What EV Charger Do You Need for a 2025 Tesla Model S?
A full charge takes 9.7 hours on a Level 2 setup. That timeline easily finishes overnight while you sleep. The 111.2 kWh battery holds enough energy to cover 410 miles before you need to plug in again.
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 9.7 hours |
| Range added per hour (Level 2) | about 42 miles |
| Full charge on a 120 V outlet | about 77 hours |
| Range added per hour (120 V) | about 5.3 miles |
| EPA rated range | 410 miles |
| Energy for a full charge | about 111.2 kWh at the wall |
Why 48 amps and not more
You need a 48 amp EVSE to match the 11.5 kW maximum onboard charger. Feeding this car a larger unit wastes money because the onboard charger caps power draw at 48 amps anyway. Pushing 48 amps delivers 42 miles of range every single hour you stay plugged in. Plug into a standard household outlet and you wait 77 hours for a full tank. Stick to the 48 amp limit.
What the install involves
An electrician must hardwire your EVSE directly to the electrical panel. You need a 60 amp breaker paired with heavy wire to handle continuous loads safely. Municipal code prohibits using a standard wall receptacle for a 48 amp continuous draw. Call a licensed professional to run the line and mount the hardware.
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 connector does this car use?
- Tesla vehicles use the NACS connector natively. Third-party Level 2 units require the J1772 adapter that ships with the car.
- Can I use a normal wall outlet?
- Level 1 charging works on a standard household outlet, but it only adds 5.3 miles of range per hour. A full charge takes 77 hours this way.
- Do I need a 60 amp breaker?
- Yes. A 48 amp continuous load demands a 60 amp breaker to meet electrical safety codes.
- What charging gear should I buy?
- The Tesla Wall Connector matches the 48 amp maximum draw and hardwires directly using the native NACS connector with a 24.0 foot cable.
Other vehicles
Charging times derived from EPA data for the 2025 Tesla Model S. Electrical requirements follow NEC 625.41, which sizes a circuit at 125% of a continuous load. Always have a licensed electrician verify your panel.