What EV Charger Do You Need for a 2023 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 |
Plugging into a Level 2 setup refills this battery from empty in 8.0 hours. That pace easily covers a full recharge during normal overnight sleeping hours. Different trims accept different speeds, so look closely at your specific version. The Long Range and Performance variants draw 48 amps, while the RWD Standard Range takes 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
Matching your equipment to the vehicle's onboard limit avoids wasted money on oversized gear. The car dictates the draw, not the supply. Pushing a 48 amp EVSE onto a 32 amp car yields zero speed gains because the onboard charger caps the intake. Stick to the exact rating for your variant. You get 45 miles of range per hour of charging at the peak 48 amp rate.
What the install involves
Running a 48 amp charge requires a 60 amp breaker paired with heavy wire. Hardwiring is mandatory because household outlets melt under sustained 48 amp loads. The EPA test protocol runs at a lower average rate, which explains the 11.5 hour duration listed on official window stickers. Call a licensed electrician to pull the permits and handle the panel work.
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
- What connector does this car use?
- Tesla vehicles use the NACS connector. The Tesla Wall Connector plugs right in, and a J1772 adapter ships with the car for third-party Level 2 units.
- Can I use a standard wall outlet?
- Level 1 charging on a standard household outlet takes 64 hours for a full refill. It adds 5.6 miles of range per hour.
- Why does the EPA charge time differ from the max rate?
- The EPA test does not always run at the car's peak AC rate. That testing variance accounts for the longer 11.5 hour EPA figure.
- Do I need a 60 amp breaker for the RWD variant?
- No. The RWD Standard Range variant pulls 32 amps and requires a 40 amp breaker instead of the 60 amp hardware needed for the Long Range.
Other vehicles
Charging times derived from EPA data for the 2023 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.