Depending on your time limitations and how much you’re willing to pay, you may lean toward one charging station over the other. If you own a Tesla, there are two ways you can charge your electric automobile on the go.
You can either take advantage of a destination charger or a supercharger. But what’s the disparity between these two chargers, and which is better for you? And should you select one over the other?
The difference between destination charging and supercharging is the charging speed. When you’re on the go, superchargers are a speedy and practical method to top off your Tesla. Destination chargers, on the other hand, offer a relatively slow charge.
Discover what sets them apart by reading this blog post to the end.
Super Charger
A Tesla Supercharger is a type of charger for electric cars that is designed for “instant charging.” As the name indicates, Tesla Superchargers can charge your vehicle at a much faster rate than destination chargers.
These chargers provide power straight to the EV battery through direct current (DC). You may have noticed these chargers at one of your regional gas stations, as they’re evolving and becoming more dominant alongside conventional fuel pumps.
Tesla Destination Charger
A Tesla destination charger is a wall-mounted charging division. These chargers use alternating current (AC) to provide power to your EV. You can charge your car for several hours or overnight utilizing a destination charger, be it at a cafe, hotel, restaurant, or another place.
The useful thing about Tesla Destination Chargers is that they’re free to use. We say “actually” because while the cable itself can be utilized free of charge, the destination you’re at may charge you a parking fee for the duration of your charging period.
Main Difference Between Tesla Super Charger And Tesla Destination Charger
It appears like the simple way “I’ll be able to charge my Tesla on the go with a supercharger.”
Many believe those mentioned above to be real, but they’d be false. There is another charger that Tesla owners can use while on the go—a destination charger.
Tesla’s Supercharger network is likely the most stylish charging network in the world. There are more than 30,000 superchargers worldwide, with 1,101 in North America alone.
A supercharger can bring your car from a 10% to 80% state of charge in less than 30 minutes, which is nothing short of incredible. Still, it does strain your battery since it exposes it to high heat.
Yet, there are problems associated with superchargers, which is why Tesla recommends that you also use destination chargers during long periods of driving. Destination chargers are not as well-known outside the Tesla community, though they play a considerable function throughout Tesla ownership.
Overall, both types of chargers are groundbreaking and practical in their own rights, but there are numerous differences between the two that we will deal with in this article.
Key Difference Between Tesla Super Charger And Tesla Destination Charger
| Distinguishing Characters | Tesla Super Chargers | Tesla Destination Chargers |
| Locations | Coffee shops, service stations, malls, etc. | Hotel car parks, theme car playgrounds, private car parks, etc. |
| Quantity | 1,101 | 3,867 |
| Charging Power | 250KW | 40KW |
| Which Cars Can Use? | Just Tesla Cars | EV Cars Can Use it |
| Cost: | $0.25 per KW | It is free for Tesla owners who are in the places where the destination charger is found. |
| Level Of Charging: | Two | Three |
Are Their Costs Different?
Tesla has raised the cost of using its supercharger network to 68 or 69 cents per kilowatt hour, which is almost twice what it was almost four years ago.
The recent rate is a 32% jump from the early 2022 rate of 52 cents per kilowatt hour (which had risen since to 57c/kWh) and is around in line with soaring wholesale electricity prices that in June saw the energy controller take the remarkable step of discontinuing the market.
Tesla purchases the ability for its Supercharging network from Iberdrola, formerly known as Infigen. It scratches an agreement with the energy provider, which holds the Lake Bonney wind farm, the big battery, and numerous other wind farms, in the first weeks of 2020.
The recent supercharger pricing can be studied by drivers by pushing on a supercharger area on the car’s navigation map. It is believed that the disparity in pricing across networks would rely on local daily supply charges.
On the other hand, destination chargers are free to use. Tesla is facilitating paid charging at destination chargers, which have normally been free up to this point, but there’s a hitch: You have to have at least six wall connectors to be able to set pricing at your destination charger area.
For the most part, Tesla’s destination charging locations have been free, with the only condition at some places being that you be a client of the business where it’s found—for example, if you utilize it at a hotel’s destination charger, some locations require that you are staying at the hotel. The cost of electricity from the chargers would be covered by the business.
Destination vs. Super Charger: Which Is Preferred?
The answer to this query is very accessible in the circumstances.
If you only need to juice up your EV for a minor task and the location you’re at doesn’t charge much, if anything, to use its destination chargers, then a destination charger is the best option for you—especially if you have the time to spare.
However, if you want to use the majority of your EV’s battery capacity and time is of the essence, a supercharger is probably the better option.
On top of this, if the business delivering a destination charger requires that you pay a great total in another way (i.e., by buying a meal), you’re likely not obtaining an excellent deal.
Of course, if you paid for your Tesla before 2017, your first preference should be the Supercharger, as you can charge your car in a nominal amount of time for free. Overall, the Tesla Supercharger is likely your best option when it comes to speed.
Can Different Cars Use Tesla Chargers?
It was in 2021 that Tesla first unlocked its supercharger network to non-Tesla electric vehicles in select European countries as part of a short pilot project.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been quiet about when other electric vehicles in the US can relish the company’s exclusive connector.
This move helps the world’s growth toward sustainable energy. But a memo published by the White House in June implies that other EVs in North America may get access to Tesla’s Supercharger network soon.
There are over 25,000 Tesla Superchargers globally, so this would imply more charging options for more EV drivers.
So, how can other EVs be charged using a Tesla charger? And what efforts is the company making for the faster development of its Supercharger network? Here’s a deterioration of everything you must know.
Can Non-Tesla EV Cars Charge At Tesla Charging Stations?
The simple and short answer is yes. A non-Tesla electric car can use low-powered Tesla chargers using J1772 appendages.
A Tesla-to-J1772 appendage allows other electric automobiles to charge up by employing both the Tesla Wall Connector and the Tesla Mobile Connector. The J1772 adapter also allows non-Tesla EV motors to be connected to thousands of Tesla Destination Chargers.
These are Tesla Wall Connectors set up in premises like supermarkets, hotels, and other notorious tourist destinations. There are rare charging locations with both Tesla Wall Connectors and J1772 outlets so that drivers wouldn’t require an adapter.
But these are generally installed on private property, so you should ask for authorization before using their electric vehicle fleet inventories. You can utilize Tesla chargers with a non-Tesla electric vehicle. Still, there are restrictions.
As of now, Tesla high-speed superchargers are accessible to only Tesla vehicles, and there are no adapters functional on the market for non-Tesla vehicles.
Can Other Different Cars Utilize Tesla Chargers?
It was in 2021 when Tesla first unlocked its supercharger network to non-Tesla electric automobiles in select European nations as a “tiny captain” technique.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been quiet about when other electric vehicles in the US can enjoy the company’s private connector. This action helps the world’s growth reach sustainable levels.
However, a validity sheet printed by the White House in June demonstrates that other EVs in North America may get entry to Tesla’s Supercharger network shortly.
There are over 25,000 Tesla Superchargers worldwide, so this would mean better charging options for future EV drivers.
So, how can different EVs be charged using a Tesla charger? And what steps is the company taking to prepare for the brisk expansion of its Supercharger network? There’s a breakdown of everything you need to know.
The Types Of Adapters You Can Use
There are different Tesla-to-J1772 adapters on the market for non-Tesla drivers who always want to enjoy fast charging using the Tesla proprietary connector.
Brands like Lectron and TeslaTap offer dongle-like adapters that will allow you to bind your J1772 effortlessly.
Here is an index of adapters you could use:
- Lectron – Tesla to J1772 Charging Adapter, Max 48A & 250V – the only J1772 adapter in the market that sponsors 48 Amps of max current and 250V of utmost voltage.
- Lectron – Tesla to J1772 Adapter, Max 40A & 250V – up to 3 to 4 times quicker than ordinary Level 2 chargers.
Their compatibility with the Tesla Wall Connector, Mobile Connector, and Destination Charger unlocks more than 15,000 charging stations for non-Tesla proprietors.
Conclusion
- In a nutshell, both Tesla Super Chargers and Destination Chargers are good depending on your needs.
- However, Tesla Destination Chargers are free to use for Tesla car owners under some conditions.
- People often prefer destination chargers. However, Tesla’s Superchargers are faster than Destination Chargers.