You’ve just picked up your Frontier Tesla Model 3 in downtown Milwaukee. The sleek, white interior smells like the future, and the Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability is ready to whisk you through the Wisconsin landscape. But as you head north toward Glendale, you glance at the battery percentage. It’s time for a top-up.
For many of our renters, the first stop is the iconic Bayshore Mall. It isn’t just a shopping destination; it’s a strategic hub for EV travel in the Midwest. However, finding a specific charging stall in a massive multi-use complex can feel like a scavenger hunt you didn't sign up for.
I’ve spent years navigating the nuances of EV infrastructure. What I’ve learned is that the difference between a seamless trip and a frustrating delay often comes down to knowing exactly where to turn. This guide is designed to ensure your experience with Tesla charging Bayshore Mall Glendale is as smooth as the car you’re driving.
Finding the Juice: Where Exactly are the Tesla Superchargers at Bayshore Mall?
Let’s get straight to the most common question we hear: "I’m at the mall, but where are the plugs?"
The Tesla Superchargers at Bayshore are not located in the open-air lots scattered around the perimeter. Instead, you’ll find them tucked away in the Silver Spring Parking Garage. This is the large structure situated on the north side of the property, adjacent to Silver Spring Drive.
The Step-by-Step Navigation
If you are coming from I-43, exit onto Silver Spring Drive heading east. You’ll want to turn right onto North Port Washington Road. The entrance to the Silver Spring Garage will be on your left.
Once you enter the garage, stay on the first level (Level 1). The Tesla Supercharger stalls are located in the northeast corner of the ground floor. You’ll see the signature red-and-white pedestals glowing in the distance. There are 8 stalls available here, all of which are V3 Superchargers capable of delivering up to 250 kW of power.
Why Location Matters for Frontier Renters
We chose to highlight this location because it’s one of the few spots that combines high-speed charging with genuine convenience. You aren't stuck in a dark corner of a basement. The area is well-lit, frequently patrolled by mall security, and puts you within a two-minute walk of the main shopping corridor.
Timing Your Charge: How Long Will It Take to Charge My Frontier Tesla?
Time is the one thing we can’t make more of. When you’re renting a Tesla, you want to spend your time exploring, not staring at a charging bar.
So, how long will it take to charge your Frontier Tesla rental at Bayshore? The short answer: 15 to 25 minutes for a typical session.
Understanding the V3 Advantage
The Bayshore location utilizes Tesla’s V3 technology. Unlike older V2 stations that split power between two cars (A and B stalls), V3 stations provide dedicated power to every single vehicle. If you plug in a Model 3 or Model Y, you can hit peak rates of 250 kW.
Here is a realistic breakdown of what to expect:
- 10% to 50%: Roughly 10-12 minutes. This is the "sweet spot" where the battery is most thirsty and accepts energy at the highest rate.
- 20% to 80%: Approximately 20-25 minutes. This is the standard "road trip" charge.
- 80% to 100%: Another 20-30 minutes.
Pro-Tip: I always tell our renters to avoid charging to 100% unless they absolutely need it for a long stretch of rural driving. The charging speed "tapers" significantly after 80% to protect the battery’s longevity. It’s much more efficient to stop at 80% and get back to your day.
The Pre-Conditioning Factor
Your Frontier Tesla is smart. If you use the in-car navigation to route to the Bayshore Supercharger, the vehicle will automatically begin "pre-conditioning" the battery. It warms or cools the cells to the optimal temperature for high-speed intake. According to a 2023 technical study by Geotab, pre-conditioned batteries can charge up to 20% faster in cold Wisconsin winters compared to "cold" batteries. Don't skip the navigation step!
Clearance and Compatibility: The Tesla Model Y at Bayshore
If you’ve opted for the extra space of a Tesla Model Y, you might be worried about the "garage factor." We’ve all had that heart-stopping moment where a low-hanging pipe looks a little too close to the roof.
Is the Bayshore Mall parking garage height-compatible with a Tesla Model Y? Yes, absolutely.
The Numbers Don't Lie
The Silver Spring Parking Garage at Bayshore has a maximum clearance height of 8 feet 2 inches (98 inches) on the ground floor where the Superchargers are located.
Now, let’s look at the Tesla Model Y dimensions:
- Height: 63.9 inches (approx. 5 feet 4 inches).
- Width (with mirrors): 83.8 inches.
Even if you are driving a Model Y with the 21-inch Überturbine wheels, you have nearly three feet of clearance above the roof. You could practically stand on top of the car and still not hit the ceiling (though we strongly recommend you don't). The entrances and ramps are wide, designed to accommodate full-sized SUVs and pickup trucks, so navigating the Frontier Tesla through the turns is effortless.
Making the Most of Your Charging Stop: The Bayshore Lifestyle
Here’s the thing: charging a Tesla isn't like pumping gas. You don't stand by the car holding a nozzle. You plug in, walk away, and the car notifies your phone when it’s ready.
Bayshore Mall is a premier "lifestyle center," which means it’s designed for walking. While your Frontier rental is sipping electrons, you have several high-quality options to kill 20 minutes.
The Quick Coffee Run
If you just need a caffeine hit, there is a Starbucks within a 3-minute walk of the Silver Spring Garage. It’s the perfect amount of time to order a drink, check your emails, and head back just as the car hits 80%.
The "Work from Anywhere" Option
For our business travelers, the Apple Store is nearby. If you’re having tech issues or just want to browse the latest gear, it’s a great distraction. Alternatively, the central "Town Square" area offers outdoor seating with public Wi-Fi, which is lovely during the Wisconsin summer months.
Grocery and Essentials
Need to stock up for your trip? Target is located on the south end of the mall. While it’s a bit further of a walk (about 6-8 minutes), it’s convenient if you need to grab snacks or supplies for a weekend at the lake.
The Frontier Renter’s Checklist for Glendale Charging
We want your rental experience to be flawless. Before you pull into the Bayshore stalls, keep these three things in mind:
- Check Stall Status: Use the Tesla touchscreen in your rental to see how many stalls are currently open. Bayshore is popular, and while there is rarely a long wait, it’s good to know if it’s full before you arrive.
- Idle Fees: Tesla charges "idle fees" if you leave your car plugged in after the charging session is complete and the station is more than 50% full. These fees can reach $1.00 per minute. When the app tells you the car is ready, move it to a standard parking spot.
- Plug Seating: Ensure the plug is pushed all the way in. You should see the Tesla logo next to the charging port pulse green. If it’s solid red, unplug and try again.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid at Glendale Superchargers
I've seen it all—from people trying to use the wrong side of the charger to drivers getting frustrated by slow speeds. Most of these issues are avoidable.
One common mistake is "ICE-ing." This is when Internal Combustion Engine (gas) cars park in EV spots. While Bayshore security is good about enforcing the rules, occasionally a distracted driver will block a stall. If this happens, don't confront the driver. Simply move to the next available stall and report it to mall security if the lot is full.
Another issue is the "Cold Weather Taper." In January, Wisconsin temperatures can plummet. Even with pre-conditioning, your initial charging speed might be lower than 250 kW for the first few minutes. This is normal. The car is protecting the battery. As the cells warm up, the speed will climb.
The Future of EV Travel in Wisconsin
Wisconsin was once considered a "charging desert," but that is changing rapidly. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s 2024 NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) plan, the state is set to add dozens of high-speed charging sites along the I-43 and I-94 corridors over the next two years.
Bayshore Mall remains a flagship location in this network. It serves as the gateway for travelers heading from Chicago or Milwaukee up toward Door County or Green Bay. By choosing a Frontier Tesla, you are positioning yourself at the forefront of this transition.
FAQ: Quick Answers for Frontier Drivers
Q: Do I need a special account to charge at Bayshore? A: No. As a Frontier renter, the charging costs are typically handled through the vehicle's VIN. We will bill the charging costs back to your rental agreement, so you don't need to fumble with credit cards or apps at the pedestal.
Q: Are the chargers open 24/7? A: Yes. While the mall shops have specific hours, the Silver Spring Parking Garage and the Tesla Superchargers are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Q: Can I use these chargers for a non-Tesla EV? A: Currently, the Bayshore Superchargers are "Magic Dock" restricted, meaning they are primarily for Tesla vehicles. However, Tesla is slowly opening its network to other manufacturers. For now, your Frontier Tesla is the best way to ensure compatibility.
Q: Is there a fee for parking in the garage while charging? A: Parking in the Silver Spring Garage is generally free for mall patrons, including those using the Superchargers.
Key Takeaways for Your Trip
- Location: Silver Spring Parking Garage, Level 1, Northeast corner.
- Speed: V3 (250 kW) – Expect 15-25 minutes for a solid charge.
- Compatibility: Model Y fits with nearly 3 feet of clearance.
- Efficiency: Use in-car navigation to pre-condition the battery for the fastest speeds.
Conclusion
Renting a Tesla from Frontier is about more than just getting from point A to point B; it’s about experiencing the pinnacle of automotive technology. The Tesla charging Bayshore Mall Glendale station is a vital part of that experience. It’s fast, safe, and surrounded by the best amenities Glendale has to offer.
Whether you’re in town for a business meeting or a weekend getaway, you can rest easy knowing that a quick stop at Bayshore will keep your Frontier Tesla ready for the road ahead. So, plug in, grab a coffee, and enjoy the future of travel.
Ready to hit the road? Book your next self-driving Tesla with Frontier today and experience the best EV rentals in the USA.
Sources
- Tesla Supercharger Map - Official location and stall data for Glendale, WI.
- Bayshore Mall Directory - Information on parking garage locations and mall amenities.
- Geotab 2023 EV Battery Study - Data on the impact of temperature and pre-conditioning on EV charging speeds.
- Wisconsin DOT NEVI Plan - Future outlook for EV infrastructure in the state of Wisconsin.