You may already know that Tesla offers multiple charging options for its vehicles. Across the globe, Tesla has established an extensive network of charging outlets to accommodate its growing customer base.
Two of the most well-known types of Tesla chargers are the Superchargers and Destination chargers. Many people are curious about which is superior. Let’s settle the Tesla Superchargers vs. Destination chargers debate once and for all.
Superchargers are typically located along major routes, while Destination charging outlets are often found at hotels and restaurants. Currently, there are about 45,000+ Superchargers worldwide.
A Brief Introduction to Supercharger
Superchargers are known for more charging ability and faster charging. But they are huge establishments that need a lot of space.
Tesla Superchargers can be found in almost every state in the United States, but it’s not the same for Europe and Asia-Pacific. Especially, Southeast Asian countries don’t have a single Supercharger outlet there.
Although they can charge your Tesla at its full capacity, they will cost you some bucks in exchange.
A Brief Introduction to Destination Chargers
Destination charger will charge up your Tesla way slower compared to Superchargers. And also, they can’t charge it up to its full charge capacity.
And you can find a Destination charger portal to any renowned and prominent restaurant, hotel, or resort. And what’s more, you don’t need to pay any expense for charging your Tesla from a Destination charger.
You can also install a Wall Connector or a Mobile Connector, and your own house would become a Destination Charger outlet.
Tesla Supercharger vs Destination Charger: What are the differences
Of course, both of the charging portals charge your Tesla just fine. But the voltage of power, charging speed, charging cost, and maximum charging capacity aren’t the same. Let’s dig up more about the differences among them.
The number of charging outlets
As you’ve known Superchargers are much bigger establishments compared to Destination chargers, right?
So, it’s natural that they need much bigger space to cover up the entire Supercharger. Now, that’s why there are only 16,103 Supercharger outlets available in the whole world.
On the contrary, Destination chargers don’t require huge buildings or spaces to establish them. You can just put the charger on a wall or you can connect your mobile to your Tesla. That’s the reason why there are over 35,000 Destination chargers in the world.
In conclusion, the Destination chargers take this one.
Charging cost
Well, there shouldn’t be any competition here. Why’s that? It’s because Destination chargers can offer you a free charging service. Of course, if you are charging from a hotel or restaurant, you need to pay for the services you get from them, but not for the Destination charger.
And if you install a Wall Connector on your home, you just have to pay them once. Then you can get free service for the rest of the time.
For Superchargers, you have to pay 28 pennies for every kWh of power. According to the statistics, Tesla vehicles are well-known for running only a mile per hour on 22 kWh power. If you calculate the values, it stands at 6.16 US dollars per hour. And if you want to go on a four-hour long trip, the cost is about 24.64 US dollars.
Now, does it seem like you should give the win here to Superchargers? Didn’t think so.
Charging speed
Tesla didn’t just put huge equipment on Superchargers for no reason. They used them to make it more powerful than any charger for Tesla. Also, it’s way faster than any other charger.
The charging speed of the Supercharger is almost 120 kW to 150 kW. As for Destination chargers, it’s only 22 kW. Now, imagine how faster a Supercharger can charge up your Tesla.
Tesla Superchargers can charge your Tesla vehicle up to 200 miles in only 10 to 15 minutes. And Destination chargers can only charge up to 40 miles maximum, and to do so, it takes 12 hours. So, to reach 200 miles charge theoretically, you need to connect the Destination charger for 60 hours. It’s more than two long days.
Charging power on Tesla
The maximum power of voltage on a Destination charger is only 110V to 120V, and as for Superchargers, it’s 250 volts. This means you will get more power when you charge your Tesla on a Supercharger. Obviously, it affects the charging speed and cost.
Destination chargers have low power to charge the vehicle, but 40 miles might be enough for you to travel through the city, right? You can just connect the charger when you go to sleep and let it charge overnight.
And if you are in a hurry, Superchargers are the ideal choice. It will only take 10 to 15 minutes to charge the cars with sufficient power, and it’s super-easy to find a Supercharge outlet in the United States. But not ideal for other continents.
Our verdict
We actually didn’t want to take any sides here. But some of you might still be confused and want our opinions on the matter. So here it is.
If you are not a long-traveling person, you shouldn’t always go for Superchargers. Superchargers are always a great option to charge your Tesla. But it’s costlier, and of course, it’s not at your house.
On the other hand, if you are okay with only 40 miles worth of charge, then either install a Wall Connector at your home by a Tesla authorized electrician or go to any nearby restaurant, which has the Destination charger’s service.
