi/hr
- Model Y: Up to 42 mi/hr
- Model S/X: Up to 40 mi/hr
That means a full overnight charge is easily achievable for most drivers—even with large battery packs.
🏠 What Affects Charging Time at Home?
Several home-related factors can affect how long your Tesla takes to charge:
1. Amperage of Your Circuit
- A 50-amp circuit charges faster than a 30-amp one.
- Tesla recommends a 240V / 60A circuit for optimal home charging.
2. State of Charge
- You rarely charge from 0% to 100%.
- Most drivers “top off” from 30–80%, reducing total time needed.
3. Charger and Adapter Used
- The NEMA 14-50 outlet offers fast Level 2 speeds.
- The Tesla Mobile Connector is slower than the Wall Connector.
🕒 Real-World Example: Overnight Charging
Let’s say you drive a Model Y Long Range and get home with 40% battery left. Using a 240V outlet:
- Charging from 40% to 90% (~37 kWh)
- At 32 amps: around 6 hours
- Plug it in by 10 p.m., and it’s ready well before morning
No gas station needed, no waiting in line—just plug in and go.
💸 How Much Does It Cost to Charge a Tesla at Home?
In the U.S., electricity costs vary, but the national average is around $0.15 per kWh. For a Model 3 Standard Range (~50 kWh full charge), that’s about:
- $7.50 to fully charge
- Works out to about 3–4 cents per mile
Compare that to $4–$6 per gallon for gas, and home charging becomes a serious money-saver.
FAQs
1. Is it okay to charge my Tesla to 100% every night?
For daily driving, Tesla recommends charging to 80–90% to preserve battery health. Charging to 100% is fine occasionally (e.g., before a road trip), but avoid doing it every night.
2. Can I use a regular outlet long-term?
Technically yes, but Level 1 charging is extremely slow. It works if you drive less than 30 miles a day, but Level 2 is strongly recommended for full-time use.
3. Do I need a professional to install a Wall Connector?
Yes. Tesla recommends using a certified electrician to install a Wall Connector or 240V outlet. Installation costs vary based on your home’s wiring and panel setup.
Final Thoughts
Charging a Tesla at home is easy, affordable, and convenient. With a proper Level 2 setup or Tesla Wall Connector, you’ll wake up every morning to a “full tank”—no gas station required.
Depending on your model and setup, expect home charging to take anywhere from 8 to 15 hours from empty to full. But most of the time, you’re just topping off from 30–70%, which takes just a few hours overnight.