Can You Charge a Tesla in the Rain?
New Tesla drivers may have this question lingering in their minds. And for interested buyers, this may even be a deciding factor.
If you had told me in the early 2000s that rain was going to be a factor in buying a car, I would’ve laughed at you.
Electric cars have an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine, so this one's a pretty serious dilemma.
As we’re all aware, electricity and water don’t go well together.
Water is a good conductor, so naturally, Tesla owners will have safety concerns about the charging process during extreme weather conditions.
So, can you charge a Tesla in the rain?
Yes, it’s perfectly safe for Tesla owners to charge their cars in the rain in most cases.
The Supercharger and Wall Connector are both weather-resistant and Tesla cars have safety features in place to avoid electric shock. Unfortunately, the Tesla Corded Mobile Connector isn’t suitable for outdoor electric charging during inclement weather conditions.
All you need to know when charging your Tesla in the rain
A Tesla vehicle has charging components with several layers of safety features to ensure there’s no electrical current flowing until the charger and the port are perfectly aligned.
Teslas are programmed to identify possible issues in the system, and this prevents the car from powering on to avoid mishaps like electric shock during charging.
You’ll hear a click once the vehicle and charger communicate and a secure connection is made, only then will the current flow.
While charging your Tesla vehicle in the rain is fine, avoid charging during a thunderstorm with lightning strikes, as the sudden increase in electric current can damage your car.
Are Tesla chargers waterproof?
We’ve briefly touched on this already. Tesla chargers, except the mobile connector, are waterproof and built to work outdoors in any weather condition.
Built-in safety features in the chargers prevent current flow if it detects moisture, so if it gets wet, it won’t charge your car.
If you don’t have a covered garage, keep the port in its socket or hang the connector so it’s facing downward to prevent water from getting in.
Though these chargers are waterproof, you still need to keep them from inclement weather, especially from rain and snow, just to be safe.
What Tesla chargers are waterproof?
The components used in Tesla chargers are made of high-quality materials that make outdoor use possible. Your charger cord is well-insulated, so there is no need to worry about getting it wet.
Now, charging in the rain will still depend on your Tesla model and the charger you use.
Are the Tesla adapters waterproof?
Tesla Wall Connectors
The Tesla Wall Connector is perfectly safe to use in the rain.
It stops transferring voltage when the system detects any moisture, avoiding the risk of electric shock.
You can install a Tesla wall connector outdoors without worrying about the electrical shock when it's raining.
Even if you don't have a garage, you can still fill up your battery at home without going to a covered charging station.
While it’s waterproof, you still need to protect your home charger from moisture or foreign objects that may affect its charging capabilities.
Always keep the port in its socket or hang the connector facing downward when you're not using it to prevent water from seeping through.
If home charging is your thing, you’re most likely using an extension cord. Water can seep into the connection point of the charger and the extension, so keep it covered from the rain.
Tesla Superchargers
A Tesla Supercharger can safely charge your vehicle in rough weather conditions.
Most Supercharger stations don’t have roofs because they’re suited for outdoor charging except during thunderstorms.
Since they’re exposed to different natural elements, it’s still best to check for any snow or debris that might have gotten inside the charger before you plug it in.
Tesla Gen 2 Mobile Charger
The Tesla Gen Mobile Charger that came with your car is not waterproof or weatherproof.
Keep it away from moisture to ensure safe charging.
It’s not suitable for outdoor charging, but it doesn’t pose any risks to the user either, so you don’t need to worry about electric shock.
Tesla programmed its chargers to detect mishaps that may occur during charging, so the Gen 2 won’t work if water has gotten through its components.
What the Tesla driver's manual says
The Tesla Driver’s Manual says it’s perfectly safe to charge your electric car in the rain.
Some Tesla models are equipped with a charge port inlet heater that defrosts the charge port latch, which may freeze during winter.
The heater turns on when you turn on the rear defrost feature, but you can also thaw it by turning on the preconditioning function via the Tesla app.
When you plug in your electric vehicle, an onboard computer will do some evaluations to ensure a secure connection between your car and the EV charger and that it’s safe to begin charging.
However, Tesla warns against charging during a thunderstorm as a sudden flow of high voltage can damage your car.
Tesla charger safety features for charging in the rain
Engineers have put layers of safety features on your Tesla vehicles to make charging in the rain possible.
The electrical system can detect irregularities in your vehicle, like water getting into your charger, so no electric current will flow until there’s a secure connection between your car and the charger.
The chargers are also well insulated, preventing water from seeping in.
Most charging stations are covered to protect the chargers from heavy rain and debris.
All Tesla models have the same safety features in place for charging in the rain.
Can you charge a Tesla in the snow?
Yes, charging a Tesla in the snow is safe.
Freezing rain can freeze the charging port latch of your vehicle.
Luckily, your Tesla is equipped with a charge port inlet heater that defrosts the charge port latch during winter.
Don't be tempted to pour hot water on it to defrost.
The heater turns on when you turn on the rear defrost feature, but you can also thaw it by turning on the preconditioning function via the app.
Also, be sure to check the charger for any snow or debris that may have gotten inside before you plug it into your vehicle.
FAQs
-
Tesla chargers are made with weatherproof materials and are safe to be used in the rain, except for the Gen 2 Mobile Connector. Check if your charger and your car have a secure connection. Look out for moisture and other debris that may be preventing your charger from working properly.
-
Yes, it’s ok to charge Tesla in the rain. Tesla's electric vehicles have layers of safety features that allow you to safely charge when it’s raining, except during an electrical storm when lightning strikes are possible.
-
Yes, both the Tesla wall connector and Supercharger are waterproof except for the Gen 2 Mobile Connector charging port. But Tesla’s system can detect issues in your charger and prevent electricity from flowing when something’s wrong.
-
Yes, the Tesla charging cable can get wet without malfunctioning. The wires are well insulated, preventing water from entering the charging system.
-
Cold weather may affect EV charging. If it’s too cold, your charge port latch may freeze in place. It can also affect how fast or slow your battery charges. Tesla suggests that you use the Trip Planner 30-45 minutes before arriving at a charging location to ensure your Tesla battery is in optimal temperature and the charging conditions are favorable.
-
It’s not advised to wash any Tesla model while charging, but if you decide to do so, it’s perfectly safe, as all Teslas are waterproof. Just don’t use hot water to be safe.
-
Tesla doesn’t advise outdoor charging during a thunderstorm, especially when lightning strikes are possible. Not all charging stations are completely covered, and Supercharger stations aren’t covered at all. A sudden surge of high-voltage electricity may damage your car.
-
The Tesla Owner’s Manual advises against going to an automatic car wash as this can damage your car’s paint, charging port, and electrical networks. These damages are not covered by warranty. Tesla recommends hand washing your car or using the touchless car washing method, as this doesn’t have parts (brushes, etc.) that touch the surface of your EV.
In conclusion, Teslas are perfectly safe to be charged in the rain, thanks to layers of safety features embedded in the system and weather-resistant materials used in the chargers. Rain and electricity historically don’t go well together, so your safety concerns are valid. Thankfully, Tesla engineers have worked hard to ensure the safety of Tesla drivers.
I hope you found this article helpful so the next time you take a road trip and find yourself running out of charge in the middle of a storm, you know that charging your Tesla in the rain is safe.