Super Charging while absent. How safe is my car?

[CBPfromTN]

I just ordered my Model S a week or so ago. I am pretty stoked about getting my first Tesla and have really enjoyed reading all of the posts on this forum by all of you who have Teslas and are kind enough to share your experiences. I have learned a lot!
So, I am thinking I will be doing some road trips alone and I am wondering about leaving my car to charge while I go into a nearby restaurant etc. I am not worried about it being stolen but perhaps about someone walking by and removing the charger or something else to it while it is charging unattended. I realize this isn't a LOT different than parking it in a parking lot, but the fact that it is charging and someone "MAY" just happen by and (just out of curiosity or worse) damage the car while it's charging. (Just curious!) Does the charging port just come out by pulling? I don't know how the Super Chargers work exactly, as for starting the charge and removing the charger from the charging port. Anyone ever have any issues while leaving their car to charge? Thanks in advance for your answers.

 

[Tech_Guy]

When you lock the car it locks the charger in as well so you don’t have anything to worry about there. Also the cords at superchargers are typically only long enough to reach one parking space so there’s no benefit to unplugging someone’s car etc... from my experience superchargers are a great place to meet other owners most of whom are very friendly!!

 

[TaoJones]

First, unlike J-1772s, your supercharging cable cannot be pulled out by some passer-by.

Second, if you are in a high crime area, such as the Bay Area, which I can see from your profile you are not, but just saying, then do consider having at least the rear triangle windows tinted using C-Bond. The latter is a liquid product (used instead of the usual soapy water while applying window tint) that makes it harder to punch through the glass as is the modus operandi of some thieving bastidges in the Bay Area who do that to have a peek into, and to perhaps liberate items from, your trunk area.

Now that I've given you the worst case scenario, short of the single episode of carjacking that occurred at Barstow, CA before they added more lighting, here's some perspective:

While anything can happen at any time, I've been to over 200 superchargers continent-wide. I've snoozed adjacent to some of them (it's impolite to remain in a stall after one's charge is complete, but an adjacent non-charging space is typically fair game). I've also showered at countless truck stops continent-wide while en route to wherever. At exactly no time did I feel any less safe than in any other on the road scenario. Some of the sketchiest places on the road are run of the mill rest stops, and I can count those stops on less than one hand since getting the first Tesla 3 years ago. By comparison, SC locations are generally just fine, and you may encounter grinning people there periodically as well.

For peace of mind, you may consider a dual Blackvue dashcam installation (that's 4 cams total for near-360-degree coverage) along with their cloud service, should you decide to have a dedicated hotspot in your car (versus saving up to 12 hours or so of footage on a microSD card).

Or you can play the odds. The vast majority of SC visitors have not had problems. There have been some - Manteca comes to mind - but again, cam coverage or just staying with your car at known problem spots or if you see something untoward is always an option. There's always food down the road, after all.

 

[Spemberton]

I just ordered my Model S a week or so ago. I am pretty stoked about getting my first Tesla and have really enjoyed reading all of the posts on this forum by all of you who have Teslas and are kind enough to share your experiences. I have learned a lot!
So, I am thinking I will be doing some road trips alone and I am wondering about leaving my car to charge while I go into a nearby restaurant etc. I am not worried about it being stolen but perhaps about someone walking by and removing the charger or something else to it while it is charging unattended. I realize this isn't a LOT different than parking it in a parking lot, but the fact that it is charging and someone "MAY" just happen by and (just out of curiosity or worse) damage the car while it's charging. (Just curious!) Does the charging port just come out by pulling? I don't know how the Super Chargers work exactly, as for starting the charge and removing the charger from the charging port. Anyone ever have any issues while leaving their car to charge? Thanks in advance for your answers.

I had the same concern until I pulled into my first charging station over a year ago. They are completely secure and no one will be able to unlock your car from the Super Charger unless you leave your keys inside. You won't find a friendlier group of men and women as those who are also charging their rocket ships.

 

[CBPfromTN]

When you lock the car it locks the charger in as well so you don’t have anything to worry about there. Also the cords at superchargers are typically only long enough to reach one parking space so there’s no benefit to unplugging someone’s car etc... from my experience superchargers are a great place to meet other owners most of whom are very friendly!!

Thank you! I wasn't sure if the charger could be removed once the car is locked and left to charge. That makes me feel better! Also, one other question: I think I have heard that if all of the chargers have cars in them that the overall charging is slower tha n if the other charging stations are empty. So, the more cars that are charging, the slower it goes. Is that right?

 

[CBPfromTN]

First, unlike J-1772s, your supercharging cable cannot be pulled out by some passer-by.

Second, if you are in a high crime area, such as the Bay Area, which I can see from your profile you are not, but just saying, then do consider having at least the rear triangle windows tinted using C-Bond. The latter is a liquid product (used instead of the usual soapy water while applying window tint) that makes it harder to punch through the glass as is the modus operandi of some thieving bastidges in the Bay Area who do that to have a peek into, and to perhaps liberate items from, your trunk area.

Now that I've given you the worst case scenario, short of the single episode of carjacking that occurred at Barstow, CA before they added more lighting, here's some perspective:

While anything can happen at any time, I've been to over 200 superchargers continent-wide. I've snoozed adjacent to some of them (it's impolite to remain in a stall after one's charge is complete, but an adjacent non-charging space is typically fair game). I've also showered at countless truck stops continent-wide while en route to wherever. At exactly no time did I feel any less safe than in any other on the road scenario. Some of the sketchiest places on the road are run of the mill rest stops, and I can count those stops on less than one hand since getting the first Tesla 3 years ago. By comparison, SC locations are generally just fine, and you may encounter grinning people there periodically as well.

For peace of mind, you may consider a dual Blackvue dashcam installation (that's 4 cams total for near-360-degree coverage) along with their cloud service, should you decide to have a dedicated hotspot in your car (versus saving up to 12 hours or so of footage on a microSD card).

Or you can play the odds. The vast majority of SC visitors have not had problems. There have been some - Manteca comes to mind - but again, cam coverage or just staying with your car at known problem spots or if you see something untoward is always an option. There's always food down the road, after all.

 

[Tech_Guy]

Supercharger stalls are usually paired 1a and 1b or 2a and 2b etc. If someone is on your pair the car will charge slower unless they are almost done charging. Meaning if someone’s on 1a, it will charge slower if you plug your into 1b. If you can find an a and b that’s not in use it should give you the fastest charge unless there are other issues at the station.

 

[CBPfromTN]

Thanks. I am not very worried about my safety, as you say, I am in a relatively safe area. I was just wondering about curious onlookers who might be curious and not respectful of others' property and damage the car by trying to get the charger out, just to be mean, even. I am glad to know the charger doesn't come out when the car is locked. That's good to know! The whole concept of this car is foreign to me, even though I am thoroughly excited to be getting a Tesla. I do think it's going to take me a long time to become accustomed to it because there are so many things about this car that I haven't had the opportunity to experience. All of the technology, which I LOVE is still going to take quite some time to get used to. I hope I can eventually feel comfortable with the EAP as well as other things in general. This is far different than any other car! (Which is precisely why I LOVE Tesla! I love having a car that you don't see all over the road. It's nice to be different as long as it's a GOOD different!) Thanks for the advice!

 

[CBPfromTN]

Supercharger stalls are usually paired 1a and 1b or 2a and 2b etc. If someone is on your pair the car will charge slower unless they are almost done charging. Meaning if someone’s on 1a, it will charge slower if you plug your into 1b. If you can find an a and b that’s not in use it should give you the fastest charge unless there are other issues at the station.

Interesting! I hope the first time or two I need to Super Charge that I won't have to wait for a charger and won't feel inept the first time I use a Super Charger! I am kinda nervous but I am sure I will eventually be more comfortable with the whole thing. Looking forward to getting the car! Thank you for the explanation of the SC!

 

[CBPfromTN]

I had the same concern until I pulled into my first charging station over a year ago. They are completely secure and no one will be able to unlock your car from the Super Charger unless you leave your keys inside. You won't find a friendlier group of men and women as those who are also charging their rocket ships.

Thank you! I am sure anyone who is also charging will be fun and interesting to talk to. That's why I love this forum. I have discovered so many knowledgeable people who are kind enough to share their experiences with others and to me, that is invaluable. Plus it gives me something really fun to do while I await my car's arrival. It won't be here until probably February....Thanks for your response!

 

[IT Geek]

So, the more cars that are charging, the slower it goes. Is that right?

Not exactly. For every 2 supercharger stalls (where you plug in your car) there is one supercharger cabinet (the big electrical equipment). If you and another car are sharing the same exact supercharger cabinet (as noted by the numbers on the stalls) then your charge rate will indeed be slower as you are sharing with someone else. However, if (for example) you pull up to a 10 stall charger and 8 are in use but you get a cabinet all to yourself then you will essentially get the same charge rate as if you were there solo. So bottom line, avoid parking directly next to another car when possible in order to get the best rate of charge.

When 2 cars are sharing the same cabinet, the car that got there first will get the higher output and the car that got there second will get what's left. Then as the first car begins to taper off the second car will increase... I'm giving you the condensed version of this explanation...but suffice to say this topic has been covered on these forums many times.

 

[CBPfromTN]

Not exactly. For every 2 supercharger stalls (where you plug in your car) there is one supercharger cabinet (the big electrical equipment). If you and another car are sharing the same exact supercharger cabinet (as noted by the numbers on the stalls) then your charge rate will indeed be slower as you are sharing with someone else. However, if (for example) you pull up to a 10 stall charger and 8 are in use but you get a cabinet all to yourself then you will essentially get the same charge rate as if you were there solo. So bottom line, avoid parking directly next to another car when possible in order to get the best rate of charge.

When 2 cars are sharing the same cabinet, the car that got there first will get the higher output and the car that got there second will get what's left. Then as the first car begins to taper off the second car will increase... I'm giving you the condensed version of this explanation...but suffice to say this topic has been covered on these forums many times.

Thank you! I appreciate the concise answer! I have been scouring this forum for a few days now and hadn't seen anything about the SC experience so this is good. I wanted to ask for myself and that way I could also ask additional questions if necessary when reading the answers, so this has really helped. This is a great resource for Tesla owners and future ones, like me. My car won't be delivered until probably February, possibly the middle of February and even that might be overly optimistic. I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas! Thanks for the response/answer!

 

[Canuck]

If you and another car are sharing the same exact supercharger cabinet (as noted by the numbers on the stalls) then your charge rate will indeed be slower as you are sharing with someone else.

When 2 cars are sharing the same cabinet, the car that got there first will get the higher output and the car that got there second will get what's left.

Just to clarify: There's no reduction at all to the first car plugged into either A or B (all superchargers are in pairs). The first car to connect to either A or B gets priority, and it gets whatever it can take. Then the subsequent cars to connect will get whatever is left but never to the detriment of the first car. However, if the first car unplugs, even for a split second, it'll drop in priority, if another car is connected to A/B.

 

[CBPfromTN]

Just to clarify: There's no reduction at all to the first car plugged into either A or B (all superchargers are in pairs). The first car to connect to either A or B gets priority, and it gets whatever it can take. Then the subsequent cars to connect will get whatever is left but never to the detriment of the first car. However, if the first car unplugs, even for a split second, it'll drop in priority, if another car is connected to A/B.

Good to know! Thanks for clarifying! This is all so new and so foreign to me. I have learned a lot from this forum! Thank you!

 

[IT Geek]

You're welcome...and welcome to the Tesla community. I agree completely that this is an excellent resource for new and prospective Tesla owners... I was here about this time a year ago before I got my car with my questions. Now a year (and over 22000 miles) later I can actually answer many more questions than I have to ask.

I've even been "interviewed" by prospective buyers at several Superchargers around my state (Tesla's are a bit rare here in Michigan). So you may find yourself in that position in the very near future.

 

[Uncle Paul]

So much learning is done the first week or so of ownership. If you are first time at a Supercharger, it is as simple as plugging in a radio. If there is another customer charging, feel free to walk up and ask them for some help. Most are proud of their Tesla's and would be more than willing to bring you quickly up the learning curve.

Most owners totally over think this new technology. It becomes pretty crystal clear and self explanatory by the time you take your first trip. Your delivery specialist will hit all the high points, and will be certain to let you plug and unplug your car yourself. The display will tell you when you need to charge, where the best place will be to charge, how many empty stalls are there, and how long you might expect to stay pluged in to get enough juice to get to your next stop.

Enjoy the ride.
Tesla, it drives like no other.

 

[CBPfromTN]

You're welcome...and welcome to the Tesla community. I agree completely that this is an excellent resource for new and prospective Tesla owners... I was here about this time a year ago before I got my car with my questions. Now a year (and over 22000 miles) later I can actually answer many more questions than I have to ask.

I've even been "interviewed" by prospective buyers at several Superchargers around my state (Tesla's are a bit rare here in Michigan). So you may find yourself in that position in the very near future.

Yes, I look forward to finding out more and it's so nice to have this opportunity! I don't know how many Teslas are here in the Nashville area, I am sure there are quite a few but nothing like in Los Angeles and San Francisco, Atlanta, etc. It will be fun to be driving something you don't see on every corner! That's why I never wanted a Lexus, for instance. For seven houses in a row on my side of the street, at one time I was the ONLY person not driving a Lexus. (I had a beautiful black Jaguar, XJ8 VDP (the big sedan,) and it was a 1999 so it did not look like every other car on the road.) I finally traded it almost 2 years ago with only 50k miles on it but it was time to move on. I went the hybrid route (Toyota Avalon 2016, loaded) but it just wasn't "IT." The Tesla Model S is "IT!" So excited! I cannot wait to be a seasoned Tesla owner! Thanks for the response!

 

[IT Geek]

Just to clarify...

Well, I did say it was the "condensed version"... But yes, your clarification is more accurate.

I've only ever suffered from this one time in the year of having my car, and that was in Lusk, Wyoming of all places.

One tip I'd give all new Tesla owners...if you haven't already, get at home charging installed BEFORE you get the car. Makes a world of difference.

 

[CBPfromTN]

So much learning is done the first week or so of ownership. If you are first time at a Supercharger, it is as simple as plugging in a radio. If there is another customer charging, feel free to walk up and ask them for some help. Most are proud of their Tesla's and would be more than willing to bring you quickly up the learning curve.

Most owners totally over think this new technology. It becomes pretty crystal clear and self explanatory by the time you take your first trip. Your delivery specialist will hit all the high points, and will be certain to let you plug and unplug your car yourself. The display will tell you when you need to charge, where the best place will be to charge, how many empty stalls are there, and how long you might expect to stay pluged in to get enough juice to get to your next stop.

Enjoy the ride.
Tesla, it drives like no other.

I cannot WAIT! Thank you! There are so many things this car will do, it's a bit overwhelming! I am SO ready. You know, when you finally make that decision, it's like: I WANT MY NEW CAR NOW! It's difficult to be patient but I will survive and have this forum to help me learn in the meantime. Everyone is SO NICE on this forum and it's so much appreciated. I am so anxious to see it sitting in my garage! Thanks for the response!

 

[CBPfromTN]

Well, I did say it was the "condensed version"... But yes, your clarification is more accurate.

I've only ever suffered from this one time in the year of having my car, and that was in Lusk, Wyoming of all places.

One tip I'd give all new Tesla owners...if you haven't already, get at home charging installed BEFORE you get the car. Makes a world of difference.

I am planning to get an electrician out here sometime after the holidays to install my home charger. Hopefully it won't be too difficult of a job, and won't take too long and will be done correctly. I have a recommendation from the local Tesla dealership so that is who I will be calling. I am anxious to get it done! Thanks again for your responses!