What EV Charger Do You Need for a 2024 Tesla Model 3?
| Trim | Accepts | Charger | Breaker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Range / Performance | 11.5 kW / 48 A | 48 A | 60 A |
| RWD (Standard Range) | 7.7 kW / 32 A | 32 A | 40 A |
The Long Range and Performance trims accept 48 amps of Level 2 current, while the RWD Standard Range caps out at 32 amps. Your specific hardware limit dictates the breaker size and home charging setup you need to buy. Charging limits are set by the onboard charger inside the car. Pay attention to your exact variant.
The numbers
| Maximum AC charging rate | 11.5 kW (48 A) on the fastest trim. See the table above for yours |
|---|---|
| Charge port | NACS |
| Full charge on Level 2 (fastest trim) | about 7.8 hours |
| Range added per hour (Level 2) (fastest trim) | about 47 miles |
| Full charge on a 120 V outlet | about 62 hours |
| Range added per hour (120 V) | about 5.8 miles |
| EPA rated range | 363 miles |
| Energy for a full charge | about 89.4 kWh at the wall |
Why 48 amps and not more
The car draws 11.5 kW at its maximum rate of 48 amps. Pushing more amperage from the supply side does nothing because the onboard charger cannot accept it. Buying a smaller 32-amp supply for the Long Range trim means slower recovery times overnight. The 48-amp setup restores 47 miles of range every hour, filling the 89.4 kWh battery from empty in 7.8 hours. The EPA test protocol runs at a lower speed, yielding 35 miles of range per hour over 10.5 hours.
What the install involves
A 48-amp EVSE requires a dedicated 60-amp circuit breaker. National Electrical Code mandates hardwiring for this amperage because household receptacles cannot handle a continuous 48-amp load. Run copper wire sized for 60 amps from the main panel to the mounting location. Hire a licensed electrician to pull permits and mount the hardware. Do not attempt DIY high-amperage wiring unless you hold a current electrical license.
Chargers that match this car
Your car has a NACS port. The NACS units below plug straight in; any J1772 unit works with the adapter supplied with the car.
These suit the Long Range / Performance trim at 48 A. If you have the RWD (Standard Range), a 32 A unit is all you need.
Native NACS plug, no adapter needed.
Dual plug: works with NACS and J1772 cars.
Tesla's own unit. Native NACS, hardwire only.
Worth having as well
Common questions
- What connector does the car use?
- The vehicle uses the NACS connector natively. A J1772 adapter ships with the car for third-party Level 2 units.
- How long does standard Level 1 charging take?
- Level 1 charging delivers 5.8 miles of range per hour. A full recharge from empty takes 62 hours.
- What is the efficiency of this vehicle?
- The car consumes 24.6 kWh per 100 miles of driving. This efficiency rating yields 137 MPGe.
- What circuit size is needed for the RWD variant?
- The RWD Standard Range variant draws 32 amps max. It requires a 40-amp breaker.
Other vehicles
Charging times derived from EPA data for the 2024 Tesla Model 3 (covering 5 EPA trim listings). Electrical requirements follow NEC 625.41, which sizes a circuit at 125% of a continuous load. Always have a licensed electrician verify your panel.