Supercharging Codes Explained
Tesla uses internal option codes to define a vehicle's supercharging status. Understanding these codes is essential to avoid paying a premium for a car that doesn't actually have transferable free supercharging.
| Code | Name | Free Charging | Transferable | On Sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC01 | Free Unlimited (Transferable) | Unlimited | Yes | Keeps SC01 |
| SC04 | Pay Per Use | None | N/A | Stays SC04 |
| SC05 | Free Unlimited (NOT Transferable) | Unlimited* | No | Reverts to SC04 |
| SC06 | Time-Limited Free | 6–12 months | Unlikely | Uncertain |
Free Unlimited Supercharging (Transferable)
Unlimited free supercharging that transfers to the next owner via private sale. The most valuable supercharging code.
- •Unlimited free supercharging for the life of the vehicle
- •Transfers to new owners through private sales
- •Only available on vehicles registered before April 2017
- •Ordered before January 15, 2017
- •The gold standard — this is what you want when buying used
Supercharging Enabled (Pay Per Use)
Supercharging hardware is enabled, but you pay for each charging session at standard rates.
- •Supercharging hardware enabled on the vehicle
- •Pay-per-use at Tesla's standard supercharging rates
- •Referral credits can provide temporary free charging credits
- •This is the code SC05 vehicles revert to after being sold
Free Unlimited Supercharging (Non-Transferable)
Unlimited free supercharging for the current owner only. Reverts to SC04 (pay-per-use) when the vehicle is sold.
- •Unlimited free supercharging for the original/current owner
- •NOT transferable — reverts to SC04 on sale
- •Common on vehicles purchased after April 2017
- •Looks identical to SC01 in the Tesla app
- •Critical to verify: a car showing 'Free Supercharging' may be SC05, not SC01
Time-Limited Free Supercharging
Free supercharging for a limited period, typically 6–12 months. Transferability upon sale is uncertain.
- •Temporary free supercharging, usually 6–12 months
- •Often part of promotional offers or referral programs
- •Transferability to new owner is uncertain/unlikely
- •Reverts to pay-per-use after the promotional period expires
The SC05 Trap — Don't Get Fooled
The most common mistake buyers make is seeing “Free Supercharging” in the Tesla app and assuming it's SC01. Many sellers genuinely don't know the difference. SC05 shows identical language in the app — “Free Supercharging,” “Lifetime Award” — but the moment you buy the car, it reverts to SC04 (pay per use). Always verify the actual code through the Tesla API or compositor URL.