Charging Instructions - Tesla S Owner's Manual

Charging Instructions

Opening the Charge Port
The charge port is located on the passenger side of Model S, behind a door that is part of the rear
tail light assembly.
Park Model S so that the charge cable easily reaches the charge port.
With Model S unlocked, or a recognized key nearby, press and release the button on a Tesla
charge cable to open the charge port door.
If the cable you are using does not have this button, you can also open the charge port door using
any of these methods:
• Touch Controls > Charge Port on the touchscreen.
• Hold down the rear trunk button on the key for 1-2 seconds.
To charge at a public charging station, attach an adapter to the station's charging connector. The
most commonly used adapter(s) for each market region are supplied with Model S. Depending on
the charging equipment you are using, you may need to start and stop charging using a control on
the charging equipment.
Note: The charge port lights up white when you open the charge port door. If you do not connect
a charge cable, the light eventually turns off.
Note: If you do not insert the charge cable into the charge port within a few minutes after opening
the charge port door, the latch closes. If this happens, use the touchscreen to open the charge
port door.
Caution: The connector end of the charge cable can damage the paint if dropped onto
Model S.
Caution: Do not attempt to force the charge port door open. Doing so can damage the latch.
A damaged latch cannot hold the door closed.
Plugging In
If desired, use the touchscreen to change the charge limit and the charging current.
If you are using the Mobile Connector, plug it into the power outlet before plugging it into
Model S.
Align the connector to the charge port and insert fully. When the connector is properly inserted,
charging begins automatically after Model S:
• Engages a latch that holds the connector in place.
• Shifts into Park (if it was in any other gear).
• Heats or cools the Battery, if needed. If the Battery requires heating or cooling, you may
notice a delay before charging begins.
Note: Whenever Model S is plugged in but not actively charging, it draws energy from the wall
instead of using energy stored in the Battery. For example, if you are sitting in Model S and using
122 Model S Owner's Manual