In the UK, the Tesla Supercharging network is growing really quickly and provide a fast and reliable charge for your Tesla car.
So we are going to delve into the Tesla Supercharging Network and how to use them.
Tesla Supercharging Network
You’ll be seeing more and more of these Tesla Superchargers popping up over the coming years, with most motorway service stations in the UK having a Tesla Supercharger station hidden away at the back of the car park.
As of January 2021, there are over 600 chargers at 70 sites in the UK and Ireland, with 180 new stalls being added during 2020.
Who can use these charging points?
At the moment, Tesla’s Supercharger Network can only be used purely by Tesla vehicles. This includes the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model S and the Tesla Model X. The forthcoming Tesla Model Y will also be compatible with the Tesla charging network.
Tesla has made it clear, that it was open to sharing its Supercharger network with other manufacturers, as of today, not one of the car brands has agreed to this. So owners of other electric cars and plugin-hybrids can’t use the Tesla Supercharger Network.
Faster Charging
From March 2019, Tesla started to roll out the latest generation of superchargers, the V3. Offering a 250kWh charge into your electric Tesla, so less time at the charging stall. These have been rolling out across the UK starting with London Park Royal, and recently added to Tesla’s new Birmingham Showroom and Tesla Leeds.
How to use a Supercharger
Charging your Tesla with a Supercharger is really easy and can be much easier than some of the other public electric chargers in the UK.
Tesla’s screen or App can locate our nearest Supercharger, and its as simple as pulling up to the stall and plugging the car in.
A green light will flash on the Tesla to show that the charging has started and it also gives you time indications on the screen and within the app.
Tesla Supercharging Cable Types
Tesla Supercharging Stalls have two types of cable to use; Type 2 and a CCS Cable. Depending what Tesla you drive will depend on the cable used.
Tesla Model 3 uses the CCS cable and on the current model, the Tesla Model S and X use the Type 2 cable, this will change when we receive the updated Tesla Model S and Tesla Model X versions in the UK in 2023.
Charging Times
Tesla Superchargers are nice and quick, with most superchargers delivering at least 150kW meaning a charge to 80% can take as little as 30 minutes, depending on the model and weather conditions.
The V3 chargers are much quicker and you can add 75 miles of charge in 5 minutes, with rates of up to 1,000 miles per hour. This is based on the Tesla Model 3 Long Range version.
On the older generation of Superchargers, charging time can be reduced if someone is sharing the same series of chargers. You can work this out by looking at the numbers on the stalls. If you are parked in 1A and there is someone parked in 1B, this could have an effect on your charge time.
Other factors that can slow down charge times includes pre-conditioning of the battery, weather and the last 20% of the battery, will much slower to top-up than the first 20%.
How much does it cost to charge your Tesla at a Supercharger?
Some legacy models of the Tesla Model S or X come with unlimited charging on the Supercharger network, although without contacting Tesla, its difficult to work out which vehicles qualify.
For those that have to pay for the use of the Superchargers, you will currently pay 24p per kWh. So a Tesla Model S Long Range would cost you approx. £25 and a Tesla Model 3 Standard Range should cost approx. £15.
Billing is nice and simple, keeping a credit or debit card on your Tesla account, Tesla will automatically bill your card for the charging. You can check the price of the charge via your screen or via the app.
When buying a Tesla, it’s a good idea to order it via a referral link, this bags both parties a number of supercharging miles to use, once your car has been delivered.
Its really important not to just leave your car on charge, once it has finished. You could be liable to pay idel fees with a minimum fee of 35p per minute if the chargers are 50% occupied, rising to 70p per minute if they are 100% full.
Tesla Supercharger Locations
Most Tesla Superchargers are located at Motorway Services, which make those longer drives in an Electric Car really easy. When using the satellite navigation on your Tesla, the car will automatically take into account any stops you may need, along with the time you need to spend at the charger.
You can easily use your Tesla App to find the closest charger and send the directions to the car.
Tesla Destination Chargers
More and more Tesla Destination chargers are showing up in the UK. These are usually found at places such as car parks, hotels, Golf Clubs, etc. They offer a charge of between 7 and 22kW per hours, so much slower than the Superchargers, but convenient if you are staying in the location for a few hours.
More Information
If you would like more information about Tesla’s short-term contracts or long-term car leases, please get in touch with the team on 01332 290173 or use the Enquiry Form below.
The post Tesla Supercharging Stations in the UK appeared first on Cocoon Vehicles Ltd.
