5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Tesla Supercharger Stop
Turn charging time into quality time
The days of awkwardly waiting at a Supercharger are over. With V3 chargers delivering up to 250kW and V4 pushing even higher, most charging sessions take 15-25 minutes. That's not waiting time - that's opportunity. European Supercharger locations have evolved too: many are now at shopping centers, restaurants, or scenic rest stops. Here are five ways to make your charging stops genuinely useful.
5 Activities for Your Charging Break
1. Have a Real Meal
Many European Superchargers are strategically placed at restaurants, shopping centers, or Autobahn service stations. Instead of grabbing something to eat in the car, sit down for a proper meal. Your car will be ready when you're done with coffee. Check the Tesla app to monitor charging progress from your table.
Pro tip: The Supercharger at Brenner Pass (Austria/Italy border) has a restaurant with mountain views. Lalandia in Denmark has a full family resort. Many German Autobahn Superchargers are at Sanifair-equipped rest stops with food courts.
2. Quick Work Session
Need to answer emails or join a quick call? Twenty minutes is perfect for clearing your inbox or handling a short task. Many Supercharger locations now have nearby cafes with WiFi. Or use your phone's hotspot in the car - the climate-controlled cabin is your mobile office.
With a frunk table, you can work outside the car on nice days. Fresh air and a change of scenery can make a routine task more pleasant.
3. Stretch and Move
Long drives stiffen your body. Use charging time for movement:
- Walk around the parking area (most Superchargers have enough space)
- Do basic stretches focusing on legs, back, and shoulders
- If there's a shopping center nearby, take a quick walk inside
- Some locations (like IKEA Superchargers) let you wander through the store
Even 15 minutes of walking makes a difference on a long drive.
4. Explore the Area
Some Supercharger locations are destinations in themselves. A few European highlights:
- Neuschwanstein area (Germany): Castle views
- Geiranger (Norway): Fjord scenery
- Various coastal locations: Beach access within walking distance
- City center locations: Quick sightseeing opportunity
Use Google Maps to check what's within a 10-minute walk. You might discover a local bakery, viewpoint, or park you'd otherwise have missed.
5. Connect with Other Tesla Owners
Supercharger stops are natural gathering points for the EV community. Many owners are happy to chat about their experiences, share road trip tips, or discuss modifications.
You might learn about a scenic detour, get a restaurant recommendation, or hear about someone's camping setup. The Tesla community is generally welcoming, and these chance encounters have led to lasting friendships for many owners.
Plan Your Stops Strategically
Use A Better Route Planner (ABRP) to find Superchargers at interesting locations rather than just the fastest route. A 5-minute longer stop at a scenic location beats a shorter stop at a highway rest area.
Some Supercharger locations are destinations in themselves
Charging Time Reality Check
How long will you actually be charging? Here's what to expect with a V3 Supercharger:
- 10% to 50%: About 15 minutes
- 10% to 80%: About 25-30 minutes
- 10% to 100%: 45+ minutes (charging slows significantly above 80%)
For most road trip stops, charging to 60-70% is optimal. You'll spend less time charging and the next Supercharger isn't far. Save the 80%+ charges for your last stop of the day or before remote stretches.
Best Supercharger Amenities in Europe
Some locations go above and beyond:
Germany:
- Irschenberg (A8): Restaurant with Alps view, playground
- Hilden (A3): Full service area with multiple restaurants
- Many ALDI/Lidl locations: Quick grocery shopping
Scandinavia:
- Multiple locations with stunning natural scenery
- Several at ski resorts (winter activities while charging)
Austria/Switzerland:
- Mountain pass locations with hiking trail access
- Resort areas with cafes and viewpoints
Benelux:
- Shopping center locations with extensive amenities
- City-center Superchargers near attractions
Check Before You Go
The Tesla app shows Supercharger locations with amenity icons. PlugShare has user reviews mentioning nearby facilities. A quick search can help you choose between two equidistant chargers based on what's available.
Making Stops Work for Everyone
Traveling with others? Charging stops can satisfy different needs:
- Kids: Look for locations with playgrounds or space to run
- Dogs: Choose stops with grass areas for walking
- Work calls: Quieter locations or those with cafes
- Hungry passengers: Superchargers at food courts or restaurants
The key is treating charging stops as part of the journey, not interruptions to it. With a bit of planning, they become the moments where you stretch, eat properly, and break up long drives in healthy ways.
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