Electric vehicles are the rapidly gaining market share, and with impending environmental laws, they may soon overtake their gasoline – powered counterparts. Of course, there is some infrastructure in place, with EV charging stations being rather widespread. However, they aren’t as ubiquitous as petrol stations, and a home charger makes charging so much easier for Tesla owners and other EV models. Other benefits include charging your car when it’s not in use rather wait 30 minutes or more at a charging station. Installing a Tesla home charger may be substantially more expensive than you imagine, depending on the status of your garage and electrical system. Here are important guidelines for Tesla charger installation at home.
1. Tesla charging options
You’ll have two home charging choices when you buy a Tesla car: the Tesla Mobile Connector and the Tesla Wall Connector. Let’s look at each of these Tesla charger alternatives one by one.
1.1 Tesla Wall Connector
For the Model 3, Model S, and Model X, Tesla recommends this connection. It’s the most versatile home charging gear on the market, and it can be configured to operate with practically any power source. In addition, for everyone interested in home charging, the wall connector provides simplicity and the quickest charging speeds.
1.2 Tesla Mobile Connector
All new Tesla comes with the Tesla Mobile Connector as standard equipment. The Mobile Connector is a Level 1 charger that comes with an adaptor for a regular 120-volt (NEMA 5-15) outlet. On its alone, this is a sluggish solution that isn’t suitable for everyday use: a Model 3 will only obtain around 3 miles of range per hour. It is portable, as the name implies: it can be simply rolled up and used as a mobile backup for charging on the move.
2. Tesla charging levels (charge Speed)
You’ve likely heard a lot of contradictory information regarding how long it takes to charge an electric vehicle. EV skeptics claim that completely charging a battery can take up to 20 hours, while electric car enthusiasts will exclaim that Tesla Superchargers can add up to 200 miles of range in only 15 minutes.
It’s not as difficult as it may appear; charging choices are grouped into three categories:
2.1 Level 1 Charging (120V)
Level 1 charging, often known as “trickle charging,” makes use of conventional 120V outlets. All you have to do to charge your EV at Level 1 is connect it to a typical 120-volt AC wall socket. This is the same type of outlet that you would use to charge your laptop or phone.
The issue with Level 1 EV charging is that it is quite sluggish. They are normally powered at about 12 or 16 amps and have a range of only 2 to 6 miles per hour. Level 1 is the cheapest charging option.
2.2 Level 2 Charging (240V)
240V level 2 chargers provide your Tesla a larger “pipeline” via which power may flow. They are up to 15 times quicker than trickle chargers at charging. Level 2 chargers include the Tesla Mobile Connector, Wall Connector, and wireless Tesla charging station.
Because some homes lack a 240-volt outlet, you may need to hire an electrician to install one. You’ll want to make sure that the circuit can handle a high enough current so that your charger can charge your automobile as quickly as feasible.
Although Tesla has its Level 2 charging socket, all Tesla’s come with a J1772 charging adapter. As a result, most public Level 2 charging stations should be accessible to all EVs.
2.2.1 Why Level 2 Charger is the Best for home charging
However, just as various dryer models take varying amounts of time to dry your clothes, different EV chargers take varying amounts of time to charge your car.
The following factors influence the pace of Level 2 tesla charger installation:
Maximum power output: Varying chargers draw different amounts of electrical current through the 240-volt circuit. Greater current equals more power, which means a faster charge. Level 2, chargers range in power from 3.3 to 17.2 kW, allowing for charging rates of 10-52 miles per hour.
Maximum power intake: Depending on whatever variation you have; this is either 17.2 kW or 11.5 kW.
All Model S models come equipped with 11.5 kW charging, which allows for a maximum range of 32 miles per hour.
Model S models equipped with the “High Amperage Charger” option may absorb up to 17.2 kW of electricity, allowing for a maximum range of 52 miles per hour.
2.3 Level 3 Charging (480+V) Tesla Supercharging
Level 3 chargers are not suitable for residential usage Because they require specific utility connections, hardware, wiring, and permissions. In addition, the setup and energy expenditures are exceedingly expensive. Only Level 3 DC charging facilities can be found on roads or in public spaces.
Level 3 Superchargers can boost a Tesla’s range from 0 to 170 miles in 30 minutes. It can fill to 80% capacity in about 40 minutes. Charging slows down around 80% to protect the battery’s health. There are quite a few of them. At tesla.com/supercharger, you can see an interactive Supercharging map.
On the Tesla navigation system’s 17-inch touch screen control panel, the Tesla Supercharger map is also neatly built-in. It’s practically at your fingers to charge your phone while on the go. Check to see if a Level 3 charging station is compatible with your vehicle before stopping.
Level 3 chargers use 3 different types of connectors:
- SAE Combo connections – compatible with BMW, Volkswagen, and Chevrolet electric vehicles
- CHAdeMO connections are compatible with Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Kia electric vehicles.
- Connectors for Tesla Superchargers – only work with Tesla cars.
3. Installation
On the other hand, a specialized EV charger is required if you want to take things to the next level. Dedicated electric vehicle chargers typically provide up to 50 amps at 240 volts and can be connected to your home or garage wiring. These chargers include built-in charging cords that eliminate the need for a separate charging wire between an outlet and the car. If you have several electric vehicles, specialized chargers can connect with one another. Wifi connectivity is available on some chargers, allowing you to check the charging status of your vehicle from afar.
