Tesla Has Two Independently Operational "Public" EV Charging Networks

Whether or not you own an electric vehicle or monitor the EV industry, you are likely familiar with Tesla. There is also a strong possibility that you are familiar with the Tesla Supercharger network. However, Tesla also has a network of Destination Charging stations that is equally extensive and ubiquitous, albeit much less well-known.

To help you comprehend Tesla's Destination Charging network and how it differs from the well-known Supercharger network, we'll spend some time discussing the fundamentals of public EV charging. In particular, we must clarify the distinction between Level 2 EV charging and DC Fast Charging.

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Is the Tesla Supercharger Network superior to the Destination Charging?

The Tesla Supercharger network is a DC Fast Charging network with locations along key highway corridors to facilitate travel in an electric vehicle. Superchargers charge Tesla's electric vehicles quickly enough that you can stretch, use the restroom, and perhaps snag a quick bite to eat before your vehicle is ready to hit the road again.

Meanwhile, Tesla's Destination Charging network is comprised of Level 2 charging stations that are typically located at hotels, retail malls, restaurants, and similar establishments. Public Level 2 charging stations are virtually identical to the charging stations found in the majority of EV owners' garages. They charge an EV considerably faster than a standard 110- or 120-volt household outlet, but not nearly fast enough to rely on during lengthy road journeys.

Wall Connector is the name of Tesla's home charging apparatus, which can be purchased for $400 from the company's website. It can be installed in your residence or business, though a 240-volt outlet is required and professional installation is strongly advised. Tesla's Destination Charging installations around the world utilize the same Wall Connector.

In spite of this, Tesla's Destination Charging network is not inferior to the Supercharger network; it simply has entirely distinct use cases.

What is the Function of the Tesla Destination Charging Network?

Tesla's Destination Charging network provides electric vehicle (EV) owners with the option to charge while away from home. In the parking lots of hotels, resorts, and restaurants, for example, you may locate Destination Chargers. Also prevalent in public parking garages are these charging stations.

This Level 2 network makes it possible for individuals to own a Tesla EV, even if they cannot charge it at home. Or perhaps there is a Destination Charging station at or near the owner's workplace.

Destination Chargers make sense in any situation in which a Tesla owner has time to waste. People use them while purchasing in malls or grocery stores, going to the movies, eating a large meal, participating in social activities, attending sporting events, amusement parks, etc. We've spoken with a few apartment residents who charge at a Tesla Destination Charger each week while doing laundry at a nearby laundromat.

How Long Does It Take to Charge a Tesla Vehicle at a Destination Charger?

The rate at which an electric vehicle (EV) charges depends on a variety of factors, including the vehicle's make, model, the weather, and its present level of charge. In the simplest terms, every electric vehicle, including Tesla's numerous models, has its own charging curve. In addition, if an electricvehicle is chilly and/or at a higher state of charge, it will charge more slowly. In contrast, a toasty EV with a nearly depleted battery will charge considerably faster.

According to Tesla, a Destination Charger can increase range by up to 44 miles per hour. This would only be feasible if the EV was equipped with an 11.5 kW (48 amp) onboard charger and under ideal conditions. In addition, Tesla recommends installing a 60 amp circuit breaker with the Wall Connector in this instance.

Practically, a Tesla Destination Charger will add approximately 30 miles per hour to your range. If you plug in your EV before you go to slumber, it could potentially be fully charged by the time you wake up.

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What is the cost of using a Tesla Destination Charger?

Tesla's Destination Chargers are free, as are the majority of public Level 2 EV charging stations across the nation. This is due to the fact that the electricity expense is paid by the owner. A business proprietor may choose to charge Tesla owners for using their charging station. In the past, Tesla did not permit business proprietors to bill customers for charging, but this policy has recently changed.

How Many Tesla Destination Charging Stations Exist, and Where Are They Located?

Tesla has more than 35,000 Wall Connectors at Destination Charging locations worldwide. The installation of a Wall Connector can be requested from Tesla by any establishment. On Tesla's website, potential Destination Charging hosts can select a link to initiate the process of becoming a Tesla charging partner.

Tesla explains that becoming a charging partner can assist in attracting new consumers. Additionally, it can make a company more attractive than a nearby competitor. Before allowing any business to participate, the automaker requires a number of specific qualifications.

Ideal Tesla charging partners are situated along well-traveled routes and in well-known locations. Hosts should install at least two Wall Connectors on their property, though six or more are preferable.

If you know of a location that would be suitable for Tesla's Destination Chargers, you can submit a form on the company's website.

How Does a Tesla Destination Charger Work?

Tesla's automobiles are equipped with in-car navigation that allows you to plan journeys and determine which Superchargers and Destination Chargers to use while you're on the road. Also available on Tesla's website is an up-to-date map of station locations. Similar to the in-car navigation, the website provides links for locating a Destination Charger and for planning an entire road journey around Tesla's charging stations.

Simply connect your electric vehicle into the Tesla Wall Connector at a Destination Charging location once you've arrived. If the destination permits it, you can charge your vehicle for a few hours or leave it plugged in overnight. When your Tesla is charging, you can exit the area and use the Tesla Mobile app on your smartphone to monitor the session.

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If you own a non-Tesla electric vehicle, you should be able to use a Tesla Destination charger as long as you have the correct adapter and the location does not prohibit it. Tesla's chargers have proprietary connectors, so you will need to purchase a Tesla to J1772 adapter (SAE J1772 is the international connector standard for EVs). Frequently, Tesla's Destination Chargers are located near other Level 2 charging stations that are compatible with all EVs; therefore, a special adapter and the search for a Tesla charger may not be required.