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 does not actually have SC01 status.

CodeNameFree ChargingTransferableOn Sale
SC00Supercharging DisabledNoneN/AStays SC00
SC01Free Unlimited (Reported transferable)UnlimitedYesKeeps SC01
SC04Pay Per UseNoneN/AStays SC04
SC05Free Unlimited (Nontransferable)Unlimited*NoReverts to SC04
SC06Time Limited Free6–12 monthsUnlikelyUncertain
SC00Disabled

Supercharging Disabled

No access to the Tesla Supercharger network. Typically applied to salvage titled vehicles where Tesla has disabled DC fast charging entirely.

  • •No Supercharger access. The vehicle is blocked from the network
  • •Also disables third party DC fast charging in most cases
  • •Commonly applied to salvage or rebuilt title vehicles
  • •Tesla may offer an HV inspection ($1,200–$2,000) to restore access
SC01Transferable

Free Unlimited Supercharging (Historically Reported as Transferable)

Unlimited free supercharging that has historically been reported as carrying over to the next owner on private sale. Transfer status is subject to Tesla's current policies; verify before you buy.

  • •Unlimited free supercharging as reported for the life of the vehicle
  • •Historically reported as carrying over to new owners on private sale
  • •Only offered on vehicles ordered before January 15, 2017, delivered before April 2017
  • •The most sought-after supercharging code in the used Tesla market
  • •Always verify the current status directly with Tesla before completing a purchase
SC04Standard

Supercharging Enabled (Pay Per Use)

The standard supercharging designation for all Tesla vehicles. Supercharging hardware is enabled and you pay standard rates per session.

  • •Standard supercharging access on all Tesla vehicles
  • •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
SC05Not Transferable

Free Unlimited Supercharging (Nontransferable)

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
SC06Time Limited

Time Limited Free Supercharging

Free supercharging for a limited period, typically 6 to 12 months. Transferability upon sale is uncertain.

  • •Temporary free supercharging, usually 6 to 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
SC05 looks identical to SC01 in the app
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, including “Free Supercharging” and “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.