• 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 outlet instead of using energy stored
in the Battery. For example, if you are sitting
in Model S and using the touchscreen while
parked and plugged in, Model S draws energy
from the wall outlet instead of the Battery.
CAUTION:
The connector end of the
charge cable can damage the paint if
dropped onto the vehicle.
During Charging
During charging, the charge port light pulses
green, and the instrument panel displays the
charging status. The frequency at which the
charge port light pulses slows down as the
charge level approaches full. When charging
is complete, the light stops pulsing and is
solid green.
NOTE:
If Model S is locked, the charge port
light does not light up.
If the charge port light turns red while
charging, a fault is detected. Check the
instrument panel or touchscreen for a
message describing the fault. A fault can
occur due to something as common as a
power outage. If a power outage occurs,
charging resumes automatically when power
is restored.
NOTE:
When charging, particularly at high
currents, the refrigerant compressor and fan
operate as needed to keep the Battery cool.
Therefore, it is normal to hear sounds during
charging.
NOTE:
Air conditioning performance is
generally not affected by charging. However,
under certain circumstances (for example,
you are charging at high currents during a
particularly warm day), the air coming from
the vents may not be as cool as expected and
a message displays on the instrument panel.
This is normal behavior and ensures that the
Battery stays within an optimum temperature
range while charging to support longevity
and optimum performance.
WARNING:
Never spray liquid at a
high velocity (for example, if using a
pressure washer) towards the charge
port while charging. Failure to follow
these instructions can result in serious
injury or damage to the vehicle,
charging equipment, or property.
Stopping Charging
Stop charging at any time by disconnecting
the charge cable or touching
Stop Charging
on the touchscreen.
NOTE:
To prevent unauthorized unplugging of
the charge cable, the charge cable latch
remains locked and Model S must be
unlocked or able to recognize your key before
you can disconnect the charge cable.
To disconnect the charge cable:
1. Press and hold the button on the
connector handle to release the latch.
Alternatively, unlock the vehicle by
opening a door, using a key fob, or
touching
Stop Charging
on the
touchscreen. These methods unlock the
charge port as well.
2. Pull the connector from the charge port.
3. Push the charge port door closed.
CAUTION:
Tesla strongly recommends
leaving Model S plugged in when not
in use. This maintains the Battery at
the optimum level of charge.
Manually Releasing Charge
Cable
If the usual methods for releasing a charge
cable from the charge port (using the charge
handle release button, touchscreen, or mobile
app) do not work, carefully follow these steps:
Charging Instructions
173
Charging