No matter which Tesla model you own, the automaker’s Wall Connector offers a convenient way to quickly charge your vehicle at home. Though not as fast as a Level 3 Supercharger station just off the highway, the Level 2 wall charger provides up to 44 miles of range per hour.
So, what are the benefits of a Tesla Wall Connector, and what does it take to install one? Let’s find out.
How to Install Tesla Wall Charger
Installing a Tesla Wall Connector requires a few hours and a qualified electrician. After you have found an electrician, you should request a quote, which can usually be done online or via email.
Next, order your Tesla Wall Connector online and forward your shipment confirmation to your electrician to schedule your installation.
While the wall charger can work with almost any home’s electrical system, you may want to make sure you have a circuit breaker that matches your Tesla’s onboard charger capabilities in order to get the fastest home charging.
To find out what the maximum amperage is for your vehicle, tap on the touchscreen’s lightning bolt icon. Tesla recommends installing the device by the parking space closest to your home’s current electrical setup and on a 60-amp circuit.
If necessary, your electrician can find more information about installation on Tesla’s Wall Connector Support and Charging and Adapter Product Guides pages.
How Much to Install Tesla Wall Charger?
Installation costs can range from about $750 to $1,500. However, these costs depend on your home’s current electrical infrastructure and whether or not additional parts are required to complete the installation.
Generally, the costs for the permit, materials, professional installation, inspection, and warranty are included in the total cost. Possible additional costs include trenches for underground wires, main panel upgrades, pedestal installation, long wire runs from the electrical panel to the wall charger location, additional sub panels, and cable concealment.
Is the Tesla Wall Charger Necessary?
Though the Wall Connector provides many benefits for Tesla owners, it is not a necessary accessory. However, the wall charger is perfect for those who are able to get a discount for nighttime charging through their electric utility company and those who wish to not depend on Tesla’s Supercharging network for fast charging.
One thing the Wall Connector offers is speed. Depending on your vehicle’s model, the Wall Connector can charge at a rate up to 44 miles per hour when used with a 48-amp output. The unit is categorized as a Level 2 charger, which is the same as what can be found at most public charging stations.
That being said, most vehicle’s batteries can be fully charged overnight with a slower charger that doesn’t require any upgrades to your home’s electrical infrastructure, and if necessary, public charging stations and Superchargers are widely available.
There is also the convenience aspect. With the capability to work with almost any electrical system and circuit breaker size, the Wall Connector can be installed at most homes, condos, apartments, and even workplaces. You can even use the wall charger both indoors and outdoors thanks to its lightweight, versatile design, and the available 24-foot cable can be stored in the car.
For those households with more than one Tesla vehicle in the garage, you can take advantage of the power-sharing feature, which lets you connect up to four Wall Connectors to one circuit. And with the wall charger’s access control, you can specify which vehicles are allowed to use the Wall Connector, without the need for a physical lock.
Additionally, the wall charger will receive the latest features and user experience improvements via over-the-air firmware updates when the device is connected to your home’s Wi-Fi network. This connectivity also allows you to track usage data and access remote diagnostics.
How Much Is a Tesla Wall Charger?
Available with an 18 or 24-foot cable, the Tesla Wall Connector costs $500, plus about $750 to $1,500 for installation. Most U.S. customers may be able to get a 30 percent federal tax credit through IRS form 8911; consult your tax professional to learn more.
What Size Breaker for Tesla Wall Charger?
Although the Tesla Wall Connector can be used with a 15-amp breaker, this is NOT recommended by EVannex. With a 15-amp breaker and a maximum output of 12 amps, the wall charger will provide 5 to 11 miles per hour during charging, depending on the Tesla model. At that charging rate, it’s best to use a simple NEMA 14-50 outlet or even a typical 240 V dryer outlet. As an aside, a 110V circuit is also NOT recommended due to extremely slow charging rate.
A 60-amp breaker is recommended for maximum charging power. A 60-amp breaker charges at a rate of 30 to 44 miles per hour with a maximum output of 48 amps. The wall charger should not be connected to a GFCI circuit breaker as it already has GFCI protection built in.
Compatible with all of the models in Tesla’s lineup, the Wall Connector offers many advantages and can reduce range anxiety for your everyday trips.
To further improve your Tesla ownership experience, EVannex offers everything you need to customize your vehicle. EVannex has a large selection of Tesla accessories, including road trip charging kits, a NEMA-14-50 outlet splitter, a 240V (Class 2) wall charger and more.