The Tesla Wall Connector fits the needs of anyone that wants to plug in their EV overnight from the comfort of their own home, but is it worth buying?
The Tesla Wall Connector is a home charging solution for anyone who wants to plug in their electric car overnight and meet a fully charged vehicle the next day, but is it worth buying? Owning an EV is different from owning a gasoline car for several reasons. New EV owners have to adapt to the habit of charging their vehicles for minutes or hours depending on the charging level.
Tesla EVs are among the most capable options on sale today. Aside from the fact that the company has been in the EV market long before most automakers, its cars undergo quality engineering to deliver a unique driving experience. With a Tesla EV, specifically the Long Range variants, the issue of range anxiety is long forgotten. Due to its widespread popularity, Tesla is facing increased demand for its products. This has forced it to make difficult decisions like temporarily closing orders for the Model 3 Long Range edition in 2022. Despite this, the Tesla EV brand enjoys global attention.
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Home charging is arguably the best method of adding range to an EV. Drivers can plug in for as long as required on their schedule. The Tesla Wall Connector is one of the notable home chargers available, apart from Electrify America's HomeStation and Mercedes-Benz's Wallbox. Although it's designed for Tesla EVs, owners of non-Tesla EVs can also use it provided that they have an adapter. Sold for $400 per unit, Tesla says it's Wall Connector ideal for houses, hospitality properties, and workplaces. Alternatively, Tesla owners can use the mobile connector for home charging, but it no longer comes with an EV purchase.
Compatible with all Tesla models, users can expect to gain up to 44 miles of range per hour using an output rated at 11.5 kW. However, the exact output may vary among models. The connector can be fitted to most domestic electrical systems. The charger is internet-enabled, meaning that it can connect to a Wi-Fi network and receive regular over-the-air firmware updates. Aside from this, users can also remotely run diagnostics. Unfortunately, non-Tesla EV owners can't monitor or schedule charging using the connector. Meanwhile, there's a hack for Tesla owners. They can monitor charging, provided they have the TeslaFi app.
Tesla suggests that the Wall Connector should be installed before buying an EV. This is because while installation typically requires a couple of hours, finding a certified electrician may take longer. To simplify the search for a competent installation expert, intending buyers can use the “Find an Electrician” tool on Tesla's website to find a nearby installer. The Tesla Wall Connector is a great product, except for the inability to monitor charging. And while Tesla owners can bypass that roadblock, the same can't be said for non-Tesla users that buy the charger.
Next: How Much It Costs To Charge A Tesla
Michael Akuchie is the Resident EV Writer at ScreenRant. He's always covering the latest trends in the Electric Vehicle industry that the readers deserve to know. From Tesla to Rivian, he's your man for all things EV-focused. On the side, he's also a freelance content writer with 2 years of experience and a journalist at Inc.Africa where startup founders can find all they need to start, run, and grow a business. His writings cover the Customer Experience, HR Tech, Digital Transformation, and Automobile industries. He's also an Anime enthusiast, with Naruto and AOT being his two all-time best Anime shows.