Charging your Tesla electric car at a public charging station is a simple process, and there are a few steps you need to follow to ensure a successful and safe charging experience. Here’s a detailed guide on how to charge your Tesla electric car in a public station:
What is Tesla Destination Charging?
The Tesla Destination Charging Program is a network of charging stations that provides Tesla drivers with a convenient and accessible charging solution at various locations. Location such as hotels, restaurants, and other destinations across the country. This program is an integral part of Tesla’s efforts to improve the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. It makes it easier for drivers to travel long distances without worrying about their car’s battery life.
The Program works by partnering with various establishments to install Tesla Wall Connectors or Tesla High Power Wall Connectors at their locations. These chargers are installed at no cost to the establishment, and Tesla covers the cost of equipment and installation. In return, the establishment provides Tesla drivers with free or low-cost charging while they enjoy their stay at the location.
For drivers who wish to travel further distances without worrying about finding a charging station, the Tesla Destination Charging Program is a fantastic option. Tesla has successfully expanded its network of charging stations. There are more than 25,000 Tesla Destination Charging connectors in more than 4,000 locations around the world, including Nigeria. This makes it simpler for drivers to go to new areas without experiencing range anxiety.
How to Use Tesla Destination Charging
You can use the Tesla Destination charger at home and in charging stations.
How to use Tesla Charger Destination from home
Charging your Tesla electric car at home is a convenient and cost-effective way to ensure that your vehicle is always ready to go when you need it. The process of charging your Tesla at home is relatively simple. It can be done using a few different methods. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to charge your Tesla electric car at home:
- Choose a charging method: You can charge your Tesla using a standard 120-volt household outlet or a dedicated 240-volt wall charger. The wall charger is the preferred method because it charges faster and is more efficient. However, if you don’t have access to a wall charger, a standard household outlet will work.
- Install a Wall Charger: Tesla specifically designed the Tesla Wall Connector to charge their electric vehicles. You can install it in your garage or on an outside wall near where you park your car. The Wall Connector hardwires to your home’s electrical system and provides faster charging speeds than other methods. We recommend hiring a licensed electrician to install the Wall Connector. The electrician will ensure the safe installation of the wall charger and that it meets all local electrical codes.
- Locate the Charge Port: The charge port on your Tesla electric car is located on the driver’s side, near the rear wheel. You can access the port by tapping the button on your key fob or the touch screen in your vehicle.
- Connect the Charger: Connect the charging cable to the charge port on your Tesla and the wall charger if you’re using one. If you are using a conventional household socket, plug in the charging wire that came with your car.
- Monitor the Charging Process: Once you have connected the charger, your Tesla will automatically begin charging. You can monitor the charging process on your car’s touch screen or through the Tesla mobile app. The charging time will depend on the size of your car’s battery and the charging method you are using.
- Disconnect the Charger: Once your Tesla has finished charging, you can disconnect the charging cable. If you are using a wall charger, make sure to unplug the charging cable from the wall outlet as well.
How to charge your Tesla electric car in a public station
Charging your Tesla electric car at a public charging station is a simple process. There are a few steps you need to follow to ensure a successful and safe charging experience. Here’s a detailed guide on how to charge your Tesla electric car in a public station:
- Find a public charging station: The first step is to locate a public charging station near you. You can use your Tesla’s navigation system or an app like PlugShare or ChargePoint to find a charging station.
- Check the charging station: Once you’ve located a charging station, you need to check its compatibility with your Tesla. Tesla cars use a proprietary charging connector called a Tesla connector or a Type 2 connector, so you need to make sure the charging station has one of these connectors.
- Check the charging rate: Before you start charging, you should also check the charging rate of the station. Some charging stations may offer a faster charging rate than others, and the charging rate may also depend on your Tesla model. You can check the charging rate on the charging station or through the app you’re using.
- Prepare your car: Before you connect your Tesla to the charging station, you should make sure it’s ready for charging. Park your car in the charging spot and turn off the vehicle. You should also unlock the charging port by pressing the button on the charging cable.
- Connect the charging cable: Next, you need to connect the charging cable to your Tesla’s charging port. Ensure that you align the connectors correctly and push the cable in until you hear a click. The charging port on your Tesla will light up to indicate that it’s charging.
- Start charging: Once you connect the charging cable, you can start charging your Tesla. Depending on the charging station, you may need to use an app to start the charging process, or it may start automatically. You can monitor the charging status on your Tesla’s touchscreen display or through the app.
- Unplug and go: When your Tesla is fully charged or when you’re ready to leave, simply unplug the charging cable from your car and the charging station. Remember to lock your car and make sure you’ve taken all your belongings with you.
Are there Tesla Destination Charging Stations in Nigeria?
Charging infrastructure in Nigeria is currently in its early stages and not yet widely available throughout the country. Despite this, people remain optimistic that the situation will improve in the future, as they plan to install more charging stations in key locations across Nigeria. As the network grows, Tesla owners will no longer need to worry about running out of charge while driving. Two charging stations currently available in Nigeria include:
Charging station in Sokoto
The Nigeria Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) in collaboration with Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto (UDUS) inaugurated the first Electric Vehicle Charging Station in Nigeria in Sokoto State. The Director-General of NADDC, Mr Jelani Aliyu, reported that the pilot project is powered entirely by solar energy and was set up in Sokoto due to the state’s hot weather conditions, which make it easier to harness solar energy to power electric vehicles like Tesla and Hyundai-Kona.
Three online-offline hybrid inverters with a 5-kilovolt ampere (KVA) capacity each are connected to a solar panel array with a capacity of 86.4 kilowatts per hour at the charging station. They synchronize to generate an output of 15KVA/48 watts. The energy storage system comprises 36 units of deep-cycle gel batteries with an output of 48 volts/1980 amperes.
Charging Station In Lagos
The National Automotive Design and Development Agency (NADDC) spearheaded the Elective Vehicle Pilot Project, which included the development of a fully solar-powered electric charging station in Lagos. The project was carried out in partnership with the University of Lagos and Hyundai Motors, Nigeria. The charging station has deep cycle batteries that can store up to 95 kWh of energy. As a result, Tesla owners in and around Lagos are likely to view this location as a potential charging spot for their vehicles.
Do Tesla Destination Chargers Charge Other Electric Cars?
Tesla designed Destination Chargers to work exclusively with Tesla electric vehicles. The charging stations use a proprietary charging protocol that is not compatible with other electric vehicles. This means that if you own an electric vehicle that is not made by Tesla, you will not be able to use a Tesla Destination Charger to charge your vehicle.
Some Tesla Destination Chargers have a universal connector that enables them to charge non-Tesla electric vehicles at a slower rate using the CHAdeMO or CCS charging standards. This option is only available on select Tesla Destination Chargers and requires the use of an adapter. These adapters are not always readily available. The charging speed may not be as fast as when using a dedicated charging station.
Alternative Charging Options
If you own an electric vehicle that is not made by Tesla, there are still many charging options available to you. Many public charging stations use the CHAdeMO or CCS charging standards and are compatible with a wide range of electric vehicles. Many electric vehicle manufacturers actively offer their own branded charging stations that they design specifically to work with their vehicles.