Charging Instructions

Opening the Charge Port

The charge port is located on the left side of Model X, behind a door that is part of the rear tail light assembly. Park Model X to ensure that the charge cable easily reaches the charge port.

With Model X in Park, press and release the button on the Tesla charge cable to open the charge port door.

charge cable with an arrow pointing to the button.
charge cable with an arrow pointing to the button.

You can also open the charge port door using any of these methods:

  • On the touchscreen, touch the Charge Port icon (lightning bolt).
  • On the touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Charging > Open Charge Port.
  • Press the charge port door when Model X is unlocked and a recognized key is nearby.
  • 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). You can also use voice commands to close the charge port door, and begin or stop charging.
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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.
vehicle with the charge port open
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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.
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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.
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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).

If you are using the Mobile Connector, plug into the power outlet before plugging in Model X.

Align the connector to the charge port and insert fully. When the connector is properly inserted, charging begins automatically after Model X:

  • Engages a latch that holds the connector in place;
  • Shifts into Park (if it was in any other drive mode);
  • Heats or cools the Battery, if needed. If the Battery requires heating or cooling, you may notice a delay before charging begins.
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Note
Whenever Model X is plugged in but not actively charging, it draws energy from the charging equipment instead of using energy stored in the Battery. For example, if you are sitting in Model X and using the touchscreen while parked and plugged in, Model X draws energy from the charging equipment instead of the Battery.

In some cases when Model X is plugged in but using very little energy, however, it may draw it directly from the Battery. For example, if you leave Model X plugged in for several days without using it, it may gradually draw a small amount of energy directly from the Battery to support vehicle systems.

Once the Battery discharges enough, it starts charging to reach the limit again. Depending on when you check, the Battery may not have discharged enough yet to trigger a charge cycle. As a result, it may be slightly under the charge limit even after being plugged in for a long period. This is normal, and Model X will start charging again once it has discharged enough. Alternatively, to start a new charge cycle manually, unplug and then plug in Model X.

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CAUTION
The connector end of the charge cable can damage the paint if you drop it onto Model X.

Charge Port Light

After you insert a charge cable into Model X, wait a few seconds and confirm that the charge port light begins blinking green and that your vehicle is charging. If the light is amber or red, troubleshoot the issue before you leave to ensure a successful charging session.

  • WHITE (OR LIGHT BLUE): The charge port door is open. Model X is ready to charge and the connector is not inserted, or the charge port latch is unlocked and the connector is ready to be removed.
  • BLUE: The charger is connected, but Model X is not charging (such as when scheduled charging is active).
  • BLINKING BLUE: Model X is communicating with the charger, but has not started charging yet (such as when your vehicle is preparing to charge).
  • BLINKING GREEN: Charging is in progress. As Model X approaches a full charge, the frequency of the blinking slows.
  • SOLID GREEN: Charging is complete.
  • SOLID AMBER: The connector is not fully plugged in. Realign the connector to the charge port and insert fully.
  • BLINKING AMBER: Model X is charging at a reduced current (AC charging only).
  • RED: A fault is detected and charging has stopped. Check the instrument panel or touchscreen for an alert.

Charging Status

Charging status displays on the instrument panel when the charge port door is open.

Screen shot of the charging status with callouts added.
  1. Driving distance: Displays the total estimated driving distance or energy percentage (depending on your display setting) available.
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    Note
    To change how energy units are displayed, touch Controls > Display > Energy Display.
  2. Charge status: Charge status messages (such as Supercharging, Scheduled Charging) display here (see Scheduled Precondition and Charge).
  3. Time remaining: The estimated time remaining to charge to your set limit (see Charge Settings).
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    Note
    When charging to 100%, the vehicle may continue to charge with low power when charging is displayed as complete. This is expected operation. Because the added energy beyond this point is low, it is usually not beneficial to continue charging.
  4. Charging rate: The current charging speed that the vehicle is charging.
  5. Range gained: Estimated increase in driving distance achieved in the charging session.
  6. Charging: The current power of the charger.
    A gray circle with the number 3 insideIf connected to a 3-phase power supply (if applicable in your region), the available current represents the current per phase and the 3-phase symbol displays.

During Charging

During charging, the charge port light pulses green, and the instrument panel displays real-time charging status. The frequency at which the green charge port light pulses slows down as the charge level approaches full. When charging is complete, the light stops pulsing and is solid green.

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Note
If Model X is locked, the charge port light does not light up.

If the charge port light turns red while charging, a fault is detected. Check the instrument panel or touchscreen for an alert describing the fault. A fault can occur due to something as common as a power outage. If a power outage occurs, charging resumes automatically when power is restored.

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Note
It is normal to hear sounds during charging. Particularly at high currents, the refrigerant compressor and fan operate as needed to keep the Battery cool.
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Note
Air conditioning performance is generally not affected by charging. However, in some circumstances (for example, charging at high currents during a particularly warm day), the air coming from the vents may not be as cool as expected and a message displays on the instrument panel. This is normal and ensures that the Battery stays within an optimum temperature range while charging to support longevity and optimum performance.
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Warning
Never spray liquid at a high velocity (for example, a pressure washer) towards the charge port while charging. Doing so can result in serious injury or damage to the vehicle, charging equipment, or property.

Stopping Charging

Stop charging at any time by disconnecting the charge cable or touching Stop Charging on the touchscreen.

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Note
To prevent unauthorized unplugging of the charge cable, the charge cable latch remains locked and Model X must be unlocked or able to recognize your key before you can disconnect the charge cable.

To disconnect the charge cable:

  1. Press and hold the button on the connector handle to release the latch.
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    Note
    You can also release the latch using the touchscreen or mobile app, or by pressing and holding the rear trunk button on the key fob. If your vehicle is equipped with a motorized charge port, you can also press the button to the left of the charge port to release the latch.
  2. Pull the connector from the charge port.
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Note
You can also close the charge port door using any of these methods:
  • On the touchscreen, touch the Charge Port icon (lightning bolt) on the car status overview.
  • On the touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Charging > Close Charge Port.
  • Use voice commands to close the charge port door (see Voice Commands).

To disconnect the charge cable when using an adapter at a public charge station:

  1. Unlock Model X.
  2. While holding the public charging handle in one hand and the adapter in the other hand, press and hold the button on the public charging handle and pull both outwards, removing the handle and adapter at the same time.
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    Note
    If the charging station handle separates from the adapter, leaving the adapter in Model X, use the touchscreen to unlock the charge port.
  3. Press and hold the button on the charging handle again to release the adapter from the public charging handle.
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Note
You can also close the charge port door using any of these methods:
  • On the touchscreen, touch the Charge Port icon (lightning bolt) on the car status overview.
  • On the touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Charging > Close Charge Port.
  • Use voice commands to close the charge port door (see Voice Commands).
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CAUTION
Tesla strongly recommends leaving Model X plugged in when not in use. This maintains the Battery at the optimum level of charge.

Charge Settings

Access charge settings by touching Controls > Charging when Model X is in Park. You can also touch the charge icon on the touchscreen to access charge settings.

Vehicle and charge settings
  1. Driving distance: Displays the total estimated driving distance available.
  2. Set limit: Adjust the charge slider to the level of charging you want. The setting you choose applies to immediate and scheduled charging sessions.
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    Note
    Tesla recommends limiting the Battery's full charge level to below 90% for Daily use and charging to 100% only if needed for a long Trip.
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    Note
    A portion of the battery image may appear blue. This indicates that a small portion of the energy stored in the battery is not available because the battery is cold. This is normal and no reason for concern. When the battery warms up, the blue portion no longer displays.

    Slide the charge limit past the daily recommended charge limit for a pop-up option to temporarily charge above the daily recommended limit for one-time only. This is helpful for long trips and, if selected, resets back to the previous charge limit.

You can further adjust charge settings:

  • Charge current at this location: The current automatically sets to the maximum current available from the attached charge cable, unless it was previously reduced to a lower level. If needed, touch - or + to change the current (for example, you may want to reduce the current if you are concerned about overloading a domestic wiring circuit shared by other equipment). It is not possible to set the charging current to a level that exceeds the maximum available from the attached charge cable. When you change the current, Model X remembers the location. If you charge at the same location, you do not need to change it again.

    When charging using the Mobile Connector with domestic outlets, your vehicle may automatically select a default charge current. Override this default current to a higher setting by customizing Charge Current at this location or through the mobile app.

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    Note
    For 3-phase charging, the available current represents the current per phase (up to 24A). During charging, the right status flag displays the 3-phase symbol in front of the displayed current.
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    Note
    If Model X is charging and detects unexpected fluctuations in input power, the charging current is automatically reduced by 25%. For example, a 16 amp current is reduced to 12 amps. This automatic current reduction increases robustness and safety in situations when an external problem exists (for example, a home wiring system, receptacle, adapter or cord is unable to meet its rated current capacity). As a precaution, when Model X automatically reduces current, it saves the reduced current at the charging location. Although you can manually increase it, Tesla recommends charging at the lower current until the underlying problem is resolved and the charging location can provide consistent power.
  • Open Charge Port, Unlock Charge Port and Stop Charging: When not charging, touch Open Charge Port or Unlock Charge Port to open the charge port door or to unlock the charge cable from the charge port. Use Stop Charging when you are finished charging.
  • Schedule: Displays the precondition and charging schedule. You can create a precondition or charge schedule for your saved home and work locations, or your current location (see Scheduled Precondition and Charge).
  • Supercharging: Displays Supercharger usage fees, the location, the time that charging started, and a cost estimate for the session (see Supercharger Fees).
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    Note
    To reduce congestion at high-usage Supercharger sites, you may be limited to a maximum charge of 80% when not using Trip Planner (if available in your market region). See Trip Planner).

Supercharger Fees

When charging at a Tesla Supercharger, information about the charging session displays at the bottom of the charging screen. This includes the location, the time that charging started, and a cost estimate for the session. When you stop Supercharging, the estimated cost of the session displays until a new Supercharging session begins. If free charging is applicable, the estimated cost displays as zero.

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Note
Estimated cost may not reflect the final cost of the Supercharging session. Final pricing for Supercharging sessions can be found in your Tesla account.

When charging at a Tesla supercharger, you are subject to idle fees. Idle fees are designed to encourage drivers to move their vehicle from the Supercharger when charging is complete. Idle fees are in effect only when half or more of the Superchargers at a site are occupied. The Tesla mobile app notifies you when charging is almost complete, and again when charging is complete. Additional notifications are sent if idle fees are incurred. Idle fees are waived if you move your vehicle within five minutes of when charging completed.

Log into your Tesla account to view fees and details about Supercharger sessions, track the remaining balance of free credits, set up a payment method, and make payments. Once a payment method is saved, fees are automatically paid from your account.

Third Party Chargers

Depending on market region, vehicle configuration, etc., all Tesla vehicles have a North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port, which is a charging system developed by Tesla that is quickly becoming more popular at third party charging stations. These stations feature an NACS connector and don't require a separate adapter.

While all Tesla vehicles can charge on Tesla stations (such as a Supercharger, Wall Connector, or Mobile Connector), your vehicle may not have the hardware needed to use some NACS third-party DC fast charging stations. In other words, the connector may look compatible, but when you plug it into Model X, your vehicle does not charge. This is because Model X needs to also support a CCS communication protocol (a commonly used charging system for some third party chargers) in order to charge at third-party DC fast chargers with NACS connector.

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Note
An adapter is required to charge at third-party stations with a CCS connector and your vehicle's hardware may need a retrofit to support CCS communication protocol.

To see if your vehicle can already communicate with CCS, navigate to Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information > CCS and 3rd-party NACS DC Fast Charging Support:

CCS charger:
NACS charger:
  • Enabled: Model X supports the CCS communication protocol and can charge at any CCS station (adapter required) and third party NACS station.
  • Not enabled: Your vehicle currently does not support the CCS communication protocol for NACS and CCS charging stations. Use the mobile app to see if you are eligible to schedule a service appointment to enable this through a hardware retrofit. Availability of this retrofit may vary.
  • Not compatible: Model X cannot support the CCS communication protocol and cannot charge at third party NACS or CCS charging stations.

Manually Releasing Charge Cable

If the usual methods for releasing a charge cable from the charge port (using the charge handle release button, touchscreen, or mobile app) do not work, try pressing and holding down the rear trunk button on the key fob for 1-2 seconds. If it still doesn't release, carefully follow these steps:

  1. Ensure that Model X is not actively charging by displaying the charging screen on the touchscreen. If necessary, touch Stop Charging.
  2. Open the rear trunk.
  3. Pull the charge port's release cable downwards to unlatch the charge cable.
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    Warning
    Do not pull the release cable while simultaneously attempting to remove the charge cable from the charge port. Always pull the release cable before attempting to remove the charge cable. Failure to follow these instructions can result in electric shock and serious injury.
    release cable with an arrow pointing down.
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    Note
    The release cable may be recessed within the opening of the trim.
  4. Pull the charge cable from the charge port.
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CAUTION
Use the release cable only in situations where you can not release the charge cable using the usual methods. Continuous use can damage the release cable or charging equipment.
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Warning
Do not perform this procedure when your vehicle is charging, or if any orange high voltage conductors are exposed. Failure to follow these instructions can result in electric shock and serious injury or damage to the vehicle. If you are uncertain as to how to safely perform this procedure, contact your nearest Service Center.

Charging Best Practices

  • Avoid allowing the Battery to get too low (the Battery icon turns yellow when the capacity remaining in the Battery drops to 20% or below).
  • Refer to the information on the vehicle touchscreen (navigate to Controls > Charging) or the mobile App (touch the Charging icon) for recommended daily and trip charging limits.
  • After you plug in your vehicle, confirm that the charge port light begins blinking green (indicating that Model X is charging) before you walk away. If Model X does not begin charging after a few seconds, the connector may not be fully inserted into the charge port, or there may be an issue preventing charging. Check the touchscreen for an alert with more information.
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    Note
    If the charge port light begins blinking amber, Model X is charging at a reduced current. If the charge port light is solid blue, the charger is connected but the vehicle is not charging (such as when a charge is scheduled). For more information, see Charge Port Light.
Fast charging tips:
  • Find fast chargers by filtering for three lightning bolts in the navigation search bar.
  • Navigate to fast chargers to allow for preconditioning of the high voltage Battery. An optimal Battery temperature can help speed up charging.
  • Typically, a lower state of charge results in faster charging.
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    Note
    It is your responsibility to monitor your vehicle's charge at all times. Do not wait until the vehicle is discharged to plug it in. Always ensure you have more than enough charge to safely get to a charger.
  • At Superchargers, leave some space between other vehicles, as neighboring stalls may share power.