As a Tesla driver, one of the most frequent questions I encounter is how I charge my car. When I mention charging at home, it immediately sparks curiosity. I often emphasize the convenience of starting each day with a full battery, eliminating the need for detours to charging stations. Not to mention, the lower cost per kilowatt-hour compared to public stations significantly reduces operational expenses. Therefore, let me take you behind the scenes to my charging setup and explain why it's convenient and cost-effective.
Home Charging Made Simple
When I first joined the Tesla family, I was somewhat oblivious to the intricacies of charging. Frankly, I didn't realize home charging was an option until another driver enlightened me. It turned out to be as simple as utilizing an available outlet, and luckily, I stumbled upon a hidden gem that made my life much easier: my dryer's 220V outlet! Since my dryer is in the garage, I was already "wired up," eliminating the need for additional electrical work to kickstart my home charging setup.
This discovery spared me from purchasing Tesla's Wall Connector. Instead, I opted for Tesla's Mobile Connector, an efficient alternative priced at just $250. This decision streamlined my charging process and aligned perfectly with my budget-conscious approach. It's not a knock on the Wall Connector; rather, it's another cost-effective route for home charging.
The Power of Portability
What sets the Mobile Connector apart isn't just its affordability and versatility. Its 20-foot cable and plug-and-play design make charging as easy as plugging in an extension cord. One end connects to my car, while the other features a versatile "brick" with a connection, allowing for quick swapping of adapters.
The default package includes the NEMA 5-15 adapter for standard home outlets and the NEMA 14-50 adapter for more robust 220V connections commonly found in RV parks. But here's the kicker: my dryer uses a NEMA 10-30 adapter, which required a separate $45 investment. Trust me, it's a small price to pay for the massive savings that follow.
Numbers Don't Lie
Let's talk numbers. Charging at off-peak hours (10 pm to 6 am) adds a mere $25 to my monthly electricity bill—practically the cost of a fast-food combo! For me, that kind of cost savings is a game-changer.
The Mobile Advantage: Beyond Your Garage
However, the biggest perk of the Mobile Connector is its portability! A great example is when I visit my brother-in-law out in the country. This meant I had to plan my visits around Supercharger locations. One day, while chatting with my brother-in-law, I mentioned that I wished I could visit without having to pre-charge my car. He asked what it would take, and I suggested he install a 220V outlet in his barn. This solution appealed to him because he was planning to buy a travel trailer that would also need the outlet. We decided to split the cost, which came to $450.00.
The first time I visited after the electrician installed the outlet, I was somewhat disappointed because travel trailers use a NEMA 14-50 connector, which was the connector he had the electrician install. My NEMA 10-30 wasn't going to connect. Then I remembered that the Mobile Connector came with a NEMA 14-50 connector, so I swapped out the adapters and plugged it in. Whenever I visit my brother-in-law out in the country, I can plug in and charge at his home.
The Downside
Of course, every solution has its quirks. Storing the Mobile Connector requires a bit of creativity. It's not physically mounted, so it needs to be stored. In my case, I had a hook in the garage. After a charging session, I wrap up the cable and mount it on the hook.
But if you don't have one, they are readily available; as an Amazon Associate, you can buy a Seven Sparta Charging Cable Holder using my referral code for over $20.00 here. But if mounting a hook is not an option, then the owner will have to go "old-school" and wind up the cable after each charging session and store it either in the trunk or the frunk of their car.
The Verdict: A Tesla Charging Must-Have
Whether you're a Tesla veteran or a newcomer, the Mobile Connector is a must-have addition to your charging arsenal. Its mobility and versatility make it a game-changer, allowing you to charge at locations beyond your garage, such as a beach house, campground, or family member's home. So, if you're considering joining the electric revolution, don't just think about the car—think about how you'll power it. With the Mobile Connector, you'll never look back. To that end, all that remains for me is to invest in a reminder to disconnect so i don't have to endure the wife's wrath for hoggin up the dryer connector!
Have questions or are a Tesla owner and want to share your charging strategy, please comment below!