EVs have been gaining a lot of popularity. And Tesla has been at the forefront of this EV revolution.
Now, one of the key benefits of owning a Tesla is that you can charge it at home. But how many options do you have for Tesla charging at home?
Tesla offers different options for charging your EV at home. Depending on your preference, you can opt for a mobile connector, wall connector, Nema 14-50 charging station, or Tesla high-power wall connector.
Now, the main question is, what is the difference between these home charging options? Is one better than the others?
If you want to find out, you should continue reading.
Can You Charge a Tesla at Home?
You can definitely charge your Tesla at home. And when it comes to how to charge Tesla at home, it is not just about knowing where the charging port on a tesla is and how to secure Tesla charging cable.
You should also have a fair idea of each home charging option available for your Tesla. So, let’s not keep you waiting and get into discussing them, shall we?
Mobile Connector for Charging Tesla at Home
The mobile connector is the simplest way to charge your Tesla at home. As the name suggests, it is a portable charging cable that you can plug into any standard outlet in your home.
You just have to make sure that the power outlet is 120 volts. Nonetheless, this is the most basic option for home charging.
And the great news is that the connector comes included with every Tesla vehicle.
Wall Charging Station
This charging solution is a little different than the mobile connector. Basically, the wall charging station is a hardwired charging station that you can install inside your garage.
The great part about it is that it can offer a higher charging speed than the mobile connector. However, you should note that this charging solution requires a professional installation.
Tesla High Power Wall Connector
The Tesla high power wall connector is one level higher than the wall charging station. And it is the fastest and most convenient charging option available for home charging.
That is, you will get more range per hour with this. Again, it requires professional installation.
Nema 14-50
This charging station is not that common for house charging. Wondering why?
Well, it requires a 240-volt electrical outlet. And as you know, a standard wall outlet can only offer 120 volts.
However, installing this charger by setting up the correct power outlet will be faster than the high-power wall connector.
In other words, it might not be as convenient for installation, but it will be faster than the high-power wall connector.
Benefits of Charging Your Tesla at Home
Aside from having to deal with Tesla wall charger error codes, there are many benefits of charging your Tesla at home. For example –
Cost-effective
Compared to charging your Tesla in public charger stations, charging at home is considerably cheaper. You will not need to pay any service charges, nor will you have to shell out cash for session fees.
Furthermore, you can take proper advantage of low electricity fees during the off-peak hours.
Convenience
You don’t need to worry about finding an empty charging station in public when you have a charging station right at home. Simply plug the charging cable into the EV, and it will be fully charged by the time you need the vehicle for a trip.
Time Saving
As mentioned earlier, you don’t need to make a trip to public stations and wait in line to charge your Tesla. This will enable you to make the most out of your valuable time.
Tesla Charging Time at Home
The charging time will depend on two things. First, the charging station that you have installed in your home. Second, the mode of Tesla you have.
However, there is a general charging time that you can assign to each charging station. Take a look –
Level 1 Charger
The mobile charger or the standard wall charger would reside in this category.
And these charging options can offer about 2 miles of range on your Tesla for each hour of charge. It can take anywhere from 20 to 40 hours for the EV to charge fully.
Level 2 Charger
Tesla high-power wall connector and Nema 14-50 would reside in the level 2 charging options. And with these chargers, you can expect a fully charged Tesla anywhere between 5 and 12 hours.
Level 3 Charger
A Supercharger is a level 3 charger. And in case you didn’t know, the Tesla Supercharger is not a convenient home installation option.
Nonetheless, with a level 3 charger, you can get the Tesla fully charged in about 30 minutes.
Safety Tips and Maintenace of Tesla Home Charger
You should take proper maintenance and precautions for using a Tesla home charger. Otherwise, it will not be a reliable option.
Safety Precautions for Using Tesla Home Charger
When it comes to Tesla Home charger safety precautions, you have to keep the following factors in your mind –
- Make sure to read all the instructions and guidelines.
- Ensure that the charging station is in a well-ventilated area and not close to flammable materials.
- Keep water and liquids away from the charging cable and the plug.
- Do not keep the cable connected when you are not charging the Tesla.
- Never overload the charging circuit; always charge one EV at a time.
Maintenance
You really do not have to go through much to maintain the Tesla EV charger’s health. These stated steps should be more than enough –
- Inspect the cable and the plug for wear; replace them as soon as any damage is visible.
- Regularly clean the charging plug and port; do not let dust, debris, and other environmental materials settle on them.
- Carry out tests to check whether the station is functioning correctly.
- Comply with the local electrical codes by carrying out annual professional maintenance of the charging station.
Final Words
So, that’s a wrap on everything you should know about Tesla charging at home.
And in short, charging the Tesla at home is the most convenient and cost-effective way to refill the battery of the EV. Also, make sure to maintain the charging station.
