Tesla Model S charging port and charge rate
The 2021 to 2026 Tesla Model S uses a NACS charging port, and charges at up to 11.5 kW on Level 2 AC and up to 250 kW at a DC fast charger.
Key takeaways
- 2021 to 2026 Tesla Model S: NACS port.
- Onboard AC Level 2: up to 11.5 kW.
- Peak DC fast charge: up to 250 kW.
- NACS adapter: not applicable.
| Years | Port | AC (Level 2) | DC fast charge | Battery | NACS adapter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 to 2026 | NACS | 11.5 kW | 250 kW | n/a | not applicable |
Which Level 2 charger do you need?
A home Level 2 charger is sold by its amperage (32A, 40A, 48A...), but your car only ever charges at the lower of two numbers: the charger's rated output and your car's own onboard AC charger limit. Installing a 48A/11.5 kW charger on a car with a 7.7 kW onboard charger does not speed anything up - the car simply will not draw more than it can accept. On any DC fast charger, the same idea applies to the whole session: charging is fastest at a low state of charge and tapers hard above roughly 80%, which is why route-charging stops are usually planned to 80%, not 100% (per the U.S. Department of Transportation's EV charging speeds guide). Match a home charger's amperage to your car's onboard AC rating from the table above, with a little headroom for future EVs in the household, rather than buying the biggest unit available.
Charging gear for the Tesla Model S
Match the plug to the NACS port above - a NACS Level 2 charger for home, plus an adapter only if the table says you need one.
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Same car, other specs: Tesla Model S specs hub.
Other Tesla models
Source: Tesla Support - Supercharging. Charging hardware and NACS-adapter bundling change often; confirm the port and adapter status on your build sheet or with the dealer before you buy hardware.