Tesla offers several charging solutions, and the Mobile Charger is one of them. This is an excellent on-the-go charging option. But have you ever wondered how fast this Tesla charger is or how long it takes to charge a Tesla?
Well, if you are curious too, keep reading this article to learn more about the tesla mobile charger speed, what power outlet options it offers, etc.
Quick Glance:
- Tesla Mobile Charger is mainly referred to as “Tesla Mobile Connector.
- “This Tesla Charger includes two outlet adapters: one for a standard 110-volt household outlet and another adapter for a 240-volt outlet.
- Initially, this was included with every new Tesla as a “Standard” accessory. But now people have to buy it separately.
- This is more useful when you’re away from home or on extended trips and is ideal for handling emergency charging needs.
About Tesla Mobile Charger
Tesla Mobile Charger is a portable, practical, and user-friendly charging solution that allows Tesla owners to conveniently charge their electric cars at home, on the road, or wherever they are. Tesla Mobile charger is commonly referred to as “Tesla Mobile Connector.”
This charger is compatible with all Tesla Models and can be easily plugged into any standard electrical outlet. It includes built-in protection to safeguard against overcharging, overcurrent, and short circuits to ensure peace of mind for users.
Tesla Mobile Charger Speed and Power Output
The speed at which the Tesla Mobile Charger charges the car depends on the electrical input and the capacity of the charger.
Tesla offers its Mobile Charger in two capacities: Level 1 (Gen 1) and Level 2 (Gen 2).
The Level 1 Charging Capability:
Commonly known as “Generation 1” or “Gen 1” because it is the first-generation Tesla Mobile charging option introduced in 2012.
The Level 1 connectors use the “Trickle” Charging technology, where you can use a standard 110 or 120-volt typical household outlets.
This will operate at a lower current of 12 amps and deliver a minimum of 2 miles (1.4 kW) of Tesla range per hour charging. You will get 15 to 20 amps maximum from the Level 1 Charger.
This is typically ideal for overnight charging, providing an average range of 3 to 4 miles per hour.
Tesla users have reported that the Level 1 Mobile charger can add around 30 miles worth of range after leaving their car for overnight charging.
The Level 2 Charging Capability:
Commonly known as “Generation 2” or “Gen 2” and was introduced first in 2018. The Level 2 Mobile connector uses 240-volt electrical circuits or power outlets that are generally used for stovetops and electric dryers.
This Tesla charger can add up to 15 times faster than the Level 1 charger and offers 9 to 52 miles (3.7 to 17.2 kW) of Tesla range per hour charging.
The Level 2 charger accepts BS1363 and IEC 60309 (16A/32A) adapters and if you have access to any standard 240-volt outlet, it will offer an average range of 25-30 miles per hour at 32 amps.
But if you opt for 40 amps, the charger can add around 30 to 40 miles per hour.
The Level 2 Mobile Connector can be the ideal alternative when you can’t connect to a Supercharger network, Public Level 2 Station, or Wall Connector.
It also lets you enjoy the electric utility offers time-of-use discounts (the off-peak hourly discount) by charging your car at nighttime.
Related Topic: Differences Between Tesla Mobile Connector Gen 1 vs Gen 2
How Fast Is the Tesla Mobile Charger?
The Tesla Mobile Charger or Connector is designed to provide the fastest charging times possible for all Tesla Models. But the maximum charging speed that you may get will highly depend on the type of power outlet or electric system you use.
Tesla Mobile Charger can deliver a power output of 1.4 to 1.8 kilowatts (kW). This results in an approximate charging rate of 3 to 5 MPH when you use it with a standard 110 or 120-volt outlet and a current of 15 amps (A).
Tesla mobile charger users can opt for a 240-volt outlet and a current of 40A or 50A for faster charging speed.
Since this Tesla charger can change its power output based on the available circuit capacity, it can output up to 9.6kW or 12kW with those power sources. This translates to a faster charging rate of 16 to 20 miles per hour for the Tesla range.
However, if you use a NEMA 14-50 plug with your Mobile Connector, the charger will supply approximately 47km/h (or about 29 miles/hour) of charge. That means you are getting a much higher charging speed than the typical Tesla Mobile charging rate.
For an average US driver who covers about 37 miles per day, a charger delivering 20 to 30 miles of range per hour charged would be ideal. Thus, the Tesla Mobile Charger with a NEMA 14-50 outlet, should suffice for typical daily driving needs.
Still, this charger’s speed cannot beat the speed of other faster charging solutions like the Tesla Wall Connector and Supercharger.
Read also: NEMA 14-50 Outlet Installation Cost and Everything in Between
6 Tips to Optimize Tesla Mobile Charger Speed
Here are some useful tips that will help you get the most out of your Tesla mobile charger_
- Use a High-Powered Outlet like the NEMA 14-50 outlet for higher amperage and faster charging times.
- Check Your Charging Cable to verify it is not worn out or damaged, which can affect the charging speed.
- Avoid Voltage Drops and directly connect your charger to the outlet for a steady flow of electricity. Do not use extension cords or adapters
- Charge During Off-Peak Hours to take advantage of a more stable electrical grid and potentially enjoy faster charging times.
- Keep Your Charging Port Clean so that dust, debris, or corrosion cannot accumulate in the charging port. Otherwise, it will affect the connection between the charger and the vehicle.
- Tesla frequently releases software updates that can improve the charging speed of your vehicle. So, keep your car and App’s software always up to date.
Related Post: The Ultimate Guide: Installing a 240V Outlet to Home Charge Your Tesla!
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
How long does it take a Tesla Mobile Charger to charge a Tesla?
According to reports, at maximum charging speed, a Tesla Mobile Charger can take 10 to 12 hours to fully charge a Model S.
That means this charger will most probably take the same amount of time to charge other Tesla Models.
Can the Tesla Mobile Charger be used with a regular home outlet?
The cost of charging your Tesla with the Mobile Charger depends on factors, such as your specific car’s Model and local electricity tariffs. If you are using a 240-volt outlet, it will add up to 30 miles of Tesla per hour range.
Assuming an electricity cost of $0.22 per kWh, and your car’s efficiency of 4.2 miles per kWh, traveling 100 miles would cost you around $5.23.
Can the Tesla Mobile Charger charge other EVs?
No. The Tesla Mobile Charger will not work on other EVs since it is specifically designed for Tesla electric cars only.
Is the charging speed affected by the Tesla Model?
Yes. The charging speed varies depending on the specific Tesla Model or version you are charging.
Can the Tesla Mobile Charger be used with a regular home outlet?
Yes. You can plug the connector into a typical 120V home socket or power outlet.
