Going on a trip in your Tesla is an exciting adventure, but sometimes unexpected situations can arise. If your battery level drops below 20% and you find yourself far from a Supercharger, don’t worry! You may be able to charge your Tesla with a generator.
But you can only charge a Tesla with the generator if is large enough and contain 240V/120V. Apart from that, ensure to test the generator using the heater and inspect the Sine Wave.
While this might sound complicated, it’s actually possible with a few simple steps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from identifying the right generator for the job to testing it before use.
So, let’s dive in and discover how you can get your Tesla charged.
Consider These To Charge A Tesla With A Generator!
Charging Tesla with generator is allowed but in urgent cases only. To attempt this in real life, there are a few things to think about to avoid not-working or error codes:
1. Look Into The Voltage
Ensure the generator that you are using to charge the Tesla should offer 120V to 240V. The standard power Tesla needs is 240V.
Other than this, learn whether can you charge Tesla on 110V outlet or not before plugging in the charger. If the generator generates 120V power in the outlet, then you need to wire the neutral bonded with the ground.
In the same way, the generator’s 120/120 should be bonded from the ground, balanced, and neutral if the outlet is 240V.
2. Test Before Using A Generator
Always test the power before you start charging to understand how many watts does a Tesla use. Just ensure the frequency is stable and qualified to draw the current to charge the Tesla.
Be sure to insert the heater or similar-like device into the generator to understand whether it works or not. If it works fine, you can charge the Tesla.
3. Never Use The Smallest Generator
It’s better to avoid smaller generators that can’t offer stable power to EVs. Or else, it’ll take forever to charge an electric car like Tesla and put more pressure on the battery which is not good!
4. Check The Sine Wave
Be sure the generator that you are going to use has a relatively smooth and stable sine wave to ensure no balk issue during charging.
5. Other Things To Confirm
- For sure, you’ll need to manually increase the amperages but avoid doing it instantly. Instead, try increasing the amps slowly and ensuring the generator faces less pressure to react. That way you’ll face no voltage reduction and line issues.
- Turn off the heater, A/C, or other useless things when charging the car.
- Ensure to get a matchable adapter to make the connection to the generator if not fitting.
- Set the Tesla charge limit after plugging the generator.
Exactly How Can You Charge A Tesla With A Generator?
To start the process, get a reliable 120V to 240V generator like the WEN DF1100T. Then, you’ll need to follow the given directions:
- Place the generator near the car and locate the 240V plug. If it doesn’t have this, then the car won’t charge until you bond the ground and neutral.
- Bring the Mobile Connector with NEMA 14-50 adapter and simply insert the Tesla extension cord if required. After that, plug the adapter into the generator 240V outlet.
- Wait for the Mobile Connector indicator to turn in solid green.
- Then, switch the dial to turn the generator in the Start/Run position.
- Locate where is the charging port on a Tesla. Next, hold the charger handle near the charging port and click on it to open the cover.
- Insert it and ensure it is connected properly. Check the charge port LED which should blink in green/blue light.
- Get inside the car and click on the Charging option to see the charging status. During this period, set the charge limit and lower the Charge Current to 5A or 6A.
- Gradually, change the Charge Current (from 5A – 12A or more). That way it helps the car to feel normal and avoid stressing while drawing power from the generator. Just ensure to count 10 seconds each time you change the Charge Current.
- You’ll now see an approximate charging time on the screen that’ll take to charge the Tesla. Let it get recharged and then unplug the charger.
- Turn off the generator and detach the Mobile Connector.
- Done!
Note: Use 1 gallon of fuel to fill the generator before starting to charge the Tesla in order to get the max power.
How Long Does It Take To Charge A Tesla With A Generator?
The answer depends on the type of generator you are using. If charging the Tesla with a larger generator that gives 10 kVA or more power, then it’ll give 33 miles of range per hour.
To complete the 80% charging of Tesla or 280 miles (that most Teslas contain), it’ll take 7 – 14 hours to charge fully. In other cases, it can take more or less time based on the power that the generator delivers.
Note: Make sure to know how many kWh to charge a Tesla requires in order to calculate the charge time.
Overall Thought
While it’s possible to charge a Tesla with a generator in a pinch, it’s important to remember that this method is not ideal for the health of your battery in the long run.
To ensure the longevity of your Tesla’s battery, it’s best to rely on Superchargers or other charging options whenever possible.
So, while it’s good to know that charging with a generator is an option, it’s also important to keep in mind the potential costs and consider it a last resort. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can keep your Tesla charged and ready for any adventure without harming your battery’s lifespan.
Keep exploring!
