Facility Overview

The Tesla Supercharger in Russell, Kansas, is strategically situated at 1219 S Fossil Street within the paved commercial apron of the local Sonic Drive-In. Configured as an open-air surface parking facility, this hub features 8 dedicated high-power Tesla V3 DC fast-charging bays. Because it is an unobstructed outdoor surface lot, there are zero overhead clearance or vertical height restrictions, easily accommodating standard sedans, electric crossovers, full-size electric pickup trucks (such as the Tesla Cybertruck, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Rivian R1T), as well as high-roof vans. The layout primarily uses traditional back-in parking stalls designed with generous drive aisles to facilitate straightforward maneuvering.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Conveniently placed along US Highway 281 (South Fossil Street) immediately south of Interstate 70 (Exit 184), this parking and charging site serves as a vital transit waypoint for interstate motorists. Drivers can take advantage of numerous dining and hospitality venues within immediate walking distance:

• Sonic Drive-In: Directly on-site, offering carhop service, burgers, fountain drinks, and snacks right to your vehicle.
• Fossil Creek Hotel & Suites: Located directly across the street (under a 3-minute walk), ideal for overnight guests and conference attendees.
• Dole-Specter Conference Center: Less than a 4-minute walk (0.2 miles), hosting regional business events, conventions, and banquets.
• Local Dining & Comfort Food: Nearby establishments including Meridy\'s Restaurant & Lounge and Waffle Shoppe are situated within a 3 to 5-minute stroll.
• Historic Downtown Russell: Located just a 2-mile drive north, featuring the historic Dream Theater, the Deines Cultural Center, and local heritage parks.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are straightforward via multiple wide curb cuts along South Fossil Street. Positioned less than a quarter-mile south of the I-70 interchange, the facility allows road-trippers to exit the interstate, park, recharge, and return to highway speeds within minutes. Traffic flow throughout the parking apron is smooth and predictable, even during peak mealtime rushes at the drive-in. For regional travelers, US-281 provides direct north-south routing across central Kansas, seamlessly connecting with I-70 for east-west cross-country journeys between Salina and Hays.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• High-Speed V3 Supercharging: Equipped with 8 V3 Supercharger stalls capable of peak rates up to 250 kW per vehicle.
• Open EV Compatibility: Supports NACS-native vehicles and compatible non-Tesla electric vehicles equipped with approved adapters.
• Free Patron Parking: Complimentary parking while actively charging or patronizing adjacent dining establishments.
• Convenient Food & Restrooms: Direct access to Sonic Drive-In menu items, patio seating, and customer restrooms during dining operating hours.
• 24/7 Accessibility & Lighting: Open-air, illuminated parking environment accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• App-Integrated Payments: Seamless automated Plug & Charge for Tesla vehicles and remote monitoring/payment through the Tesla smartphone app.

Ideal For

• Interstate 70 Travelers: EV drivers traversing Kansas on long-distance road trips between Kansas City, Topeka, Salina, Hays, and Denver.
• Dining & Charging Stops: Motorists looking to combine a quick 15-to-30-minute vehicle charge with a meal or refreshments.
• Hotel Guests: Travelers staying overnight at the adjacent Fossil Creek Hotel & Suites or Days Inn by Wyndham Russell.
• Regional Commuters: Drivers navigating central Kansas along the US-281 corridor in need of rapid top-ups.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Standard parking in these stalls is reserved for active EV charging. Tesla drivers should monitor charge completion via the smartphone app to unplug promptly and avoid automated idle fees when station occupancy is high. The charging bays are configured for back-in parking; drivers towing small trailers, boats, or campers may need to unhitch temporarily in open perimeter parking spaces so as not to block travel lanes. While charging pedestals are energized 24/7, nearby restaurant and restroom hours may vary by season, so overnight travelers should plan comfort stops accordingly.