Charging Instructions
Opening the Charge Port The charge port is located on the left side of
Model S, behind a door that is part of the rear
tail light assembly. Before charging, park
Model S to ensure that the charge cable easily reaches the charge port.
With Model S unlocked (or a recognized key is
within range) and in Park, press and release
the button on the Tesla charge cable to open the charge port door.
Note: If the charge cable is in range of the
charge port door, you can press the button on the charge cable to open the charge port door
even when Model S is locked or a recognized
key is not in range.
You can also open the charge port door using
any of these methods:
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 thecharge 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 unlockedor 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.
Note: If Model S is equipped with a motorized
charge port door, it automatically closes shortly after you remove the charge cable.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:
1. Ensure that Model S is not actively
charging by displaying the charging
screen on the touchscreen. If necessary,
touch Stop Charging .
2. Open the rear trunk.
3. Open the
child protectiondisabling rear window switches 15child seatscleaning 181
installing and using 30child-protectiondisabling liftgate and rear door handles
13
Chill acceleration 74
cleaning 180
climate controls 128
cold weather driving 83
collision avoidance assist 113
connecting to Wi-Fi 156
console12V power socket 22
cup holders 23
USB ports 21
consumption chart 77
contact informationroadside assistance 205
Tesla 215
copyrights 211
Creep 67
cruise control 88
cup holders 23
D dashboard overview 2
Dashcam 80
data recording 213
data sharing 213
declarations of conformity 216
delivery mileage 214
devicesBluetooth, playing audio files 142
connecting 21
playing audio files from 142
dimensions 192
dome (map) lights 54
door handles 12
door labels 190
Door Unlock Mode 12
doors 10
doors, opening 10
drive away locking 13
Drive gear 52
driverprofiles 42
seat adjustment 25drivingseating position 25
starting 50
tips to maximize range 77E
Easter Eggs 209
easy entry, driver profile 42
EDR (event data recorder) 213
electric parking brake 68
emergency braking 113
emergency
