Tesla Model S EV Charging Cable
Quick recommendation
Whatever the year, a Tesla Model S charges at home through a Type 2 to Type 2 cable, and the 32A single phase version is the one to buy. On a British house it hands over 7.4 kW, which is all a domestic supply has to give.
The inlet did change partway through the car's life, so it helps to know where yours sits. UK cars up to April 2019 use Type 2 for everything, AC charging and Supercharging alike. From May 2019 the Raven and later cars use Type 2 for AC with CCS for rapid charging on the same inlet. One consequence is that an early UK Model S cannot use a modern V3 Supercharger without Tesla's paid CCS retrofit. None of this alters the home lead, which stays Type 2 to Type 2 across every year.
The onboard charger is what really varies. Cars from 2014 to mid 2016 hold 60 to 90 kWh and take 11 kW, or 22 kW if the twin charger option was specified. Cars from mid 2016 to April 2019 hold 75 to 100 kWh and accept 16.5 kW. The Raven, from May 2019, is 100 kWh and also 16.5 kW. The 2021 refresh and the Plaid, both left-hand drive in the UK, are 100 kWh and 11 kW.
Every one of those numbers is a three phase rating. A UK home is single phase, so all four generations settle at 7.4 kW on a driveway, and a full charge from empty runs from roughly 9h15m on a 60 kWh car to 15h15m on a 100 kWh one. The three phase lead only earns its keep at a real three phase post, where a twin charger car can finish in as little as 3h00m and a 16.5 kW car in 6h45m.
One buying note: Tesla stopped offering the Model S in right-hand drive for the UK and Ireland in 2023, so a car bought today is used or an import. The cable is identical either way.
Choose 5m when the car sits beside the charge point, and 10m when you reverse in, park across a drive or share a post. Cables are IP55 rated, or IP67 on the 3 pin version, CE certified, with a 2 year manufacturer's warranty and same-day dispatch on working-day orders placed before 2pm.
Tesla Model S Charging Times
Model S, single onboard charger, 2014 to mid 2016, 60 to 90 kWh
| Cable Type | Max Charge Rate | Empty to Full | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 to 3 Pin (5m, 10m) | 2.3 kW | 29h30m to 44h15m | Emergency use, nothing more. |
| Type 2 to Type 2, 16A (5m, 10m) | 3.7 kW | 18h15m to 27h30m | Far too slow for these batteries. |
| Type 2 to Type 2, 32A (5m, 10m) | 7.4 kW at home | 9h15m to 13h45m | Best fit for a UK driveway. |
| Type 2 to Type 2, 32A three phase (5m, 10m) | 11 kW, 22 kW with twin chargers | 6h15m to 9h15m, 3h00m to 4h30m on twin chargers | For 22kW posts and workplaces. |
Model S, later pre-facelift, mid 2016 to April 2019, 75 to 100 kWh
| Cable Type | Max Charge Rate | Empty to Full | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 to 3 Pin (5m, 10m) | 2.3 kW | 36h45m to 49h00m | Last resort only. |
| Type 2 to Type 2, 16A (5m, 10m) | 3.7 kW | 23h00m to 30h30m | Two nights for one charge. |
| Type 2 to Type 2, 32A (5m, 10m) | 7.4 kW at home | 11h30m to 15h15m | The sensible home choice. |
| Type 2 to Type 2, 32A three phase (5m, 10m) | 16.5 kW on three phase | 5h00m to 6h45m | For three phase posts only. |
Model S Raven and 2021 refresh, May 2019 onwards, 100 kWh
| Cable Type | Max Charge Rate | Empty to Full | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 to 3 Pin (5m, 10m) | 2.3 kW | 49h00m | Two full days. Avoid. |
| Type 2 to Type 2, 16A (5m, 10m) | 3.7 kW | 30h30m | Half speed for a small saving. |
| Type 2 to Type 2, 32A (5m, 10m) | 7.4 kW at home | 15h15m | Best fit for home charging. |
| Type 2 to Type 2, 32A three phase (5m, 10m) | 16.5 kW on a Raven, 11 kW on the 2021 refresh | 6h45m on a Raven, 10h15m on the refresh | Three phase supplies only. |
Tesla Model S Charging Cable FAQs
Which cable does a Tesla Model S need?
A Type 2 to Type 2 cable in 32A. Every Model S uses Type 2 for AC charging, from the 2014 cars through to the 2021 refresh, so one lead covers the lot. At 7.4 kW it refills a 100 kWh car in about 15h15m and a 60 kWh car in roughly 9h15m.
Did the Model S connector change?
Yes, but only for rapid charging. UK cars up to April 2019 use Type 2 for AC and for Supercharging. From May 2019 the Raven onwards use Type 2 for AC with CCS on the same inlet for rapid charging. Your home cable is Type 2 to Type 2 in both cases.
How long does a Model S take to charge at home?
Between roughly 9h15m and 15h15m from empty on a 7.4 kW supply with a 32A cable, depending on whether your car holds 60 kWh or 100 kWh. The 16A lead at 3.7 kW roughly doubles that, to somewhere between 18h15m and 30h30m, which is why we steer owners to 32A.
Is the 22 kW three phase lead worth buying?
Only with three phase available. A 2014 to 2016 car with the twin charger option can pull 22 kW and finish in about 3h00m, and a 16.5 kW car takes 6h45m, but a UK home supply is single phase and holds every Model S to 7.4 kW regardless of cable.
Can an early Model S use a V3 Supercharger?
Not without Tesla's paid CCS retrofit. Cars built up to April 2019 use Type 2 for Supercharging, so they need that conversion to work with a modern V3 post. It makes no difference to your home charging: a 32A Type 2 to Type 2 cable is correct for every year.
What length works best, 5m or 10m?
5m is enough when the Model S parks alongside the wallbox with the socket facing it. Pick 10m for on street charging, a garage where the unit is on the far wall, or a shared post. Both lengths are available in 16A, 32A and 32A three phase.