Finding Tesla chargers in your area
Tesla maintains its own network of charging stations called Superchargers, and you can locate them using the Tesla navigation system built into any Tesla vehicle, the Tesla mobile app, or the Tesla website. If you do not own a Tesla, you can still find their locations on the public Tesla website map, though you will need a Tesla account to reserve time at most stations. The fastest way to find a charger right now is to open the Tesla app on your phone, tap the charging icon, and search by your current location or a destination address.
Beyond Tesla's own network, many non-Tesla charging networks now accept Tesla vehicles through adapters, and these appear in third-party apps like PlugShare and ChargeHub. These apps show real-time availability, pricing, and what type of connector each station uses. If you own a Tesla, your vehicle's built-in navigation already knows about most public chargers in the US and Europe, not just Superchargers.
Key Takeaways
- The Tesla app and website map show all Supercharger locations and real-time availability at each station.
- Non-Tesla charging networks like Electrify America and EVgo now work with Tesla vehicles using an adapter, and appear in apps like PlugShare.
- Your Tesla's navigation system can route you to any charger type and show you how much charge you will have when you arrive.
- Charging speed varies widely: Superchargers add 200 miles in 15 minutes, while Level 2 chargers at hotels or parking lots take several hours.
Using the Tesla app to find nearby chargers
Open the Tesla mobile app and tap the charging plug icon at the bottom of the screen. This shows all Superchargers and other charging options near your current location, sorted by distance. The app displays how many stalls are available at each station, whether any are currently in use, and the real-time wait time if the station is busy.
You can also search by destination: enter an address in the navigation screen, and Tesla will show you chargers along the route and at your destination. The app tells you how much battery you will have left when you arrive at each charger, so you can plan whether you need to stop or can reach your final destination without charging. Tap any charger to see its address, connector types, pricing, and whether you can reserve a stall in advance.
Superchargers versus other charging networks
Tesla Superchargers are the fastest option for long trips: they add roughly 200 miles of range in 15 minutes and 300 miles in 25 minutes, depending on your vehicle model and battery size. Superchargers are located along highways and in city centers, and are designed for quick top-ups rather than overnight charging. Most Superchargers are free to use if you purchased your Tesla before late 2023; newer vehicles and non-Tesla owners pay per kilowatt-hour, with rates varying by location.
Other networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and Volta offer slower charging speeds but wider geographic coverage. Level 2 chargers (the most common type at hotels, parking garages, and shopping centers) add 25 to 30 miles of range per hour and are useful for overnight charging or all-day parking. DC fast chargers from non-Tesla networks add 100 to 200 miles in 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the charger and your vehicle. Tesla vehicles can now use these networks with a Magic Dock adapter or a CCS-to-Tesla adapter, both of which you can purchase from Tesla or third-party retailers.
Third-party apps for finding all charger types
PlugShare and ChargeHub are the two largest independent charging maps and show every public charger in North America, including Superchargers, Level 2 chargers, and DC fast chargers from all networks. Both apps let you filter by charger type, network, and connector standard, and show real-time availability at most stations. PlugShare also includes user reviews and photos, which can help you understand parking, access, and whether a charger is actually working.
ChargeHub focuses on trip planning and shows you the cheapest route to your destination based on current charging prices. Both apps work on iPhone and Android, and you can use them without owning a Tesla. If you are traveling to an unfamiliar area or need to compare prices across networks, these apps are faster than checking each network's website separately.
Understanding charger types and speeds
Chargers fall into three categories: Level 1 (standard household outlet, adds 2 to 3 miles per hour), Level 2 (240-volt outlet, adds 25 to 30 miles per hour), and DC fast charging (adds 100 to 300 miles per hour depending on the charger and vehicle). For daily charging at home or work, Level 2 is standard. For road trips, you will use Superchargers or DC fast chargers from other networks.
The connector type matters: Tesla Superchargers use Tesla's proprietary connector (now called the North American Charging Standard, or NACS), while most other networks use the CCS connector. Your Tesla can use CCS chargers with an adapter, but the adapter adds a few seconds to the connection process. When you search for chargers in the Tesla app or PlugShare, the app tells you which connector types are available at each location.
Planning a long trip with charging stops
Enter your destination into your Tesla's navigation, and the vehicle automatically calculates whether you need to stop and where. The navigation shows you the optimal Supercharger stops along your route, how long you will spend charging at each one, and your estimated arrival time. You do not have to follow this route — you can manually add stops or choose a different charger — but the built-in route is usually the fastest option.
Before you leave, check the Tesla app or website to see if any Superchargers along your route are temporarily closed or have reduced availability. If you are traveling during peak times (holidays, weekends), some stations fill up quickly, and the app will warn you if a station is currently at capacity. In that case, you can reserve a stall in advance through the app, or plan to charge at an earlier or later station.
Charging costs and payment methods
Tesla Supercharger pricing varies by location and time of day. Some stations charge a flat rate per minute, while others charge per kilowatt-hour. Pricing is displayed in the Tesla app before you plug in, and you can see the total cost estimate before you start charging. Payment is automatic through your Tesla account; you do not need a separate card or membership.
Non-Tesla networks have different pricing models. Electrify America and EVgo charge per kilowatt-hour or per minute, and some offer monthly memberships that reduce per-session costs. PlugShare shows the price at each charger before you arrive, so you can compare networks in your area. Many workplaces and hotels offer free Level 2 charging to employees or guests, so always check whether your destination has chargers before you pay for a public station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a non-Tesla charger with my Tesla?
Yes, with an adapter. Tesla vehicles can use CCS chargers from networks like Electrify America and EVgo with a Magic Dock adapter (at some Tesla Superchargers) or a CCS-to-Tesla adapter that you purchase separately. The adapter costs between $200 and $250 and plugs into your vehicle's charging port. Non-Tesla networks appear in the Tesla app's charger search once you have the adapter.
How long does it take to charge at a Supercharger?
A typical Supercharger session takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will gain roughly 200 miles of range in 15 minutes and 300 miles in 25 minutes, though this varies by vehicle model, battery size, and outside temperature. Charging slows down as your battery approaches full capacity, so most people stop at 80 percent rather than waiting for a full charge.
What if all the chargers near me are in use?
The Tesla app shows real-time availability and wait times at each station. If your nearest Supercharger is full, the app suggests the next closest option and tells you how much range you will have when you arrive. You can also reserve a stall in advance through the app if the station supports reservations, though this is not available at all locations.
Do I need a membership to use public chargers?
No membership is required for Tesla Superchargers; you pay per session through your Tesla account. Non-Tesla networks like Electrify America and EVgo let you pay per session with a credit card, but they also offer monthly memberships that reduce costs if you charge frequently. Check the network's app or website to see which payment option is cheaper for your usage.
Can I see charger availability before I leave home?
Yes. The Tesla app shows real-time availability at all Superchargers and most public chargers. Open the app, search for a charger, and you will see how many stalls are available and how many are in use. This is useful for planning a trip or checking whether your usual charger is busy before you drive there.