Navigation
- Open your Tesla's navigation system
- Select the ⚡️ icon to view nearby Superchargers
- Make sure only the ⚡️⚡️⚡️ option is selected for the fastest Superchargers
- Choose your preferred location — the screen will show available stalls and charging speeds
- Follow the navigation to your selected Supercharger
Charging Process
- Park at an available Supercharger stall
- Open the charge port by either:
- Pressing the charging icon on your touchscreen
- Pressing on the charge port door itself if the car is unlocked
- Or unlocking it via the Tesla App
- Insert the Supercharger connector into your vehicle's charge port
- Charging begins automatically. Follow the charge limit shown in the vehicle; ZEVO vehicles are generally capped at 90%.
If Charging Does Not Start
- Charge-port lights: white/light blue means ready, blinking blue means connecting, solid blue means scheduled, blinking green means charging, and solid green means complete.
- If the light is amber, red, or off: unplug and reseat once, read the exact vehicle alert, and try another stall or cable if safe.
- Stop and contact ZEVO or Tesla if red persists, charging fails at multiple locations, or there is smoke, heat, popping, or hissing. Never force the connector or use tools or a manual release.
Avoiding Idle and Congestion Fees
At busy Superchargers, Tesla may charge a congestion fee once the vehicle reaches the threshold shown in the car or app (currently 80%) or after charging stops. Tesla provides a five-minute grace period before the fee is charged.
- Monitor the charging threshold and progress in the Tesla app or touchscreen.
- Unplug and move the vehicle promptly; leaving within the five-minute grace period avoids the congestion or idle fee.
- Tesla network congestion or idle fees are separate from ZEVO charging, processing, or host charges.
Payment Through ZEVO
ZEVO simplifies the payment process for Supercharging:
- Charges appear on your ZEVO booking the following day
- All charging sessions are automatically tracked and billed
- A 10% processing and handling fee applies to all Tesla Supercharging sessions
- No additional fees for third-party chargers
Phoenix / AZ drivers: This applies to Texas, California, and Florida only. In Phoenix, all Supercharging bills through the Charge Key app, not your ZEVO booking — see the Charge Keys guide.
Charging Adapters
If a compatible charging adapter is not included in the car, you can purchase one from a Tesla Service Center or Home Depot. Check compatibility with your vehicle and the charging station before purchasing. If you cannot safely reach a usable charging option, contact ZEVO Customer Care for assistance.
Tips for Efficient Charging
- Optimal charging occurs between 20% and 80% for fastest speeds
- Use the Tesla app to monitor charging progress remotely
- Plan charging stops along your route before long journeys
- Cabin Overheat Protection is a comfort feature, not a child or pet safety system. Never leave a child or pet unattended, and avoid repeatedly opening the Tesla app because each check can wake the vehicle and use energy.
Reduce Idle Battery Loss
- Disable Cabin Overheat Protection in the Tesla app under A/C Controls; turn this off when parked in safe conditions to prevent unnecessary climate use.
- Shade, garages, or cooler environments reduce battery cooling cycles and preserve charge.
- Turn Off Sentry Mode (When Safe) as it uses several miles of range per day. Only leave it on if security is a concern.
- Disable “Keep Climate On” or “Keep Accessories Powered”: on the climate or Supercharging screen, ensure these are off so the car doesn’t continue powering systems after exit.
- Limit Cabin Preconditioning to only when needed (e.g., before morning drives) rather than keeping the cabin at a set temperature.
- Use Climate Control Efficiently by setting climate to Auto mode with temps above 70°F when possible. This reduces compressor and heater cycling.
- Turn off heated seats, steering wheel, or defrosters when not essential.
- Keep Software Updated as Tesla periodically improves battery management and sleep efficiency in updates.
ZEVO Battery Protection
For optimal battery health and longevity, ZEVO automatically caps charging at 90% of battery capacity. This practice:
- Preserves battery health over time
- Maintains consistent vehicle range
- Extends the overall lifespan of your battery
Per Tesla:
Use proper charging habits – For everyday use, maintain battery levels between 20% and 80% to maintain optimal battery health. Reserve full charges above 80% for long trips and be mindful of excessive Supercharger usage to also reduce strain on the battery. Lastly, Home charging or office charging with a Tesla Wall Connector is both convenient and gentle on the battery.
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Avoid running the battery below 10% as it damages the battery’s health and lifespan. Repeated offenses may result in: Charging Penalties