Explained: EV charging and Tesla charger options
Electric vehicle (EV) fanatics need no introduction to Tesla. Since 2003, Tesla has been an industry leader in the EV market with the company setting the standard for EV production across all fronts: vehicles, chargers, and charging stations.
A lot has been written about Tesla cars here and on other websites. But what about Tesla’s charging options–are they any good?
Let’s review all the charging options available to EV users and see how Tesla stacks up.
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How does EV charging work?
You plug things in to charge every day. your cell phone, your computer, a tablet. EV charging is similar to that. You plug in an EV so it can charge the battery in order for the car’s motor to run. EVs are powered by large battery packs that store DC energy.
High-speed chargers, which are found in public spaces. and not in homes. provide DC power. This is the most direct and fastest way to charge a battery: DC electricity flows from the charging station directly into the battery.
However, things are a bit different when it comes to charging an EV in a home. At your home, as with most places in general, you only have access to AC power. For this reason, all EVs are equipped with an on-board charger that converts the AC power that comes from the charger to DC power, so the energy can be stored in the battery. The conversion from AC to DC power adds some time to the charging process.
The size of the onboard charger also dictates how fast an EV will charge. All Teslas in 2022 have an 11.5 kW onboard charger, except the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive RWD), which has a 7.7 kW onboard charger. That means that the Model 3 RWD will accept AC electricity charging at a lower rate than all other Teslas.
EV charging options explained
You’ve probably heard wildly conflicting stories about how long it takes to charge an electric car. EV critics say it can take 20 hours to fully charge a battery, while electric car buffs will breathlessly tell you that Tesla Superchargers can add up to 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes.
So how long does charging actually take? Well, actual charging speeds depend on a few different factors: the charging equipment, sometimes called Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), the power source, and the EV’s own onboard charging capacity.
It’s not as complicated as it sounds. charging options are divided into three broad categories:
Level 1 charger (120-volt)
You can consider Level 1 charging as the default EV charging option. It works on all-electric vehicles and at all places with a standard power outlet. Level 1 charging equipment is included with every EV.
With Level 1 charging, all you do is plug your EV into a standard 120-volt AC wall outlet. This is the same kind of outlet you plug your laptop or phone charger into. Easy.
The problem with Level 1 EV charging is that it’s slow – very slow. They are typically powered at a measly 12 or 16 amps and provide just 2-6 miles of range per hour. Level 1 is the lowest charging option available and is often referred to as “trickle charging”.
Level 2 charger (240-volt)
For faster charging, homeowners can upgrade to Level 2 chargers. These use a 240-volt power outlet, the same as those used by air conditioners or clothes dryers.
Level 2 charging is a lot faster than Level 1 charging, providing 14 to 35 miles of range per hour by taking advantage of the circuit’s higher amperage. These charging cords are traditionally sold as a separate add-on for your EV.
Some homes might not have a 240-volt outlet, so you may need to work with an electrician to get one set up. You’ll want to ensure that the circuit supports a high enough amperage to allow your charge to operate at its peak output to charge your car as fast as possible.
For pretty much every EV brand except Tesla, Level 2 chargers use a J1772 port. Tesla has their own Level 2 charging port, however, all Tesla’s come with a J1772 adaptor for charging. So, all EVs should be able to take advantage of most public Level 2 charging stations.
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DC charger (aka “Level 3 charger”) (480 volts)
Unlike the first two options which use residential AC current, DC fast chargers (often called Level 3 chargers) use – you guessed it – DC current.
Because Level 3 chargers provide DC current, they bypass the on-board charger and directly charge the EV’s battery. This allows for very fast charging speeds: they can provide 100 miles of range per hour or more.
While Level 3 chargers are fast, manufacturers warn that you should not rely on them as your main charging source. The large amount of power that fast-charging stations use can damage your EV battery’s health, and potentially shorten its lifespan. It’s recommended to only use fast-charging if you need it for long-distance travel or if you are pressed for time.
Level 3 chargers are not feasible for home use, as they require special utility connections, hardware, wiring, and permits. They also have extremely high setup and energy costs. You’ll only find Level 3 DC charging stations along highways or in other public areas.
Before you stop at a Level 3 charging station, make sure that the station is compatible with your EV’s charging port. There are 3 different connectors used by Level 3 chargers:
- SAE Combo connectors. work with BMW, Volkswagen, and Chevy EVs
- CHAdeMO connectors. work with Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Kia EVs
- Tesla Supercharger connectors. work exclusively with Tesla vehicles
What Tesla charger options are available?
When you buy a Tesla car, you will have two home charging options: The Tesla Mobile Connector and the Tesla Wall Connector. Let’s take a look at each of these Tesla charger options.
Tesla Mobile Connector
The Tesla Mobile Connector comes standard with all-new Teslas. The Mobile Connector comes with an adapter for a standard 120-volt (NEMA 5-15) outlet and serves as a Level 1 charger. On its own, this is a very slow option, and is not adequate for regular use: you will only get about 3 miles of range per hour on a Model 3. As the name suggests, it is portable: it can easily be wrapped up and used as a mobile backup for charging on the go.
To get faster charging, you can purchase a Gen 2 NEMA adapter for Tesla’s Mobile Connector for about 35-45, which allows it to be plugged into a 240-volt (NEMA 14-50) outlet. With the NEMA 14-50 adapter attached, your humble Level 1 Mobile Connector is transformed into a Level 2 charger.
When operating as a Level 2 charger on a 50 amp breaker, the mobile charger can provide a Model 3 with up to 30 miles of range per hour.
Many drivers will find this rate of charging sufficient, especially if they can leave their cars to charge overnight.
In short, as long as they have the additional adapter attachment, Tesla owners who use their cars for short commutes will probably find the Mobile Connector perfectly adequate for their needs.
Tesla Wall Connector
The Wall Connector is the charging option that Tesla recommends as the best home-charging tool for Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y. The Wall Connector is a hard-wired setup that is easy to use, suitable for outdoor installations, and charges faster than the Mobile Connector that comes with each Tesla.
Tesla’s Wall Connector is considered a Level 2 charger. It uses a 240-volt power supply and, depending on the Tesla model, works best on a 60 or 40 amp circuit breaker. The Wall Connector is slightly more powerful than the Wall Connector with the NEMA 14-50 adapter, as it provides up to 44 miles of range per hour of charging (Tesla does not provide exact figures by model).
The catch is that the Wall Connector does not come standard with Tesla vehicles. You will have to shell out 550 to buy it from Tesla, and then spend a bit more to have an electrician install it for you. You may also have to pay for the installation of a 240-volt power source with sufficient amperage to power the Wall Connector.
Given that the Tesla Mobile Connector, when connected with a 35-45 Gen 2 NEMA adapter, provides 30 miles of range to a Model 3, shelling out all that money for ‘up to 44 miles of range’ may not be worth the additional cost.
For a detailed explanation of what goes into the cost of charging a Tesla, check out the video below:
Tesla launches 3rd generation Wall Charger, now with Wi-Fi
Tesla quietly launched a new version of its popular Wall Connector yesterday with an updated design and a few new features.
The Tesla Wall Connector allows owners to have a dedicated home charging solution inside or outside their home that can charge at up to 48 amps. The charger now includes a Wi-Fi connection, which enables over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates, and also opens up the possibility of remote servicing if anything ever goes wrong.
The update also includes a new look with a tempered white faceplate (previously only black and silver were available). It still comes with an 18′ charging cable, and is compatible with the Model S, Model 3, and Model X.
If you have a Standard Range Plus (SR), or the now discontinued Mid-Range (MR) Model 3, you’re better off to stick with the included Mobile Charger and installing a 240v outlet with a Nemo 14-50 adapter to charge your vehicle, as these versions of the Model 3 max out at 32 amps.
The new Wall Connector is available on Tesla’s website for 635 CAD.
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Power Strips and Extension Cords
You’ll need to use an extension cord with the right wire gauge to charge a Tesla from the wall—don’t bother with thin cheap hardware store cords.
Extension cords aren’t really regulated much in the United States. This is interesting, as extension cords are a common source of overheating problems and electrical cords.
Tesla wants you to think of power like water, in the sense that large pipes enhance flow rates while small pipes restrict it. But here’s a big difference—small gauge cords, when subjected to excessive power load, get extremely hot.
Additionally, they cause resistance which reduces the speed at which your Tesla charges. That’s why it’s essential to read the label and find a cord with the proper wire gauge for charging your Tesla.
In the United States, the color or shape of an extension cord denotes nothing. Many ‘heavy-duty’ orange or green cords—like the ones you see at concerts and on construction sites—are actually the same as the thin white ones, and the gauge is too thin for charging a Tesla.
Wire gauge values are inverse to wire thickness. That means 18 gauge is thinner than 14 gauge, which is thinner than 12 gauge, and so on. Next, we’ll cover the wire gauge you should look for when choosing an extension cord for charging your Tesla.
If you’re charging with a 15 amp current, use a ten or 12-gauge extension cord. For more powerful 20 amp charging, use a 10-gauge cord or heavier.
Tesla Charger Levels
Tesla chargers and charging types are divided into Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Level 1 chargers are 120-volt trickle chargers, which add 2 miles of range per hour and use the NEMA 5-15 adapter.
Level 2 chargers run on 240 volts, and charge times vary based on amperage. At up to 80 amps, a Level 2 Tesla charger will add between 9 and 52 miles of range per hour and take between 6 and 30 hours to charge completely. Most public charging stations are Level 2.
Level 3 chargers are Tesla’s remarkable Supercharger stations. These charge at 480 volts and at 300 amps, making charging a breeze. The fastest superchargers add around 200 miles of range in 15 minutes, and standard superchargers add 170 miles in around 30 minutes.
What’s the Fastest Way to Charge a Tesla At Home?
Tesla’s optional “Wall Connector” unit is by far the fastest way to charge your Tesla at home, and it comes at an additional expense and requires professional installation. That said, it’s so much faster than standard charging plugs that it’s more than worth it for many people.
The Wall Connector is a compact unit with a Tesla connector hanging from it. The housing mounts on the wall and is wired into the home power, and the extension cable is of sufficient gauge for constant use.
The Tesla Wall Connector can add a maximum of 44 miles of range per hour at peak efficiency—and it’s much more efficient than standard wall charging, especially if you’re not using the right kind of cords.
The Tesla Wall Connector works for the Model S, the Model 4, the Model 3, and the Model X. The Model S can gain 34 miles of range per hour, the Model Y can gain 42 miles of range per hour, and the model 3 can gain a maximum of 44 miles of range per hour.
It’s worth noting that a Wall Connector has a maximum charge rate of 32 amps for the standard range Model 3, which is 30 miles of range per hour of charging.
Tesla Wall Connector Features
The Tesla Wall Connector isn’t just a ‘power pump’ for your garage. The Wall Connector features a maximum of 11.5 kW and 48 amps of output, and you can customize the power output with circuit breakers.
Tesla’s Wall Connector works with any home power setup, and it can be used with up to four other Wall Connectors. Additionally, the charger features Wi-Fi connectivity.
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Tesla Wall Connector?
Tesla recommends its Wall Connector due to its speed, safety, and energy efficiency. But this is an additional product that comes at a cost—yet it frees you from adapters and hazardous extension cords.
The Tesla wall connector requires an electrician to be installed. The unit itself, apart from installation, costs 500 on Tesla’s website. You can use Tesla’s online tool to find an electrician for your installation, or you can schedule an installation time with Tesla directly.
According to Tesla owners on various forums and online electric car communities, installation costs vary widely. The cost to install a Wall Connector is between 500 on newer houses and 5,000 or more on older houses.
But why such a dramatic cost disparity? Well, Tesla Wall Connectors are efficient and draw lots of power, which requires home wiring to be up-to-date and safe to use with such a high-current device.
Old homes with knob and tube wiring behind the walls, outdated glass fuses, or ancient breaker boxes will probably require some extensive additional work before they can accommodate a Tesla Wall Connector.
But this isn’t always the case—which is why it’s imperative to get a quote from an electrician before making a decision. It’s probably a good idea to check your wiring as it is, regardless of how you want to charge your Tesla.
Are Superchargers Faster than Home Charging?
Oh yes, Tesla Supercharger stations are significantly faster than even the best home charging setups. But why? As we mentioned previously, the Tesla Supercharger charges at 480 volts and at 300 amps, which is twice the voltage of the most powerful home outlet and many times the amperage.
I’ve spent many years selling cars, working with auto detailers, mechanics, dealership service teams, quoting and researching car insurance, modding my own cars, and much more.
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Our top picks for Level 2 EV chargers
The JuiceBox 40 is the top pick on our best home EV chargers list, so it’s only natural that it’s also our top recommendation for the Level 2 charger you should buy for your Tesla. It’s one of the most feature-rich home chargers out on the market today, but if you don’t care for all the high-tech features, you can check out our other recommendations below.
This charger is available as a plug-in model or hardwired. As its name suggests, it’s a 40-amp charger offering 7.7 kW and comes with Wi-Fi connectivity so you can control it all from an app. That includes the ability to set and monitor the charger, controlling when to start or end charging remotely. Convenience is another reason to opt for the JuiceBox 40, as you can schedule your charge time, ideally when rates are the lowest. The company includes a three-year limited warranty and each charger comes equipped with a 25-foot cable.
The JuiceBox is also available in 32- and 48-amp models.
Wallbox Pulsar Plus
Depending on how well the Wallbox Pulsar Plus performs in my long-term review, it may become my top pick for home EV charger recommendations. Its extremely compact body makes it easy to install at any location and it has a separate nozzle holster and cable management, so you can customize the installation based on your needs. The Pulsar Plus is available with a NEMA 14-50 plug for 40-amp power, or you can purchase a 48-amp hardwired variant.
The app works pretty well once you have it setup, and you can adjust amperage on the fly. Notifications can be a bit finicky, and the Bluetooth connection did have some issues with my particular phone (Pixel 7 Pro). But as an EVSE, the Wallbox Pulsar Plus has worked flawlessly. I particularly like the high-quality connector on the charger and that it’s NEMA Type 4 rated so you can safely install it outdoors. My only real complaint is that I wish the 25-foot charger cable was thicker. While I don’t have to deal with extremely cold temperatures, I do imagine it may be an issue if you live somewhere that sees freezing conditions.
Electrify Home HomeStation
I had the opportunity to borrow the Electrify Home HomeStation for testing purposes and came away impressed by its packaging and stylish design. Unfortunately, after seeing just how compact the Wallbox Pulsar Plus, I find the HomeStation to be a bit too large for my liking. But design is subjective, and some of you may hate the way the Pulsar Plus looks and love the way the HomeStation looks.
It comes from Electrify Home, the home division of Electrify America. Yes, the same brand with thousands of public EV chargers across the U.S. This is a Smart, Wi-Fi-enabled charger that has adjustable amperage from 16 to 40 amps when plugged into a NEMA 14-50 outlet. You can remotely control the charger through an app, which worked well enough during my testing. My biggest grievances with the charger was the inability to control the lighting and I didn’t receive any notifications once my vehicle was done charging. Both these issues could be addressed in the future with software updates, however.
Electrify Home provides a three-year limited warranty with this EVSE, which is pretty standard across most quality manufacturers. It’s got a hefty charging cable, but the connector isn’t the best I’ve held. I also was not a huge fan of the two-piece design for the nozzle holster — seems overengineered for no real good reason.
Tesla Faces NHTSA Scrutiny Over Reported Steering Failures In Model Y and Model 3
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has initiated a preliminary examination into approximately 280,000 recently produced Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. This significant figure underscores the scale of potential implications. This action follows alarming reports of steering loss and impaired power steering, raising considerable safety concerns.
This investigation has been sparked by 12 grievances lodged by owners of 2023 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.
A Trail of Steering Malfunctions
A troubling case reported in May featured a Model 3 driver whose car’s steering inexplicably felt stuck, causing the vehicle to lose control, skid off the road, and collide with a tree. This incident puts into sharp FOCUS the gravity of the steering malfunctions under scrutiny.
Another disturbing account from Alpharetta, Georgia, detailed a predicament involving a barely two-week-old Tesla Model Y. As the owner exited a shopping center, they reported the steering wheel turning rigid unexpectedly, leading the vehicle to veer perilously close to the oncoming traffic lane.
Further complaints paint a similar picture of concern. A Tesla Model Y, less than a month old, displaying a Steering Assist Reduced error, was followed by an abrupt jerk of the wheel. The owner expressed feeling unsafe due to the suddenly disabled power steering, their unease compounded by Tesla’s delayed service visit, attributed to a parts backlog.
In yet another unsettling incident, a driver from Honolulu reported their steering wheel randomly locking up within merely a week of purchasing their new Tesla. This malfunction recurred six times before the driver could get their car to a Tesla service center. Presently, the car remains there, awaiting a new steering rack/motor for an estimated three-week period.
Formal Investigation Triggered by Safety Concerns
Traditionally, an NHTSA investigation incites the manufacturer to thoroughly examine potential manufacturing or design defects, often culminating in a voluntary recall. The regulatory body compiles complaints from drivers via phone or online platforms and leverages this data alongside other relevant information to determine the necessity of an investigation.
These incidents have effectively marked the commencement of a formal investigation to assess whether the identified issues pose a considerable safety risk. If the NHTSA determines the presence of a substantial hazard, it may elevate the probe to an engineering analysis, potentially leading to a product recall.
While Tesla has not yet issued a response to the investigation announcement, it’s worth noting the company’s long-standing reputation for safety. Over the last decade, Tesla’s safety accolades have been unmatched, earning them the title of manufacturing the safest vehicles globally. One can be certain that Tesla’s dedicated team of engineers is tirelessly working round the clock, burning the 3 a.m. oil to resolve these emerging issues and uphold the company’s commendable safety record.