What EV Charger Do You Need for a 2022 Tesla Model 3?
| Trim | Accepts | Charger | Breaker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Range / Performance | 11.5 kW / 48 A | 48 A | 60 A |
| RWD (Standard Range) | 7.7 kW / 32 A | 32 A | 40 A |
A full charge takes 8.0 hours at maximum Level 2 speed. That fits easily into a standard overnight window. Trims accept different charging speeds here. The Long Range and Performance variants draw 48 amps, while the RWD Standard Range draws 32 amps.
The numbers
| Maximum AC charging rate | 11.5 kW (48 A) on the fastest trim. See the table above for yours |
|---|---|
| Charge port | NACS |
| Full charge on Level 2 (fastest trim) | about 8.0 hours |
| Range added per hour (Level 2) (fastest trim) | about 45 miles |
| Full charge on a 120 V outlet | about 64 hours |
| Range added per hour (120 V) | about 5.6 miles |
| EPA rated range | 358 miles |
| Energy for a full charge | about 92.4 kWh at the wall |
Why 48 amps and not more
Your car accepts up to 48 amps, so buying a 48-amp EVSE maxes out the onboard charger. Plug this car into a larger 80-amp commercial unit and it still draws only 48 amps. Extra amperage capacity at the charger gets wasted. Match the EVSE to the onboard limit to get 45 miles of range per hour. Anything smaller slows down the refill.
What the install involves
Feeding a 48-amp continuous load requires a 60-amp breaker and heavy gauge copper wiring. Code mandates hardwiring for this amperage level because standard receptacles melt under sustained 48-amp draws. The EPA test cycle clocks full charge time at 11.5 hours because federal testing protocols do not run at the car's peak AC rate the entire time. Hire a licensed electrician to run the line and mount the unit safely.
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.
These suit the Long Range / Performance trim at 48 A. If you have the RWD (Standard Range), a 32 A unit is all you need.
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
- Can I use a standard wall outlet?
- Level 1 charging from a standard household outlet takes 64 hours for a full tank. It adds only 5.6 miles of range per hour. You need a Level 2 setup for daily driving.
- Which connector does this car use?
- Tesla vehicles use the NACS connector. The Tesla Wall Connector plugs right in without adapters. Third-party Level 2 units require the J1772 adapter that ships with the car.
- What size breaker do I need?
- The Long Range and Performance trims need a 60-amp breaker to support a 48-amp draw. The RWD Standard Range trim requires a 40-amp breaker for its 32-amp maximum draw.
- Why does the EPA charge time differ from the peak rate?
- The EPA rated charge time takes 11.5 hours because federal test procedures do not sustain the vehicle's peak AC rate throughout the entire test. Real-world charging at maximum Level 2 takes 8.0 hours.
Other vehicles
Charging times derived from EPA data for the 2022 Tesla Model 3 (covering 3 EPA trim listings). Electrical requirements follow NEC 625.41, which sizes a circuit at 125% of a continuous load. Always have a licensed electrician verify your panel.