Tesla Model S: Plugging In
If desired, use the touchscreen to change the charge
limit and the charging current (see Charge Settings).
To charge at a public charging station, plug the
appropriate adapter into the vehicle's charging port, and
then connect the station's charging connector to the
adapter. The most commonly used adapter(s) for each
market region are provided. Depending on the charging
equipment you are using, you may need to start and
stop charging using a control on the charging
equipment.
If you are using the Mobile Connector, plug into the
power outlet before plugging in Model S.
Align the connector to the charge port and insert fully.
When the connector is properly inserted, charging
begins automatically after Model S:
- Engages a latch that holds the connector in place;
- Shifts into Park (if it was in any other drive mode);
- Heats or cools the Battery, if needed. If the Battery
requires heating or cooling, you may notice a delay
before charging begins.
NOTE: Whenever Model S is plugged in but not actively
charging, it draws energy from the wall outlet instead of
using energy stored in the Battery. For example, if you
are sitting in Model S and using the touchscreen while
parked and plugged in, Model S draws energy from the
wall outlet instead of the Battery.
CAUTION: The connector end of the charge cable
can damage the paint if you drop it onto Model S.
Charge Port Light
- WHITE (OR LIGHT BLUE): The charge port door is
open. Model S is ready to charge and the connector is
not inserted, or the charge port latch is unlocked and
the connector is ready to be removed.
- BLUE: Model S detects that a connector has been
plugged in.
- BLINKING BLUE: Model S is communicating with the
connector. Either Model S is preparing to charge, or a
charging session is scheduled to begin at a specified
future time.
- BLINKING GREEN: Charging is in progress. As
Model S approaches a full charge, the frequency of
the blinking slows.
- SOLID GREEN: Charging is complete.
- SOLID AMBER: The connector is not fully plugged in.
Realign the connector to the charge port and insert
fully.
- BLINKING AMBER: Model S is charging at a reduced
current (AC charging only).
- RED: A fault is detected and charging has stopped.
Check the instrument panel or touchscreen for an
alert.
READ NEXT:
Charging status displays on the instrument panel when the charge port door is
open.
Time remaining: The estimated time remaining to charge to your set
limit.
NOTE: When charging to 100%, the
During charging, the charge port light pulses green, and
the touchscreen displays real-time charging status. The
frequency at which the green charge port light pulses
slows down as the charge level
Stop charging at any time by disconnecting the charge
cable or touching Stop Charging on the touchscreen.
NOTE: To prevent unauthorized unplugging of the
charge cable, the charge cable latch remains
SEE MORE:
Your Model S may be equipped with a cabin camera
located above the rear view mirror.
The cabin camera can determine driver inattentiveness
and provide you with audible alerts, to remind you to
keep your eyes on the road when Autopilot is engaged.
By default, images and video from the camera do
Wi-Fi is available as a data connection method and is
often faster than cellular data networks. Connecting to
Wi-Fi is especially useful in areas with limited or no
cellular connectivity. To ensure fast, reliable delivery of
software and map updates, Tesla recommends leaving
Model S connected t