5 fast and affordable Tesla chargers
We all know that Tesla is dominating the EV market. I mean, look around you. It seems like there’s nothing but Model Y’s and Model 3’s on the road. And the stats tell the same story:
- 70% of all EVs sold in 2021 were Teslas
- 3 of the top 5 EV models sold in Q1 of 2022 were Teslas (Electrek)
Tesla is clearly winning the EV game at the moment. No question about it. That is, until it comes to charging…
Tesla operates only 1,200 Supercharger stations spread out across the whole country (Tesla). That might seem like a lot, but we’re a big country. While states like California and Florida are well-covered, states like Montana and Nebraska are left with few and far between.
To make matters worse, Tesla announced a few months ago that it would no longer be including the Mobile Connector with every Tesla sold (inside EVs). So, it would seem like the only charging option left for many Tesla owners is the Wall Connector (does it suddenly feel like it’s getting harder to breathe, or is it just me?).
What can our Tesla friends do? How can you reliably charge your car? Is it all hopeless?
Relax bro. Before you think that all is lost, decide to scrap your Tesla, and launch it off a cliff like you’re in some corny Netflix Dukes of Hazzard remake (I’d totally watch it), we’ve put together a list of 5 fast and affordable charging options that will keep you and your Tesla rollin' on the open road!
1. Lectron V-BOX Charging Station
At the top of the list is the Lectron V-BOX. I know what you're thinking, shameless self-promotion, right? What can we say, we're extremely proud of this thing.
With 48 amps of maximum output, and adjustable amp settings (16A, 24A, 32A, 40A, 48A), the V-BOX is a powerful charging option for commuters and Tesla owners who want to fully charge conveniently at home, overnight.
It plugs into a NEMA 14-50 outlet (can also be hardwired), has a 20-foot-long cable that can easily stretch across your garage or your driveway, and is compatible with all J1772 EVs.
‘Woah. now hold in a second,’ you’re thinking, ‘You said this is an article about TESLA chargers,’ and right you are! This is where the magic happens…
You can attach the Lectron J1772 to Tesla Adapter on the end of the V-BOX, and voilà! The V-BOX instantly becomes a Tesla charging station. No fuss, no muss. And the cool thing about using the adapter is that it's portable. You can pop it off the V-BOX, take it with you, and charge from any J1772 charger with it!
Pros
- 48 amps maximum output (40 amp version also available)
- Adjustable amp settings (16A, 24A, 32A, 40A, 48A)
- User-friendly
- Weatherproof
- Long charging cable
- Compatible with Lectron J1772 to Tesla adapter
- Looks badass
Cons:
- You may need to hire an electrician to help with the installation
- Your friends and neighbors might get jealous
Possibly the most versatile Tesla charger on the market (yes, we're proud of this one too), the newly released Tesla Charger by Lectron has interchangeable 16 amp and 32 amp plugs. That means whether you are near a standard wall outlet (NEMA 5-15) or a large appliance outlet (NEMA 14-50), you can always get a charge.
This Tesla charger also features a 21-foot charging cable for maximum reach. It is portable and weatherproof, meaning it works just as well on the road as it does at home.
Pros:
- Level 1 & Level 2 charging capability
- User-friendly
- Portable
- Weatherproof
- Long charging cable
Cons
- You may ditch any other Tesla charger you have because this one is way more convenient
3. Blink HQ 150 EV Charging Station
Over 80% of Tesla owners prefer to charge at home, so a good in-home charging station is a must-have for busy commuters. Less powerful than the V-BOX, and stationary, unlike the Lectron Tesla charger, but still a reliable home charging option is the 32-amp Blink HQ 150 EV Charger. This compact 240-volt charger is compatible with all J1772 EVs. Blink claims compatibility with all EVs, including Tesla. However, you would still need a J1772 to Tesla Adapter (Blink does not currently make one).
Pros:
- User-friendly
- Sleek design
- 25-foot charging cable
Cons:
- 32 amp output means lower charging speeds
- An adapter is required to charge with Tesla and Blink does not make one
4. Schumacher SC1455 Portable Charger
Another portable Level 1 / Level 2 charger on our list is the Schumacher SC1455 Level 1 / Level 2 EV Charger. However, that’s about the only similarity between this charger and the Lectron Tesla charger.
The SC1455 uses a J1772 charging plug, meaning it’s not even compatible with Teslas. You would need to use a car charging adapter like the Lectron J1772 to Tesla adapter. Furthermore, it only pulls 16 amps – meaning its maximum amperage is just half of the Lectron model.
Moreover, the charger is designed with the user in mind as it carries 28 feet of cord that can reach both sides of a 2-car garage.
The charger also features an ergonomic design that features a rubber cover on the charging gun that helps keep out water and dirt for an Ingress Protection rating of IP55.
Pros
- 28-foot charging cable
- Portable
- Weatherproof
Cons
- 16 amp maximum means slower charging speeds
- Not compatible with Tesla without an adapter, which Schumacher doesn’t make.
5. VEVOR Level 2 Charger
Rounding out our list is another portable charger: the VEVOR Portable Level 2 EV Charger. It has a NEMA 6-20 plug and features a 25-foot charging cable, giving you extra reach.
It is lightweight, easy to carry in a bag or backpack, and its compact size means it doesn't take up a lot of space in your trunk or on the passenger seat.
However, it only provides 16 amps of power, so it charges much slower than the Lectron Tesla charger. Furthermore, it would also need a J1772 to Tesla adapter, something that Velor does not currently offer.
Pros
- Portable
- User-friendly
- Long charging cable
Cons
- Only 16 amps of power
- Not compatible with Tesla without an adapter, which Velor doesn’t make.
Fear Not, Tesla Friends!
There are plenty of charging options still available to you. The Lectron V-BOX and Lectron Tesla Charger would give you the most bang for your buck. You should also always carry an EV charging adapter like the J1772 to Tesla Adapter, which will allow you to always access any J1772 charger!