Can Tesla Model 3 Charge CCS? (Let’s Find Out)
Owning a Tesla Model 3 is a big flex. It might not be among the latest Tesla models, but it still gives off the new Tesla model vibes.
The car has many amazing features you can enjoy while cruising around town. One of these features includes a long range.
Although it has an excellent range, you still need to charge the car battery occasionally. Hence, can you use CCS to charge your Model 3?
Yes, you can use CCS to charge your Tesla Model 3. Every unit of the Model 3 comes with a standard CCS charging port. The CCS port on your Model 3 combines AC and DC ports which you can use to charge your car. You can access your CCS port by opening your charge port door.
Okay, your Tesla has a CCS port, but what does that mean exactly? Don’t worry; you will learn the answers to all your questions regarding your Model 3’s CCS port.
Can Tesla Model 3 Charge at CCS?
Yes. Your Tesla Model 3 has a stock CCS port that allows your car to charge at CCS charging stations.
Normally, DC charging stations charge faster than AC stations, but you won’t feel much difference with CCS charging stations. If you’re using the right charging adaptor, that is.
If you stay in regions like the US, Tesla may provide you with a CCS-to-Tesla adapter.
Tesla-provided adapters are far more powerful and compatible with their cars than regular adapters.
Hence, if you’re looking for lightning-speed charging, try to get your hands on a Tesla-supported charging adapter.
These adapters are preferable because they allow you to connect to Tesla’s supercharger network.
Once you have this connector, you must locate a Supercharger station and use your Tesla-specific connector.
If you can’t find a Supercharger station around, or you’re not within range, you can use third-party charging networks that are CCS compatible.
You can use charging networks like Electrify America and EVgo if you reside in the States.
On the other hand, if you stay in Europe, you can use Lonity and many other popular third-party services to charge your Tesla Model 3’s battery.
You must follow proper charging etiquette if you’re charging your Tesla in public. Additionally, it would be best if you didn’t occupy a charging spot more than necessary.
If you notice a long line of people waiting to charge their Teslas, be a good sport and charge as much as you need to get home.
Also, ensure your vehicle is properly hooked up and charging before doing something else.
Is My Tesla Model 3 Actually CCS Compatible?
Yes, it is. Not only that, but you also get to choose between AC and DC charging. Both charging methods have their advantages and disadvantages.
Tesla Model 3’s Combined Charging System, better known as CCS, is an international charging standard for Electric Vehicles.
It is useful to EVs because they allow users like yourself to charge your car’s battery using Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC).
Ordinarily, you would have to use two different charging adapters for AC and DC to charge your battery because they are different forms of electricity.
But that’s not the case with your Model 3. The CCS port allows your charging adapter to support two charging capabilities.
The Type 2 adapter that charges your Tesla Model 3 comes with AC and faster DC charging, all in a single connector.
The addition of CCS ports allows Tesla users to charge their car batteries at any charging station.
You’re not disadvantaged because your charging port can accept DC and AC currents. Hence, you can use public charging stations to get your battery up to par.
Although the CCS is a wonderful addition to Tesla cars, the charging speed depends on some factors.
Some of these factors include the state of charge of the battery, the vehicle’s charging capability, and the output of the charging station you’re using.
It would be best to use CCS charging stations to enjoy faster charging speeds because they provide higher charging output.
You don’t need a master’s degree in math to know that a faster charging station means your car battery gets charged quicker.
What Type of CCS Does Tesla Model 3 Use?
Your Tesla Model 3 comes with a factory-fitted CCS Type 2 port which is CCS charging compatible. It is a common port for Electric Vehicles around North America and Europe.
Your Tesla Model 3 follows the world standard for CCS chargers on EVs. You might notice slight variations with other EV brands, but it’s basically the same.
If you can get to a CCS charging station, you can use DC charging, which will charge your battery much faster.
You can also charge your car battery overnight with a regular AC outlet. If you don’t know where to find an AC outlet in your house, don’t worry; you’ll learn that too.
An AC outlet is a regular outlet in your house. All you have to do is walk to an outlet in your garage, plug in your adapter, and hook it up to your car.
You can leave it overnight, and you’ll come back to a full charge; if you have constant power, of course.
Ensure you properly connect your adapter to the car and ensure it’s charging before you leave.
It isn’t very pleasant to come back the next morning only to discover your car didn’t charge.
How Fast Can You Charge a Model 3 CCS?
That depends on a few factors. If you’re using an AC supply, you won’t be able to charge your Tesla Model 3 rapidly.
On the other hand, if you’re using a DC power supply, the charging time for your Tesla will be shorter.
Additionally, the ambient temperature is a focal point regarding charging speeds.
If you didn’t pick up on it before, the higher your battery percentage, the slower the charging speed.
Hence, judging charging speed using only the time to get to the first 20% is almost impossible.
With that in mind, you can turn your attention to the table below:
| Power Supply | Number of Hours Required |
|---|---|
| 7kW charging from 0 to 100% | 11 hours |
| 22kW charging from 0 to 100% | 7 hours |
| 50kW charging from 0 to 80% | 1.5 hours |
Should I Put a Charge Limit on My Tesla Model 3?
You must have heard other Tesla users putting charge limits on their Tesla Models.
Putting a charge limit prevents your battery from charging over a specific percentage.
This feature is good in many electronics that store charges, but doing that on your Model 3 isn’t necessary.
Your Tesla Model 3 is rear-wheel drive, and Tesla specifies that you should charge it to 100%.
However, it won’t cause any harm if you decide to put a charge limit if you want to, but it won’t protect anything.
Rather, you’ll be short on some percentage that would have taken you another few extra miles.
Thus, you can connect your Tesla Model 3 to a wall outlet at your house and wake up to a full charge the next morning; pretty neat, wouldn’t you agree?
Best Charging Practices for Your Tesla Model 3
You can easily damage your car if you don’t properly charge your Tesla Model 3.
Hence, below is a summary of the best charging practices to follow while you’re charging your Tesla Model 3:
- Ensure you maintain a regular charging routine. If you’re always using AC voltage to charge your car, you should stick to it. But that doesn’t mean you won’t use DC outlets.
If you come across a DC outlet and your battery lacks the charge you need to get home, you can use the DC outlet. However, ensure you stick to your routine.
Sticking to your routine ensures your battery lasts longer.
- Don’t allow your battery to get too low. It’s okay if it happens a few times, but don’t let it become a habit. It will shorten the lifespan of your battery.
FAQ
Is it Safe to Leave a Model 3 While it’s Charging?
Tesla strongly recommends leaving your Model 3 idle while it’s charging. Hence, ensure you don’t use your Model 3 while charging.
Can I Wash My Tesla Model 3 While It’s Charging?
It’s extremely dangerous for you to wash your Model 3 while it’s charging, especially if you’re using a high-pressure washer. You can severely damage your vehicle or sustain injuries.
Must I Use a Standard-issued Tesla CCS Adapter
No. You can use another adapter as long as it’s compatible with your Tesla Model 3.
