Charging a Tesla at Home

Charging a Tesla at home is easy and affordable. There are a few ways to set up Tesla home charging, and we'll discuss each one in this article. In most cases, the point of purchasing an electric vehicle is to save money. While it might be daunting at first, learning how and where to charge your Tesla is simple. Charging at home is probably the most manageable because everything is at your fingertips.

Essentially, there are two ways to charge your Tesla at your residence. One is with a 120-volt power source — often referred to as Level 1 charging — and the other is with a 240-volt power source — Level 2 charging — that can be in the form of a mobile charger or a wall connector.

Tesla home charging with a Level 1 charger

The most obvious way to charge your Tesla at home is with a Level 1 mobile charger. This method uses a household-style 120-volt outlet and a Tesla mobile EV charging cord. These charging cords don't require any sort of equipment installation, but you do have to buy one since they don't come standard with the purchase of a Tesla anymore. You can easily purchase one from Tesla for around $230.

Although convenient, recharging with a 120-volt power source will take a long time. Tesla says you can add up to 3 miles of range per hour with this mobile charging cord. Charging your Tesla using this method is simple. First, you'll want to ensure you're using the correct adapter for your outlet. After confirming you have the right one, connect the adapter to the controller (the big box) of the mobile charging cord. Then plug the adapter into the power outlet. Finally, plug the charging handle into your Tesla's charge port. A pulsating green light should emit from your charge port indicator if everything is connected properly. To unplug, simply press and hold the button on the handle, wait for the indicator light to turn white, and then remove the connector from the port.

A Level 1 charger might suffice if your commutes are usually short, but if you're constantly depleting your range in large amounts, then recharging overnight at a rate of 3 miles per hour will not cut it. That's when a Level 2 charger can be beneficial.

Charging with a Tesla Level 2 charger

If you're able to get access to a 240-volt outlet (NEMA 14-50), then you can make use of the 240-volt adapter that comes included in the mobile charger bundle and grants you faster charging. The mobile charger with the 240-volt adapter allows you to add up to 30 miles of range per hour to your car — that's 10 times faster than the 120-volt. Keep in mind that you also need a 240-volt outlet in order to use that Level 2 adapter, and that might not be readily available for some homeowners. These 240-volt outlets are more robust and are usually used for ovens, clothes dryers, central air conditioners, water heaters and other large appliances.

Another way of charging your Tesla at home with a Level 2 is with Tesla's Wall Connector. This system can be purchased from Tesla and does require installation by qualified personnel. Potentially more powerful than the mobile connector, the Wall Connector can supply you with up to 44 miles of range per hour. Other features include Wi-Fi connectivity for over-the-air updates, charge monitoring and management from an app, and a convenient design for installation.

Is it worth charging your Tesla at home?

It is definitely worth it. With home charging, you get the chance to replenish your Tesla's battery without having to drive anywhere and you can conveniently leave it charging overnight. In addition, charging at home keeps you from paying taxes and service fees at public charging stations. Opting for a Level 2 charger is probably the best choice for home charging, and it's even better if you're able to acquire Tesla's Wall Connector. Head over to Treehouse.pro if you're unsure which home charger is best for you and need professional advice. Treehouse.pro can also assist with the whole installation process to give you peace of mind.