Tesla Destination Charger - Ultimate Guide
Tesla is known to have the largest charging network. This includes not only the well-known superchargers, but also the Tesla Destination Charger. These are 11kW charging stations that are intended for charging when you don't have time pressure.
According to Tesla, there are over 35,000 Tesla Destination Chargers in Europe. They are often found at hotels, lidos or convention centers. They serve the purpose that everyone can conveniently charge their Tesla at their destination after a long journey.
In this article we have summarized all information about Tesla Destination Charging for you. When you get to the end you know everything about the Destination Chargers, where to find them and how to use them.
- What are Tesla Destination Chargers?
- How does destination charging work?
- Where can I find Tesla Destination Chargers?
- Are Tesla Destination Chargers free?
- Who can use Tesla Destination Chargers?
- What is the difference between Tesla Destination Chargers and Superchargers?
What are Tesla Destination Chargers?
As is well known, Tesla operates one of the largest charging networks in the world. This includes not only the well-known superchargers, which are usually placed along motorways and charge very quickly with 250kW, but also the Tesla Destination Charger.
Tesla Destination Chargers are 11kW charging stations operated by Tesla partners at hotels, restaurants, museums and other locations. According to Tesla, there are over 35,000 such e-charging stations in Europe. These destination chargers are often free of charge.
These partners are typically business or property owners who choose to install a Tesla Wall Connector on their property for public use.
The purpose of the Tesla Destination Charger is to provide charging at destinations so that Tesla drivers can charge their Model S, 3, X or Model Y while staying at a hotel, eating out or visiting a museum.
Destination Chargers have a slower charging speed than Superchargers. They usually offer 11kW charging power. However, more is not needed, since the purpose of these charging stations is to let Tesla drivers charge for several hours or even overnight while pursuing other activities.
How does destination charging work?
The best opportunity to use a Destination Charger is when you are going to be in one place for a long time, e.g. at dinner in a restaurant or at an overnight stay in a hotel.
Since the destination chargers are usually normal Tesla wall boxes, the handling is very easy. All you have to do is drive to the charging station and plug in your Model Y or 3 using the Type 2 charging cable. You can then use the app to monitor the charging status and receive a notification when the charging process is complete.
Where can I find Tesla Destination Chargers?
Of course, Tesla wants to make it as easy as possible for its customers to find a charging station. This is no different with Destination Charging, you can easily find such a charging point by searching on your touchscreen in the vehicle.
To do this, simply tap on the screen in the navigation view. Then the charging icon appears on the right. Tap on it and then use the filter (the small lightning bolt icons) to search for 11kW charging stations (1 lightning bolt). This gives you the opportunity to enter longer routes in advance and plan your trip in detail.
You want to book a hotel that has a Destination Charger? Then you can also enter your destination on the Tesla website via this link, for example, and immediately find Destination Chargers on the interactive map.
Most public Tesla Wall Connectors can be found at hotels, restaurants, and resorts.
Are Tesla Destination Chargers free?
Basically, the idea behind the Wall Connectors installed in hotels and restaurants is, of course, to offer an additional service for Tesla drivers and thus attract Tesla drivers as customers. Accordingly, charging at these stations is free of charge in most cases.
However, there are also reports from users that 10-20% of operators charge a small fee for this. In the US, Tesla has started giving its charging partners the opportunity to also charge non-brand e-cars and collect money for them. It is therefore quite possible that there will be a hybrid model in the future: Tesla drivers can continue to charge their vehicles free of charge, drivers of other brands can use this option for a fee.
Who can use Tesla Destination Charger?
The idea behind this concept is simple in itself: Hotels and restaurants install a Tesla Wall Connector and are included as a location on the Tesla charging station map. This way they are visible to potential customers.
The operator of the Tesla Destination Charger provides parking space as well as wall connector and electricity. His goal is to win Tesla drivers as customers. This is also the reason why most of these charging stations are only available free of charge for Tesla drivers.
What is the difference between Tesla Destination Chargers and Superchargers?
Tesla's Supercharger network is probably the best charging network in the world. There are already 40,000 such superchargers worldwide. The big advantage of Tesla Superchargers is the charging speed. A Gen 3 Supercharger achieves a charging capacity of 250kW. For example, a Model 3 can be charged from 10 to 80% in just 20 minutes.
With such a high charging power, however, the battery is strained. Tesla has the best battery management system, which conditions the batteries so that the temperature is optimal for the high currents. Nevertheless, it is advisable to only charge the Tesla with fast chargers if necessary.
To ensure that the battery in Tesla Model 3 and Model Y loses as little range as possible over time, Tesla recommends charging the vehicles at 11kW charging stations whenever possible. Of course, we also have a guide for you on how best to preserve the battery. This is exactly where destination charging comes into play.
Tesla Destination Chargers offer the optimal charging power for overnight charging. But not only the battery is spared, but also the wallet. Depending on the location, superchargers now cost up to 50 cents/kWh, while destination charging is usually free.
Conclusion
If you want to go on vacation with your Model Y or Model 3, S or X and charge it conveniently upon arrival, then you now know exactly how to find Tesla Destination Chargers. Camping with the Tesla can also be realized in this way. If you would like to learn more about it, we have summarized all the information for you here .
