Is a Tesla Home Charger Worth It?
A big part of electric vehicle (EV) charging -- 80% according to the US Department of Energy -- is done at home. After all, the convenience of waking up to a fully charged electric car, ready for a whole day of driving, is one of the top-selling points of EVs. However, the home charging experience greatly varies from EV to EV, and a lot of it has to do with the type of charger used.
There are two types of chargers used for home charging: Level 1 and Level 2. A Level 1 EV home charger typically plugs into a standard outlet (120V) and can give 3-5 miles of range per hour after one circuit of charging. Level 2, on the other hand, can either be plugged into 240V outlets or be hardwired into home electrical systems for up to 40 miles per hour.
What to Know About Tesla Charging at Home
Tesla has one of the most robust charging networks in the industry, thanks to years of research and development. Currently, the Tesla Supercharger network accounts for 63% of public fast chargers in the US, which translates to around 21,000 EV chargers. However, a huge majority of Tesla owners still prefer charging electric car at home, which is understandable since Tesla has included a complimentary Level 1 Mobile Connector with each Tesla vehicle until April 2022.
While incredibly convenient, these chargers offer limited charging speeds of up to 3 miles of range per hour when plugged into a 120V outlet and up to 30 miles an hour with a 240V outlet, depending on the Tesla model. This is primarily the reason why about 60% of EV drivers with Level 1 chargers want to upgrade ev chargers to a more powerful Level 2 charger. For Tesla EV owners, this meant letting go of the free Mobile Connector and having a Wall Connector installed. But is the upgrade really worth it?
Pros and Cons of Tesla Wall Connectors
Tesla Wall Connectors are wall-mounted Level 2 chargers that are usually installed in residential areas, offices, and other public charging stations. These include Destination Chargers, which are basically Wall Connectors installed in hotels and other hospitality properties. These chargers offer a charge speed of up to 11.5 kW, which translates to around 44 miles per hour.
Pros
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Better Charging Speed: The Tesla Wall Connector offers significantly faster charging speeds compared to standard household outlets. This feature ensures that your Tesla vehicle is efficiently charged, providing convenience and reducing downtime.
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Outdoor Mounting: The Wall Connector is designed for outdoor use, offering flexibility in installation locations. This feature allows Tesla owners to place the charger in a convenient outdoor spot, enhancing accessibility.
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Qualifies for Tax Credit: Investing in a Tesla Wall Connector can potentially make you eligible for tax credits, providing a financial incentive for eco-conscious consumers. Check local regulations to determine the specific tax benefits available in your region.
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Remote Diagnostics Access and Data Tracking: The Tesla Wall Connector provides advanced features, including remote diagnostics access. This allows users to monitor charging status and address potential issues remotely. Additionally, the Wall Connector is capable of tracking data usage, offering insights into your charging habits.
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Over-the-Air Firmware Updates: Tesla's commitment to continuous improvement extends to the Wall Connector. Users benefit from over-the-air firmware updates, ensuring that the charging technology evolves with new features. This feature guarantees a seamless and up-to-date user experience.
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Load-Sharing Capabilities: The Wall Connector supports load-sharing capabilities, enabling multiple chargers to share the available power. This can be particularly beneficial in households with multiple electric vehicles, optimizing charging efficiency.
Cons
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Installation Cost: One notable drawback of the Tesla Wall Connector is the upfront installation cost. Professional installation is recommended, and the complexity of the installation can impact the overall expense. However, it's essential to consider this as a long-term investment that contributes to the efficiency and convenience of home charging.
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Fixed Location: The Wall Connector is a fixed charging solution, requiring a dedicated location for installation. While this provides a consistent and reliable charging point, it limits the flexibility of charging in different locations within your property.
How Much Does a Tesla Home Charger Cost?
As of writing, the Tesla Wall Connector is priced at $475. Installation costs, on the other hand, will depend on several factors:
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Electrical Panel Capacity: The capacity of your existing electrical panel plays a significant role in determining installation costs. If your panel has sufficient capacity, the installation may be relatively straightforward. However, if upgrades or modifications to the panel are necessary to accommodate the additional load of the Wall Connector, this can increase costs.
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Circuit Length and Wiring: The distance between the electrical panel and the location where the Wall Connector will be installed affects the amount of wiring required. Longer distances may necessitate more extensive wiring, conduits, and potentially trenching, increasing both material and labor costs.
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Site Preparation: The condition of the installation site can impact costs. If the installation location requires excavation, additional groundwork, or landscaping adjustments, these factors will contribute to the overall expenses.
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Electrical Permits and Inspections: Local building codes and regulations often require permits for electrical work, and inspections may be necessary to ensure compliance and safety. Permit fees and inspection costs can vary by location and may add to the overall installation expenses.
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Electrical Upgrades: In some cases, the existing electrical infrastructure may need upgrades to meet the requirements of the Wall Connector. This could include installing a higher-capacity circuit breaker, upgrading wiring, or making adjustments to the electrical service.
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Labor Costs: Labor costs are a significant component of the overall installation expenses. Professional installation is recommended to ensure safety and compliance with local codes. The complexity of the installation, including factors like the need for trenching or working in challenging environments, can influence labor costs.
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Tax Credits and Incentives: While not a direct installation cost, it's essential to consider any potential tax credits or incentives available for installing an electric vehicle charging station. These incentives can help offset the overall investment.
Gen 2 vs Gen 3 Tesla Home Charger
Tesla's commitment to innovation is evident in its continuous refinement of the Tesla Wall Connector. With the introduction of Gen 3, Tesla aims to address the limitations of Gen 2 and provide a charging solution that aligns with the evolving needs of Tesla models. Let's take a look at how the Gen 2 compares to the Gen 3:
Amperage
Gen 2:
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Delivery Capacity: 80 amps.
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Overheating Concerns: Gen 2 units faced challenges related to overheating, sparking, and red flashing indicators.
Gen 3:
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Delivery Capacity: 48 amps.
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Overheating Mitigation: The reduced amperage in Gen 3 is a deliberate move to address the overheating issues seen in Gen 2. Tesla no longer sells cars that require more than 48 amps, making the lower amperage practical and cost-effective.
Insight: While Gen 2 boasted higher amperage, it came at the cost of potential overheating issues. Gen 3 strikes a balance by offering a lower, yet sufficient, amperage for current Tesla models.
Cable Length
Gen 2:
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Cable Length: 24 feet.
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Cable Weight: Considerably heavier due to its design and thickness.
Gen 3:
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Cable Length: 18 feet.
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Cable Weight: Significantly lighter due to a thinner design.
Insight: Gen 2's longer cable provides convenience for charging multiple cars at varying distances, but the weight becomes a downside. Gen 3 prioritizes a lighter and more flexible cable, enhancing user experience.
"Smart" Charge Capabilities
Gen 2:
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Smart Features: Limited smart capabilities.
Gen 3:
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Smart Features: Smartphone control with ongoing improvements.
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Future Integrations: Tesla is actively working on enhancing features like communication with solar panels for seamless Powerwall and solar charging management.
Insight: Gen 3 takes a leap into the "smart" future, offering smartphone control with room for expansion in functionalities, enhancing the overall user experience.
Charging Experience
Gen 2 vs. Gen 3:
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Charging Speed: Gen 3 provides up to 44 miles per hour on a 60-amp circuit.
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Compatibility: Both Gen 2 and Gen 3 are compatible with Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y.
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Charging Capacity: Model 3 can cover 352 miles in 8 hours of overnight charging.
Insight: The charging experience is comparable between Gen 2 and Gen 3, with Gen 3 demonstrating compatibility with various Tesla models and an added advantage of a thinner, more flexible cable.
While Gen 2 showcased high amperage, its limitations prompted the evolution into Gen 3, a more refined and future-oriented solution. Gen 3 strikes a balance between power and practicality, addressing concerns of overheating while introducing "smart" features and a user-friendly design. The choice between Gen 2 and Gen 3 ultimately depends on individual priorities, with Gen 3 representing Tesla's commitment to continuous improvement in EV charging technology.
Alternatives to a Tesla Home Charger
While the Tesla Wall Connector adapter is a popular choice, there are alternative charging solutions for Tesla owners:
Lectron Portable Level 2 Tesla EV Charger
Current Price: $279.99
Having a Tesla home charging station installed in your home is a long-term commitment. Aside from the costs, where you decide to have it set up is crucial as it will probably stay there for the rest of your car's lifetime. If you're renting out or living in a residential building that doesn't support EV charging, having a wall charger fixed to the wall isn't the best option.
If you want to enjoy Level 2 charging speeds without the limitations of a wall-mounted charger, consider the Lectron Portable Level 2 Tesla EV Charger. This native Tesla charger ensures 100% compatibility with all Tesla models and EVs using the North American Charging Standard (NACS). It plugs directly into a 240V outlet for up to 9.6 kW / 40 Amp output, translating to about 36 miles of range per hour. And the best part is you can use it virtually anywhere with a NEMA 14-50 outlet.
Lectron Tesla V-BOX Level 2 Charging Station
Current Price: $461.99
For first-time EV drivers, having a charging station hardwired into their homes might be intimidating. The thought of a permanent installation of an EV home charger and the associated costs could raise concerns. Luckily, the Lectron V-Box offers the flexibility of non-hardwired and hardwired installation. It has a maximum output of 48 amps, allowing for up to 11.52 kWh of charging speed when hardwired. It can also be plugged into a NEMA 14-50 for a 40 amp charging.
FAQs
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Getting a Tesla Wall Connector is advisable for Tesla owners who prioritize fast and convenient home charging. However, there are native Tesla chargers from third-party manufacturers like Lectron that are relatively cheaper than the Wall Connector but do the same job.
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Some Tesla owners opt for the NEMA 14-50 outlet due to its simplicity and lower installation costs. However, it's essential to consider the slower charging speeds and assess whether this plug aligns with your driving habits. The Lectron Portable Level 2 Tesla EV Charger plugs directly into a 240V outlet for up to 36 miles of range per hour.
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The Gen 3 Tesla Home Charger is a worthy investment for efficient and reliable home charging. Its optimized 48-amp capacity aligns with current Tesla models, reducing the risk of overheating. With a user-friendly design and "smart" capabilities, it ensures a seamless and future-ready charging experience.
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Choosing between the Tesla Mobile Connector and the High Power Wall Connector depends on your lifestyle and charging needs. The Mobile Connector offers portability but slower charging speeds, suitable for occasional use. The High Power Wall Connector provides faster charging at a fixed location, ideal for daily charging convenience at home.