Can I Charge A Tesla At Home With The Dryer Outlet?
“Yeah, just use a dryer outlet. High power, easy to install, and low cost“
Elon Musk
It’s important to remember safety first. If you aren’t comfortable with electrical work, consulting a professional is strongly advised.
The dryer outlet in your laundry room offers a possible solution. This outlet provides 240 volts and 30 or 50 amps, which is more efficient than a standard 110-volt outlet.
If you are looking for the path of least resistance then this splitter made by GearIT meets safety protocols at an attractive price.
But before actually committing to buying a Tesla, you would be wise to check out the home charging situation. So if your garage (or utility room) has a NEMA 6-50 or 14-50 outlet, you can use what already exists.
Charging Your Tesla From The Dryer Outlet
Elon Musk is on record saying that the best solution to charging your Tesla at home was to plug it into the dryer outlet and charge it from there.
Tesla sells an adapter that allows you to plug your mobile connector lead straight into the dryer outlet, and when you do, the change in charging speed will be respectable.
Sure, it’ll increase your utility bills, but it does mean that the operational costs of running your Tesla will be lower throughout its life.
To get up to 40% of full charge from a 240-volt outlet takes around three hours, from 40% to 80% takes roughly an hour and from 80% full to all the way full takes another two hours.
Using the dryer outlet to charge your Tesla from entirely empty to absolutely full takes anywhere between six and eight hours. Nevertheless, it seems like an ideal way to power your car and drive straight into the world of tomorrow.
Equipment Required for Dryer Outlet EV Charging
You’ll need specific equipment to ensure a safe and efficient charging experience. This includes the Tesla Mobile Connector, appropriate adapters, and possibly alternatives like a NEMA 14-50 outlet.
Tesla Mobile Connector and Adapters
Tesla’s Mobile Connector is the most seamless method for home EV charging. It allows you to charge your vehicle using a 240-volt dryer outlet. Depending on your dryer outlet type, you might need different adapters, such as:
- NEMA 10-30 adapter
- NEMA 14-30 adapter
These adapters enable compatibility with various outlet types.
Additionally, the Tesla Mobile Connector (which used to come as standard) is useful if you frequently change charging locations. The Adapter bundle can simplify this by including all necessary adapters.
For convenience, consider using high-quality extension cords specifically designed for EVs. Use a compatible EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) to avoid overloading circuits. When connected properly, the Mobile Connector provides up to 30 miles of range per hour.
Alternative Charging Solutions
Beyond the dryer outlet setup, you might explore a more permanent solution, installing a dedicated EVSE and a NEMA 14-50 outlet for faster charging. This setup supports charging speeds up to 40 amps, improving efficiency.
Splitters like the one from GearIT enable you to share a single 240V outlet between your dryer and EV charger without needing additional wiring.
If you’re frequently on the go, using public charging networks like Volta, Blink, or Supercharger stations complements your home setup effectively.
Apps like PlugShare help you locate nearby charging stations, ensuring you have multiple charging options. For a more permanent solution, installing a dedicated EVSE at home might be the best long-term investment for reliable and speedy charging.
