Can You Charge A Tesla With A Regular Outlet?

ByRowan A Updated on

Charging a Tesla with a regular household outlet is possible, but it’s not the fastest or most practical method. A standard 120-volt outlet will supply 2 to 3 miles of range per hour of charge. This method may be suitable if you drive less than 40 miles per day and can charge overnight.

For a more efficient charging experience, you might consider installing a Wall Connector or a 240-volt outlet at home (like the one for your dryer outlet). This can significantly increase your charging speed, giving you up to 30 miles of range per hour.

If you have a 240V plug already installed, you can purchase adapters like the one below for those outlets.

NEMA 14-50 ⚡
Tesla Gen 2 Mobile Connector Smart Adapter
Tesla Gen 2 Mobile Connector Smart Adapter
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If you’re still curious about the costs, charging speeds, and practicalities of different charging options, read on to find out more.

Charging a Tesla Using a Regular Outlet

Knowing the specifics about the NEMA 5-15 standard outlet and the charging speed with 110V can help you manage your charging needs more effectively.

NEMA 5-15 Standard Outlet

A NEMA 5-15 outlet is a standard household outlet found in most homes. It’s a 120-volt outlet with a three-prong design. You likely have many of these outlets in your home, making them a convenient option for charging your Tesla.

To charge your Tesla with a NEMA 5-15 outlet, you need a Mobile Connector. This device can plug into any standard wall outlet. After connecting the Mobile Connector, you just plug it into your Tesla’s charging port. This setup is simple and doesn’t require special installation.

Despite its convenience, a NEMA 5-15 outlet is not very powerful. It provides only a small amount of power, which significantly affects the charging time and efficiency. This type of outlet is best for those who drive short distances daily or can leave their car plugged in for long periods.

Charging Speed with 110v

A 120-volt outlet will add about 2 to 3 miles of range per hour of charge. This means that if you charge your Tesla overnight for 10 hours, you will gain around 20 to 30 miles of range.

For example, a Tesla Model 3, which has a larger battery, could take several days to fully charge using a regular outlet.

If your living situation doesn’t allow for an upgrade of the outlet and level 1 (110v) is you only option then you might need to look into extension cords.

We recommend GearIT extension cords to our readers. The one below works great for this setup described above.

GearIT 10/3 Outdoor Heavy Duty Extension Cord
GearIT 10/3 Outdoor Heavy Duty Extension Cord
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Upgrading Your Home Charging Setup

Upgrading your home charging setup involves adding a dedicated electric car charger and also ensuring your electrical panel can handle the increased load.

Installing a Tesla Wall Connector

Tesla’s Wall Connector is a great choice for faster charging at home. This unit can deliver up to 44 miles of range per hour of charge. It needs a dedicated 240-volt circuit and can be installed in your garage or driveway.

Costs vary but generally range between $750 to $1,500 for installation. It offers a seamless charging experience and is ideal for households with multiple electric cars.

Having a NEMA 14-50 outlet is another option if you want flexibility. This outlet type supports several Level 2 home chargers that are typically cheaper than the Wall Connector.

Electrical Panel Considerations

Before upgrading, it’s important to check if your electrical panel can handle the extra load. A wall connector requires more power, so you’ll likely need a certified electrician to inspect your panel. They may need to install a new circuit breaker or even upgrade the panel itself.

Ensure your panel supports the maximum power output your charging setup will require. For instance, the Wall Connector should ideally be connected to a dedicated 60-amp circuit breaker for optimal performance. Proper mounting and placement considerations are also important to ensure safety and accessibility.

Investing in these upgrades can make charging your Tesla at home efficient and hassle-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Using a standard household outlet, it can take 3 to 4 days to achieve a full charge, depending on the model and battery size. You can expect to get around 2 to 3 miles of range per hour of charging from a 120-volt outlet.

Charging costs at home will vary based on your electricity rate. On average, it can be cheaper than gasoline. For example, charging a Tesla at home could cost around $0.13 per kWh, translating to a few dollars per full charge.

A Tesla Supercharger can charge your vehicle to 80% in about 30 minutes, offering up to 170 miles of range in just 30 minutes. In contrast, a regular 120V outlet charges much slower, with only 2 to 3 miles of range per hour.

Tesla Superchargers are located throughout the country and can be easily found using the Tesla app or in-car navigation. These chargers can refill your battery up to 80% in roughly 30 minutes, making them convenient for long trips.

2 Comments

  1. I would be interested in an off grid connection and how many solar panels would be required to recharge a Lexus to 80% with 8 hours of sunlight.

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Written by:

Rowan A

I’m a mechanical and electrical engineer from the University of Cape Town, obsessed with electric vehicles and electronic music. Consider me a human hybrid of gears and beats.