What EV Charger Do You Need for a 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid?
Plugging into a 48 amp Level 2 charger fills the 116.4 kWh battery from empty in 10.1 hours. That pace easily covers a standard overnight window. You need a 48 amp EVSE to hit this vehicle's top AC rate. A professional electrician is required for the install.
The numbers
| Maximum AC charging rate | 11.5 kW (48 A) |
|---|---|
| Charger size to buy | 48 A |
| Circuit breaker required | 60 A |
| Outlet / connection | hardwired (a 48 A EVSE must be hardwired -- no household receptacle is rated for it) |
| Charge port | NACS |
| Full charge on Level 2 | about 10.1 hours |
| Range added per hour (Level 2) | about 34 miles |
| Full charge on a 120 V outlet | about 81 hours |
| Range added per hour (120 V) | about 4.3 miles |
| EPA rated range | 348 miles |
| Energy for a full charge | about 116.4 kWh at the wall |
Why 48 amps and not more
The car accepts a maximum of 48 amps at 11.5 kW. Buying a larger charging unit brings zero benefit because the onboard charger limits intake. Pumping fewer amps into the port only slows down the process. Stick to the 48 amp target. It matches the vehicle design exactly.
What the install involves
The feed requires a 60 amp breaker. Local codes forbid wall receptacles at this amperage level. Hardwiring is mandatory for safety. Hire an electrician to run the heavy-gauge wire directly to the unit. Do not attempt this DIY unless you hold a valid electrical license.
Chargers that match this car
Your car has a NACS port. The NACS units below plug straight in; any J1772 unit works with the adapter supplied with the car.
Native NACS plug, no adapter needed.
Dual plug: works with NACS and J1772 cars.
Tesla's own unit. Native NACS, hardwire only.
Worth having as well
Common questions
- What plug does this car use?
- It uses a NACS connector. The Tesla Wall Connector is native, and a J1772 adapter ships with the car for third-party Level 2 units.
- Can I use a normal wall outlet?
- Level 1 charging on a standard household outlet takes 81 hours for a full tank. It adds 4.3 miles of range per hour.
- Why does the EPA charge time differ?
- The EPA test takes 15.0 hours at 23 miles per hour because standard test procedures account for charging losses and varying conditions. The peak rate hardware spec delivers a full charge in 10.1 hours.
- Do I need a hardwired connection?
- Yes. A 48 amp EVSE must be hardwired because no household receptacle is rated for that load.
Other vehicles
Charging times derived from EPA data for the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid. Electrical requirements follow NEC 625.41, which sizes a circuit at 125% of a continuous load. Always have a licensed electrician verify your panel.