CHARGING
General
The Tesla Roadster is an electrically powered vehicle. Energy is stored in the battery, which is a sealed unit containing 6,831 Lithium-ion cells producing up to 180 kW of energy at up to 420V.
As the roadster is driven, the battery is discharged. In a fully charged state, the Roadster has a range of approximately 200 miles, depending
on conditions. The touch screen informs the driver of the state of charge and the expected remaining range.
To maintain the battery in a charged state, the Roadster can be charged using either:
- The Home Connector
- The Mobile Connector
Note
It is recommended that the Roadster is left connected to the home connector when not in use.
Note
It will take longer to charge the Roadster using the mobile connector than when using the home connector.
Precautions
Warning
The electrical circuits in the Tesla Roadster work on several different voltages. In addition to 12V circuits, the battery can produce up to a, potentially lethal, 420V, with a high current flow. It is imperative that all the instructions regarding electrical safety are followed, whether in this Manual, the Owner's Handbook or on labels attached to components on the vehicle. Always observe and obey the instructions - they are there for your safety.
Warning
Battery modules containing Lithium-ion cells that have currently or previously fallen below 2.0V open circuit are not validated for recharging or re-use and should be replaced. Recharging Lithium-ion cells below this threshold can cause immediate or latent damage, creating a hazardous condition from the dissolved copper or other degradation mechanisms which can lead to fire, property damage, electrical shock, serious injury and/or death. Only perform recharging procedures specified in the service manual and follow all applicable instructions.
Warning
Take special care with high voltage wiring (identified by the orange outer sleeving), the connectors or the components connected to the wiring.
Warning
Never work on a vehicle whilst it is charging. The high voltage circuits will be live.
Warning
Never touch, cut, or open an orange high voltage power cable or high voltage component unless the battery has first been shut off using the service disconnect.
Warning
Never assume the Roadster is shut off because it is silent. To make sure that all circuits are isolated always disconnect the battery using the service disconnect plug.
Warning
After disabling the vehicle, power is maintained for 90 seconds in the SRS system and 1 minute in the high voltage electrical system. If the disabling procedure cannot be performed, proceed with caution as there is no assurance that the high voltage electrical system and/or SRS are disabled. Never touch, cut, or open any orange high-voltage power cable or high voltage component until after the battery has been disabled.
Warning
Never cut into the sealed battery enclosure due to the high voltage and electrocution risks.
Warning
The home connector should only be installed and tested by a Tesla certified electrician.
Warning
Never try to modify the cables or connectors on the home connector or mobile connector.
Warning
Never attempt to open the home connector or mobile connector enclosures.
Warning
Always make sure that the mobile connector is located in a clean and dry area during use.
Warning
Never use an extension cable with the mobile connector.