How to Save Money While Charging Your Tesla at a Station

If you own a Tesla, you know how important it is to keep the battery charged. However, charging your vehicle at Tesla Supercharger stations can be quite costly. But don't worry, there are ways to save money while charging your Tesla. In this article, we'll be discussing tips and tricks to help you reduce the cost of charging at a Tesla station.

Summary:

1. Use Tesla's Trip Planner

One of the best ways to save money while charging your Tesla is to use Tesla's trip planner. The trip planner is a useful tool that helps you find the most efficient route for your trip. It also shows you where the Supercharger stations are located along the way, so you can plan your charging stops accordingly.

• The trip planner takes into account factors like elevation changes and weather conditions, so you can optimize your trip for maximum efficiency.
• It can also help you avoid long waiting times at busy Supercharger stations, by suggesting alternate routes or charging stops.

2. Charge During Off-Peak Hours

Tesla Superchargers charge different rates depending on the time of day. Charging during peak hours can be very expensive, so it's best to charge your Tesla during off-peak hours. These are typically late at night or early in the morning when demand is low.

• Charging during off-peak hours can save you anywhere from 20-40% on your charging bill. That's a significant saving!
• You can also use Tesla's app to monitor the charging rates at various Tesla stations. This will give you an idea of when the best time to charge your vehicle is.

3. Plan Your Charge Stops

Another way to save money while charging your Tesla is to plan your charge stops in advance. This will help you avoid unnecessary charging stops, which can add up quickly.

• Use Tesla's trip planner to determine the best charging stops for your journey.
• Avoid charging your vehicle to 100% unless necessary. Charging your Tesla to 100% can be quite expensive and can also damage the battery over time.
• Try to charge your vehicle to around 80%, which is sufficient for most journeys. This will help you save money on charging costs and also prolong the life of your battery.

4. Use Destination Charging

Tesla Destination Chargers are another great way to save money on charging costs. These are chargers that are installed at popular destinations like hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers.

• Destination chargers are usually free to use, which means you can charge your vehicle for free while you enjoy a meal, shop or relax.
• You can locate Tesla Destination Chargers using the Tesla app. Make sure to check-in with the location to ensure that the chargers are still available for use.

Key Takeaways

Charging your Tesla can be quite expensive, but there are many ways to save money while charging. Use Tesla's trip planner to optimize your route and charging stops, charge during off-peak hours, plan your charge stops in advance, and use Tesla Destination Chargers wherever possible. By following these tips, you can save hundreds of dollars on charging costs each year.

Lastly, as of 2020, there are more than 1,800 Supercharger stations globally and over 16,000 individual Superchargers.