California · Level 2 AC Charging
Destination
Charging
Calculator
Estimate the cost of charging your Tesla at a destination charger in California — hotels, resorts, restaurants and parking garages. Rates vary by venue type and billing model, from free to premium per-kWh or per-hour fees.
Step-by-Step Calculator
Your Session Settings
Select your model, set your charge range, choose the venue type, and pick how the charger bills — we'll calculate your destination charging cost and time.
① Select Your Tesla Model
Destination chargers use Level 2 AC. Your model's onboard charger determines the max AC accept rate.
Model 3 SR
60 kWh
7.4 kW AC
Model 3 LR
82 kWh
11 kW AC
Model Y SR
75 kWh
7.4 kW AC
Model Y LR
82 kWh
11 kW AC
Model S
100 kWh
11.5 kW AC
Model X
100 kWh
11.5 kW AC
Cybertruck
123 kWh
11.5 kW AC
Model 3 RWD
79 kWh
7.4 kW AC
Model S Plaid
100 kWh
11.5 kW AC
② Set Charge Range
Drag the left handle to your arrival charge level and the right to your departure target. Destination charging is ideal for overnight top-ups.
⚡ Energy needed: — kWh · Battery: 60 kWh · Onboard AC: 7.4 kW
③ Select Venue Type
Destination charger pricing in California depends heavily on the venue. Hotels often offer free charging for guests; paid parking and premium resorts charge the most.
🎁 Free / Complimentary
Hotels, resorts, some restaurants
$0.00 / kWh
🏨 Hotel / Resort
Paid guest charging
$0.20 / kWh
🅿️ Public Parking Garage
Shopping centres, airports
$0.28 / kWh
⭐ Premium / Valet
Luxury hotels, valet parking
$0.38 / kWh
Rates are typical CA 2025 ranges. Free charging is common at Marriott, Hilton and IHG properties. Always confirm with the venue before your stay.
④ Billing Model
Some California destination chargers bill per kWh consumed; others bill a flat hourly fee regardless of how much energy is drawn. Choose the model that matches your charger.
Per kWh
Pay for energy used · Most common
Per Hour
Flat hourly fee · $1.50 – $3.00/hr typical
Free
Complimentary · No charge to guest
Select your model, charge range, venue type, and billing model — then click Calculate to see your destination charging cost and time.
Venue Rate Reference
CA Destination Charger Pricing
Typical 2025 California destination charging rates by venue type. Pricing varies widely — free charging is common at branded hotel chains, while paid parking garages and premium resorts charge per kWh or per hour.
| Venue Type | Typical Rate | Billing Model | Charger Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🎁 Free | $0.00 | Complimentary | 7.2 – 11 kW | Marriott, Hilton, IHG, many independent hotels |
| 🏨 Hotel / Resort | $0.15 – $0.25 / kWh | Per kWh | 7.2 – 11 kW | Guest-only access; billed to room or via Tesla app |
| 🅿️ Public Parking | $0.24 – $0.32 / kWh or $1.50 – $2.50/hr |
Per kWh or Per hour | 6.2 – 7.2 kW | Shopping malls, airports, city garages; open to all EVs |
| ⭐ Premium / Valet | $0.32 – $0.45 / kWh or $2.50 – $4.00/hr |
Per kWh or Per hour | 7.2 – 11 kW | Luxury hotels, concierge charging, valet EV services |
🏨 What Is Destination Charging?
Destination chargers are Level 2 AC chargers (7–11 kW) installed at hotels, restaurants, wineries, and attractions. Unlike Superchargers, they're designed for longer dwell times — a few hours or overnight. Tesla partners with thousands of CA venues through its Destination Charging program. Many are free for guests.
⏱️ Per kWh vs Per Hour — Which Is Better?
Per kWh is usually fairer — you pay only for the energy your car accepts. Per hour can cost more if your car's onboard charger is slower (e.g. 7.4 kW SR models accept less per hour than 11 kW LR models at the same hourly rate). If billing per hour, a faster onboard charger gives better value.
💡 Tips for Destination Charging in CA
Book hotels with free charging — filter by "EV charging" on hotel booking sites. Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and IHG properties frequently offer complimentary Level 2 charging.
Plug in on arrival, not just at bedtime — destination chargers are slow; every extra hour adds more range.
Check the Tesla app for destination charger availability and live status before your trip.
Plug in on arrival, not just at bedtime — destination chargers are slow; every extra hour adds more range.
Check the Tesla app for destination charger availability and live status before your trip.