Tesla, a leader in the electric vehicle industry, has gained popularity among owners and enthusiasts. However, some Tesla owners may experience a “popping” sound from the vehicle’s floor during charging.
Experiencing a “popping” sound during the charging process of a Tesla is a common occurrence and not a cause for concern. The noise is due to the rapid expansion of the batteries as they heat up during charging.

Understanding the Tesla Charging Modes
Tesla vehicles offer several charging modes, including:
Charging Modes | Description |
Standard | Level 1 charging through a regular 120-volt outlet. It can take up to 4 days to charge a Tesla vehicle to full capacity with this mode. |
Mobile Connector | Level 2 charging through a 240-volt outlet. |
Wall Connector | Level 2 charging through a dedicated wall connector installed in the home or garage. Your vehicle will charge from 200 to 240 volts AC. |
Supercharger | Level 3 charging, which offers the fastest charging speed and is only available at Tesla’s Supercharger stations. Tesla Supercharger voltage ranges from 200 to 800 volts DC. Note: Not all Tesla vehicles come with access to the Supercharger network by default, and it may require an additional fee to access. |
Source of the “Popping” Sound During Tesla Charging
When you charge your Tesla at a Supercharger, the electrical energy from the charging station is converted into chemical energy and stored in the battery cells. As this energy is transferred into the battery, it causes the temperature of the cells to rise.
During the charging process, the battery cells undergo a series of chemical reactions and physical changes. The increase in temperature leads to the expansion of the materials within the battery cells.
This expansion can result in the generation of small, audible sounds that are often described as pops or clicks.
Why Does My Tesla Make A Popping Noise When Charging?
Some common reasons for unexpected popping sounds in Tesla vehicles include:
1. Battery Expansion due to Heating
The popping sound you hear when charging your Tesla is a result of the battery expanding as it heats up during the charging process.
As electrical energy is transferred to the battery, it undergoes chemical reactions and physical changes, causing the temperature to rise.
This increase in temperature leads to thermal expansion within the battery cells, resulting in audible sounds like pops or clicks.
2. Higher Resistance and Heat Generation
The popping sound is more pronounced when using a Supercharger compared to standard home chargers.
Superchargers deliver a higher-powered direct current (DC), which generates more heat within the battery due to increased electrical resistance during charging. The greater the resistance, the more heat is generated, contributing to the occurrence of the popping sound.
3. Charging Speed and Range
If you have been using a standard level 1 charger at home, the popping sound might not have been as noticeable. Level 1 chargers operate at a lower power level and provide a slower charging rate, typically adding only a few miles of range per hour.
In contrast, Superchargers and higher-powered level 2 chargers can deliver a significant amount of energy in a shorter time, resulting in more resistance and heat generation, thus amplifying the popping sound.
4. Temperature Variations
The air temperature plays a role in the perception of the popping sound. Cold weather conditions, especially during low temperatures, can make the popping sound more pronounced.
The temperature difference between the battery pack and the surrounding air becomes more significant, intensifying the audible effects of thermal expansion.
On the other hand, during hot weather, the temperature differential is reduced, and the popping sound may be less noticeable or even absent.
Related Post: Does Your Tesla Stop Charging When the Battery is Full?
Why is the Sound More Noticeable at Superchargers?
Tesla Superchargers are designed to provide a higher-powered direct current (DC) to quickly replenish the battery’s charge. The increased power output of Superchargers leads to a more significant heating effect on the battery pack, which can intensify the popping sound.
In contrast, charging with a Tesla wall connector charger at home typically involves lower power levels and may not generate the same level of noise.
What Causes Tesla Batteries to Heat Up?
Battery heating in Tesla vehicles occurs due to energy transfer within the battery cells during different operational scenarios. Including:
Charging
When a Tesla is being charged, whether using a home charger or a Supercharger, the battery will experience heating. Supercharging, with its higher power output, can cause more significant heating compared to standard charging methods.
Driving
As you drive a Tesla, the battery supplies the power required for the electric motor, resulting in energy transfer and heat generation.
The degree of battery heating during driving depends on several factors, including driving style and conditions. Aggressive driving or driving on steep terrain can increase the load on the battery, causing it to heat up more.
Parking
Even when the vehicle is parked, the Tesla battery may still experience some degree of heating. This is primarily due to auxiliary systems running in the background, such as climate control to maintain optimal battery temperature and other functions that consume power.
However, the heating effect during parking is generally lower compared to charging or driving scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Should I be concerned about the popping sound of Tesla?
The popping sound is a natural byproduct of the charging process of Tesla and does not indicate any malfunction or safety issue with your Tesla.
Does the popping sound only occur with Superchargers?
The popping sound may be more pronounced when using Superchargers due to their higher power output, which generates more heat within the battery. However, the popping can also happen during regular home charging or when using other high-power charging stations, such as level 2 chargers, where the charging speed and electrical resistance can cause similar effects.
Does this affect all Tesla models?
Yes, it does. This isn’t exactly what you’d call a design flaw on the part of Tesla or other EV makers. It’s a natural result of the laws of physics and chemistry that govern the batteries that power your Tesla.