<P> The Tesla Supercharger network is a system of 480 - volt DC fast - charging stations built by American vehicle manufacturer Tesla Inc. to allow longer journeys for their all - electric manufactured vehicles (Model S, 3 and X), through quick charging of the vehicle's battery packs . </P> <P> Tesla began building the network in 2012 . As of December 2017, there were 1,045 stations globally, with 7,496 chargers . The Supercharger is a proprietary direct current (DC) technology that provides up to 120 kW of power per car (depending on circumstances), giving the 90 kWh Model S an additional 170 miles (270 km) of range in about 30 minutes charge and a full charge in around 75 minutes . A software update provided in 2015 to all Tesla cars uses demand information from each Supercharger station to plan the fastest route, if charging will be necessary to reach the destination . </P> <P> Tesla has taken several measures to discourage drivers from using Superchargers for longer than necessary . In December 2016, Tesla started fining owners who remain plugged into a Supercharger after the car is fully charged . A year later, Tesla banned commercial, ride - sharing, taxicab, or government vehicles from using Superchargers . Additionally, owners of vehicles purchased after January 15, 2017, were given an annual limit of 400 kWh (about 1,000 miles or 1,600 km) of free charging "credit" before they have to pay for charging . </P>

How long does it take to charge a tesla at supercharger