By: Otaiba Ahsan

Owning a Tesla comes with unique perks like smooth performance, top-notch technology, and not having to frequent gas stations. However, it also means you need the knowledge to charge your car, and subsequently, stop charging your vehicle. Whether you’re at a public station or plugged in at home, knowing the right way to stop charging ensures safety, protects your equipment, and keeps your battery in top condition. Continue reading for steps on how to stop charging your Tesla.

Plugging In

Simply open the charge port, and fully insert the charging cable. When the connector is correctly inserted, charging will begin automatically. Once plugged in, a latch will engage that holds the cable in place, and the car will heat or cool the battery if required.

When your Tesla is plugged in but not actively charging, such as if you’ve scheduled a charge or if the vehicle has already reached its charging limit, it will draw energy from the charging equipment instead of using stored energy from the battery. For example, if you’re using the air conditioning while the car is plugged in but not actively charging, your battery level won’t decrease.

NOTE: Curious about how to open the charge port of your Tesla? See our detailed guide for more.

Stopping Charging

The simplest way to stop charging is by disconnecting the cable. This can be accomplished in two simple steps:

1. Press and hold the button on the connector’s handle to release the latch.
2. Pull the connector from the charge port. Once out, the charge port door will close automatically.

You can also tap Stop Charging on the touchscreen when in the car, or using the mobile app.

To prevent the unauthorized unplugging of the charge cable, ensure the latch remains locked. This simply means that you must keep your Tesla locked. The cable can be unplugged only if the car is unlocked, or if the vehicle detects the phone key.

NOTE: In the unlikely scenario that the charge cable gets frozen stuck while plugged in due to freezing temperatures, tap Controls > Service > Inlet Heater. This feature heats the charge port for up to two hours to unfreeze the cable.

The Bottom Line

The steps on how to stop charging your Tesla are easy. The easiest method is to disconnect the cable, which is accomplished by pressing and holding the button on the connector’s handle, then pulling it out from the charge port. Additionally, you can tap Stop Charging using the touchscreen in the car, or from within the mobile app.