Where to find Tesla charging locations
Tesla publishes a map of its charging stations on its website at tesla.com/findus. You can search by address, city, or zip code, and the map shows you the distance to each station, how many chargers are available, and whether they are currently in use. The map updates in real time, so you can see which stations have open spots before you drive there.
You can also use the Tesla vehicle touchscreen if you own a Tesla — the navigation system has the charging network built in and will route you to the nearest available charger. The in-car system shows real-time availability and can even pre-condition your battery for faster charging on the way.
Third-party apps like PlugShare and A Better Route Planner also map Tesla Superchargers alongside other charging networks, which is useful if you want to compare options or plan a long trip that might use multiple networks.
Key Takeaways
- Tesla's official map at tesla.com/findus shows real-time availability, distance, and the number of chargers at each location.
- Your Tesla's built-in navigation can route you to Superchargers and show which ones have open spots right now.
- Superchargers are designed for long trips and charge faster than home or workplace chargers, but they cost more per kilowatt-hour.
- Third-party mapping apps let you compare Tesla Superchargers with other networks if you want options beyond Tesla's own stations.
What the map shows you
The Tesla map displays several pieces of information at a glance. Each pin shows the number of Superchargers at that location, the address, and whether the station is currently open. When you click on a station, you see the real-time number of chargers in use versus available, the charging speed (measured in kilowatts), and whether the location has amenities like restrooms or food nearby.
The map also tells you the estimated time to charge your vehicle from empty to 80 percent, which is the practical limit for most Supercharger sessions. Charging beyond 80 percent slows down significantly because the battery management system protects the battery from heat damage.
Superchargers versus other Tesla charging options
Tesla operates three types of charging: Superchargers, Wall Connectors, and the Mobile Connector. Superchargers are the fast public stations you see on the map — they are designed for road trips and charge a vehicle from 10 to 80 percent in roughly 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the model and weather.
Wall Connectors are installed at homes or workplaces and charge much more slowly but cost less per mile. A Wall Connector overnight can add 25 to 30 miles of range per hour. The Mobile Connector is a portable charger that works from a standard household outlet, though it is the slowest option at about 2 to 3 miles of range per hour.
The map shows only Superchargers, not home or workplace chargers, because those are private installations. If you are looking for a place to charge during your workday or while running errands, you may also want to check whether your workplace or local businesses have their own chargers — many do, and they are often free or cheaper than Superchargers.
Planning a long trip with the charging map
Before a long drive, use the map to identify Supercharger locations along your route. Most Superchargers are spaced 100 to 200 miles apart on major highways, which means you can stop roughly every 2 to 3 hours depending on your vehicle's range and driving speed.
The Tesla navigation system can do this automatically — enter your destination and it will route you through Superchargers and show you the charging time at each stop. This is more reliable than the web map for trip planning because the in-car system knows your vehicle's current battery level and can account for weather, elevation, and driving style.
If you are traveling in an area with few Superchargers, check the map several days ahead. Some rural regions have stations spaced far apart, and knowing this before you leave gives you time to plan alternative routes or arrange charging at a hotel or destination charger.
Understanding real-time availability
The map updates every few minutes to show which chargers are in use. A green indicator means chargers are available, yellow means some are in use but spots remain, and red means all chargers are occupied. This does not mean you cannot charge — it means you may have to wait.
Peak times at popular Superchargers are typically midday and early evening on weekdays, and midday on weekends. If you are flexible with timing, charging during off-peak hours (early morning or late night) usually means shorter waits. On a road trip, stopping at a less-busy station a few miles off your route can save 15 to 30 minutes of wait time.
Supercharger networks outside the United States
Tesla operates Superchargers in over 50 countries. The same map at tesla.com/findus works internationally — you can search by location anywhere Tesla has stations. In Europe, Tesla has also begun opening its network to non-Tesla vehicles through adapters, so the map may show mixed networks in some regions.
If you are traveling internationally, read the Tesla app before you leave so you have offline access to station locations. Some countries have spotty cell service in rural areas, and having the map cached on your phone prevents you from getting stranded without charging information.
What to do if a station is full or broken
If you arrive at a Supercharger and all chargers are in use, the map will have shown this before you left. But if a charger breaks down after you arrive, or if the wait is longer than expected, use the map to find the next nearest station. Most areas have multiple Superchargers within 20 to 40 miles of each other.
You can also report a broken charger through the Tesla app or the touchscreen. Tesla uses these reports to prioritize repairs, and the map will show the station as "limited availability" if multiple chargers are down. If you encounter a station that is completely offline, contact Tesla support through the app — they may be able to route you to an alternative or provide information about when the station will reopen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see charging prices on the map?
The map does not show prices, but Tesla's website lists regional pricing. Supercharger rates vary by location and time of day in some regions. Pricing is usually shown in dollars per kilowatt-hour or per minute, depending on your location.
Do I need a Tesla account to use the map?
No. The Tesla map at tesla.com/findus is open to anyone and does not require an account. However, you do need a Tesla account and vehicle to actually charge at a Supercharger.
How accurate is the real-time availability shown on the map?
The map updates every few minutes based on data from the chargers themselves. It is generally accurate, but there can be a short delay between when a charger becomes available and when the map reflects it. If you see a station is full, check again in 5 to 10 minutes.
Can I reserve a charger ahead of time?
Tesla does not offer charger reservations through the map or app. You can schedule a charging session in your vehicle's navigation, which will notify you when it is time to leave, but you cannot hold a specific charger. Chargers operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
What if I have a non-Tesla electric vehicle?
Tesla's map shows only Tesla Superchargers. For other networks, use PlugShare, ChargePoint, or Electrify America's maps. Some Tesla Superchargers in Europe and other regions now accept non-Tesla vehicles with an adapter, but this varies by location and is not yet widespread in North America.