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Charging basics

Charging a Tesla on other networks

Checked 2 October 2026. Rules and prices change, so check the sources below before you rely on a figure.

Yes. Every Model 3 and Model Y sold in the UK, and newer Model S and Model X, have a CCS2 charge port. CCS2 is the same rapid-charging plug every other modern electric car in Europe uses, so a UK Tesla can plug into InstaVolt, GRIDSERVE, bp pulse, IONITY, Osprey, Fastned, Shell Recharge and the rest.

Rapid chargers (DC)

Rapid chargers have their own fixed, heavy cables. Look for the cable marked CCS or CCS2. Ignore the CHAdeMO cable, which does not fit a Tesla.

  1. Start the session as the network asks: tap a contactless bank card on the reader, use the network's app, or tap a charging card (RFID).
  2. Plug the CCS2 connector in. It fills the whole port, top and bottom.
  3. The car shows the speed and the charge level as usual. The charger screen shows the cost.

A Tesla charges at the lower of two speeds: the most the charger can give and the most the car can take at that moment. A 350 kW charger will not make a car charge faster than its own limit.

Slower AC chargers

AC posts in car parks, at hotels and on streets give 3.7 to 22 kW. Some have a cable attached (tethered). Others have a Type 2 socket and you need your own cable. See Which cable do I need?

A Tesla can take up to 11 kW from a three-phase AC charger. A 22 kW post will still only give a Tesla 11 kW.

Paying

Since the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023, all rapid chargers and new public chargers of 8 kW and above must accept contactless payment, show prices in pence per kWh and have a free 24-hour helpline. You no longer need an app for every network. See How to pay at public chargers.

Tips

  • Precondition before a rapid charge. Newer software lets you warm the battery before arriving at a non-Tesla charger. Without it, a cold battery charges slowly. See Preconditioning.
  • Check the price. Prices on other networks are often higher than Superchargers. The tariff must be shown on the charger or in its app before you start.
  • Older Model S and Model X: some have a Tesla-only port and need a CCS upgrade to use other rapid chargers. Check your car's specification.

Browse every network that works with a Tesla.

Sources

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