TESLA Model S Charging Instructions
- June 12, 2024
- Tesla
Table of Contents
TESLA Model S Charging Instructions
Opening the Charge Port
The charge port is located on the left side of Model S, behind a door that is part of the rear tail light assembly. Park Model S to ensure that the charge cable easily reaches the charge port.
With Model S unlocked (or a recognized key is within range) and in Park, press and release the button on the Tesla charge cable to open the charge port door.
NOTE: If the charge cable is close to the charge port door, you can press
the button on the charge cable to open the charge port door even when Model S
is locked or a recognized key is not within range.
You can also open the charge port door using any of these methods:
- On the touchscreen, touch Controls and touch the Charge Port icon (lightning bolt).
- On the touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Charging > Open Charge Port.
- Press the charge port door when Model S is unlocked.
- On the key fob, hold down the rear trunk button for 1-2 seconds.
- Use voice commands to open the charge port door (see Voice Commands on page 145). You can also use voice commands to close the charge port door, and begin or stop charging.
NOTE: The following image is provided for demonstration purposes only.
Depending on market region and date of manufacture, your charge port may be
slightly different.
NOTE: The charge port lights up white when you open the charge port door. If you do not insert a charge cable into the charge port within a few minutes after opening the charge port door, the charge port door closes. If this happens, use the touchscreen to open the charge port door again.
NOTE: In extremely cold weather or icy conditions, it is possible that your charge port latch may freeze in place. In cases where you cannot remove or insert the charge cable, or the vehicle is not Supercharging due to the latch being frozen in place, use your Tesla mobile app to precondition your vehicle on HI for approximately 30-45 minutes (you must use your mobile app to precondition the vehicle; setting your climate to HI using the touchscreen is not effective). This can help thaw ice on the charge port latch so the charge cable can be removed or inserted.
CAUTION: Do not try to force the charge port door open.
Plugging In
If desired, use the touchscreen to change the charge limit and the charging current (see Charge Settings on page 166).
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);
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