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A Guide To Tesla Superchargers

Electric cars have plenty of benefits, not just the reduction in emission of harmful gases. One area for contention, though, is charging, and the time it takes to get a car ready to go again. That’s where Tesla superchargers come in, but what are they? How much does it cost to charge up? We’ve answered all the important questions, including how to find a supercharging station near you.

🔌 What is a Tesla supercharger?

🔌 Finding a Tesla supercharging point

🔌 How to use a Tesla supercharger

🔌 How much does a full charge cost on a Tesla supercharger?

🔌 Do I need to have a Tesla to use a supercharger?

🔌 A final word on Tesla superchargers

Two Tesla superchargers in a built up area.

What Is A Tesla Supercharger?

A Tesla Supercharger is an extra powerful charging station, much faster than the general electric charging points you might find at service stations.

Broken down by Tesla model type, here’s the charging times a supercharger offers:

  • Model S – 200 miles in 15 mins
  • Model 3 – 171 miles in 15 mins
  • Model X – 175 miles in 15 mins
  • Model Y – 150 miles in 15 mins

There are currently over 70,000 Tesla superchargers worldwide, and this number is only growing. Predominantly across America and Europe, the growth of chargers in the UK is continuing, although you’re much more likely to spot a supercharger closer to London than the north of England.

Hands holding up binoculars, with a blue colouring over.

Finding A Tesla Supercharging Point

If you have a route planned out, your Tesla will inform you of the best time and place to stop for a recharge. If you want to find a charging point yourself, you can use the Tesla app or ZapMap’s supercharging map and search by location.

Most superchargers will be open 24 hours a day, but nearby amenities might be shut depending on when you visit the charging point. Check closing times before making any trips though, as arriving to a shut supercharger could leave you stranded!

A close up of multiple electric car chargers in a line.

How To Use A Tesla Supercharger

Using a supercharger is easy. Simply drive up to a chosen bay, park your car, and approach the supercharging station. Place the charging connector into the vehicle charge port, which will light up green when charging has begun. You can monitor charging from the Tesla app on your phone; take a quick break, grab a coffee, and wait for your car to finish charging. As we mentioned earlier charging only takes around 15 minutes, so you’ll be back on the road before you know it.

A red model car on stacks of coins increasing in volume from right to left, representing car costs and finances.

How Much Does A Full Charge Cost On A Tesla Supercharger?

This varies based on the health of your battery, but generally it costs around £30-£40 for a full charge, making it slightly cheaper than petrol or diesel.

The total price will come down, too, if you have a Tesla membership. This costs around £10 a month and can help reduce the overall cost of a recharge by up to £5. If you’re someone who has to recharge away from home often, this may be a good option for you.

A red Tesla parked in a rural setting, with the number plate empty.

Do I Need A Tesla To Use A Supercharger?

Funnily enough, you don’t. Most electric cars can use a Tesla supercharger, although it will cost slightly more to use than if you had a Tesla. The price per KW/H won’t be much more, but it will add up to around £5-£10 more expensive. Nevertheless, you are guaranteed fast charging, making the extra price worth it.

A Final Word On Tesla Superchargers

Tesla superchargers are efficient and readily available for electric car users across the world. Using one is super simple, and charging can be completed in under 20 minutes. Payments are seamless, happening through the Tesla app, and they’re available to non-Tesla owners to pay at the charging point. When it comes to finding a charging point for your electric car, there are great free sites available online, like https://www.zap-map.com/ev-guides/public-charging-point-networks/tesla-network.

While Teslas aren’t currently available for finance with Marsh Finance, we do provide finance options to hybrid vehicles. If you’re interested, our easy-to-use form won’t hurt your credit score. Take a look at financing today.