One of the absolute essential components in Tesla’s charging ecosystem is the Tesla Mobile Connector. It is a remarkable, yet simplified EV charging device for Tesla.
But the charging speed of a EV charging device has always been a concern. So we often get questions like, how fast does mobile connector charge Tesla? It ranges between 3 miles range per hour to 44 miles range per hour.
Quick View:
- The Tesla Mobile Connector allows Tesla owners to charge their vehicles using a standard household outlet or a 240-volt outlet.
- The charging speed of the Mobile Connector depends on the type of outlet and the available current.
- The Tesla Mobile Connector used to come with every new Tesla vehicle, but as of April 28, 2022, it is no longer included.
What causes the variation in charging speeds of a Tesla mobile connector? That’s exactly what we’re looking at in this article.
What is the Charging Speed of Tesla Mobile Connectors?
The charging speed of Tesla Mobile Connectors depends on the type of outlet and the amperage of the charging cable.
Here are the charging speeds for different configurations:
- Standard household outlet (120V): Provides charging speeds up to 3 miles of range per hour.
- 240V outlet with a 32A tail: Offers a charging speed of 8 kW. It can charge about 47 km/h (29 miles/h).
- 240V outlet with a 15A tail: Provides a charging speed of 3.6 kW. It can charge about 24 km/h (15 miles/h).
- 240V outlet with a 10A tail: Offers a charging speed of 2.4 kW. It can charge about 16 km/h (10 miles/h).
- Three-phase socket: The Tesla Mobile Connector only supports single-phase electricity. So even if you plug it into a three-phase socket, the maximum charge rate is 7.7 kW.
Note: Tesla’s Wall Connector may not always be faster than the Mobile Connector. Because it depends on the current of the power source they are connected to.
Factors Affecting the Tesla Mobile Connector Charging Speed
The charging speed of the Tesla Mobile Connector is determined by several factors. These are as follows:
Type of Outlet:
The charging speed of the Mobile Connector depends on the type of outlet it is connected to.
For example, a standard household outlet gives charging speeds up to 3 miles of range per hour.
On the other hand, connecting to a 240-volt outlet with a NEMA 14-50 plug can deliver up to 32 amps (8 kW) of power. It translates to a charging speed of approximately 30 miles of range per hour.
Maximum Power Output of The Charger:
Different chargers pull different amounts of electrical current through the 240-volt electrical circuit (standard). More current means more power and faster charging.
Level 2 chargers can deliver anywhere from 3.3 to 17.2 kW of power, enabling 10-52 miles of range per hour of charging.
Maximum Power Intake of The Tesla:
The maximum power intake of the Tesla depends on the variant owned. This is either 17.2 kW or 11.5 kW.
Charging Overhead:
There is a factor for charging overhead that needs to be considered. This includes the energy used to power the vehicle’s onboard systems while charging.
Single-Phase Electricity:
The Mobile Connector only supports single-phase electricity (even if it is plugged into a three-phase socket). The maximum charge rate is therefore 7.7 kW.
Tesla Mobile Connector Charging Speed vs Superchargers Charging Speed Comparison
A common belief is that the Tesla Wall Connector offers faster charging speeds compared to the Tesla Mobile Connector.
Although the charging speed difference is noticeable (with the Wall Connector providing approximately 25% faster charge rates), it might vary.
Take a look at the table below for this comparison:
| Type of charger | Charging Speed | |
| Tesla Mobile Connector (Standard household outlet) | Up to 3 miles of range per hour. | |
| Tesla Mobile Connector (240-volt outlet) | Up to 30 miles of range per hour. | |
| Tesla Mobile Connector (Wall Connector) | Up to 44 miles of range per hour of charge. | |
| Tesla Supercharger | About 25-30 minutes for an 80% charge. | |
| Tesla Supercharger (NEMA 14-50) | 11-12 hours for a full charge. | |
| Tesla Supercharger (Wall Connector) | 7-8 hours for a full charge. | |
How to Optimize Your Charging Speed with Tesla Mobile Connectors?
Here are some tips to optimize your Tesla Mobile Connector Charging Speed:
- Use a 240-volt outlet with a NEMA 14-50 plug.
- Install a Tesla Wall Connector. It gives up to about 44 miles of range per hour.
- Charge during off-peak hours. This bypasses peak demand charges and saves money on your electricity bill.
- Avoid fast charging. Especially during charging at a rate of no more than 90 kW for most models.
- Fast charging can cause battery degradation over time.
- Keep the battery at an optimal temperature range for charging.
- To prevent theft of the Mobile Connector, consider using a security cable that can be looped around the extension cord outlet or the vehicle’s rim.
Related Post: Differences Between Tesla Mobile Connector vs Wall Connector
When and Which Adapter to Use With Tesla Mobile Connector?
The Tesla Mobile Connector is a versatile charging solution that allows you to charge your Tesla vehicle when you’re away from home or on extended trips.
You’ll be given a 20-foot cable and various adapters to accommodate different charging scenarios, with the mobile connector.
To determine when and which adapter to use with your Tesla Mobile Connector, consider the following:
NEMA Adapters:
Tesla offers a range of Gen 2 NEMA adapters that can be used with the Mobile Connector to charge your vehicle from a variety of household outlets.
The NEMA adapters are sold separately or as part of the NEMA Adapter Bundle.
The Tesla Mobile Connector typically comes with the following NEMA adapters:
- NEMA 5-15 Adapter: This adapter allows you to plug your Mobile Connector into a standard household 120V outlet. However, it has the slowest charging speed, offering up to 3 miles of range per hour.
- NEMA 14-50 Adapter: This adapter is commonly used with 240V outlets and provides faster charging speeds. It can deliver up to 30 miles of range per hour, depending on the amperage of the charging cable.
- Additional adapters: Depending on your charging needs, you may consider purchasing additional NEMA adapters, such as the NEMA 10-30, NEMA 14-30, or NEMA 6-50, to expand your charging options.
Related Post: How Many Amps to Charge a Tesla for Safe and Effective Charging?
The Right Adapter for Tesla Mobile Charger:
During selecting an adapter, consider the type of outlet you will be using and the charging speed you require.
For example, if you are staying at a campground with a 50-amp RV outlet, you can use the NEMA 14-50 adapter with a 50-amp Tesla Mobile Connector for faster charging.
These different factors determine the type of adapter you should use for the Tesla Mobile Connector.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Can I charge my Tesla faster with the Tesla Mobile Connector?
No. The charging speed with the Tesla Mobile Connector is somewhat limited compared to Tesla’s Wall Connector or Supercharger stations.
Can I adjust the charging speed using the Tesla Mobile Connector?
Yes. Tesla vehicles come with onboard settings that allow you to limit the charging speed to match the capacity of your electrical circuit.
Is the Tesla Mobile Connector compatible with non-Tesla electric vehicles (EVs)?
No, not directly. However, adapters are available that can allow some non-Tesla EVs to use the Mobile Connector.
Can I use the Tesla Mobile Connector at public charging stations?
It is not recommended as the mobile connector is meant for home charging. Public charging stations typically require their specific connectors and adapters.
Is it possible to use third-party charging equipment with my Tesla?
It could be, if the adapters and third-party equipment are officially recommended or approved by Tesla.
Read Also: Tesla Mobile Service Costs Details Breakdown
