Electric cars are becoming more popular. As a result, reliable home chargers are a must. One top option is the Tesla car charger. But is it the best choice for you?
At Penrith Solar Centre, we understand how learning about new technology might be overwhelming. EVs and their complementary components are new and foreign to a lot of people. We pride ourselves on knowing the ins and outs of an electric lifestyle.
In this article, you will learn:
- What is the Tesla Wall Connector?
- Pros and Cons of the Tesla Car Charger
- Installation and Setup
- Cost and Value Analysis
By the end of this article, you’ll have a complete understanding of whether a Tesla Wall Connector is for you.
But before we get into that, here’s a quick FAQ if you don’t have time for the full article:
Does the Tesla charger work with other EVs?
Yes. It has a Type 2 plug, which is widely compatible in Australia.
How far can a Tesla go on a charge?
Up to 75 kilometres of range per hour of charging at home.
Is the Tesla charger worth the cost?
For Tesla owners, yes. It’s one of the least expensive options available.
Can I install the Tesla charger myself?
No, it’s best to hire a licensed electrician for safety reasons.
How does it integrate with solar panels?
It can use solar energy to charge your car, reducing electricity costs.
What is a Tesla Car Charger?
The Tesla car charger, also known as the Wall Connector, is a device that charges Tesla vehicles in the home. It’s a high-quality, efficient, and user-friendly option.
Key features and specifications:
- Rating: Compatible for single or three-phase setup.
- Charges up to 75 kilometres of range per hour.
- Wi-Fi connectivity for updates and monitoring.
- Can be installed indoors or outdoors depending on your needs.
- Compatible with Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck.
- Compatibility with Other EVs: Type 2 plug that works with all EVs.
- Dimensions: 345 x 155 x 110 mm
- Operating temperature: -30°C to 50°C
- Warranty: 4 years.
- Cable: 7.3 metres long.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about how to set up and use the Tesla App, you might want to check out the following article titled, How to Set Up and Use the Tesla Powerwall App.
Pros and Cons of the Tesla Car Charger
Because the Tesla Wall Connector can be installed on both single-phase and three-phase sites, it’s a straightforward installation for almost every Australian home.
Pros:
Cost: about half as expensive as other chargers in its class.
Charge anytime: Because it’s installed at your home, you can charge your EV whenever you like.
Speed: It charges faster than many other home chargers. It can charge up to 75 kilometres per hour of charging if your home is a three-phase site. If your home is single-phase, it will be slower.
Integration: Works well with Tesla’s app for monitoring and scheduling if you’ve invested in the Tesla energy ecosystem with a Powerwall or Tesla solar panels.
Quality: Built to last with a sleek design.
Compatibility: Universal plug Type 2 for all EVs (Tesla and non-Tesla) in Australia.
Cons:
Features: The only feature available for non-Powerwall owners is the ability to schedule your charging. That’s it. Features like Charge-From-Solar are only available if you have a Powerwall and have invested in a Tesla ecosystem for your energy.
Compatibility: While the plug works with all EVs, there is no smart charging through a 3rd party app using OCPP.
OCPP, or Open Charge Point Protocol, is a communication standard used in EV charging stations. It allows different EV chargers and EVs to communicate with each other, even if they are from different manufacturers.
This is why you can’t use the Tesla App for anything other than scheduling when to charge your EV if you don’t have a Powerwall.
If you’re interested in learning about one of the best benefits of the Tesla App, you might want to check out the following article titled, Guide to Tesla Charge on Solar in Australia – 2024.
Installation and Setup
Choose a location: Place it near where you park. It needs to reach your car easily. Keep the charger high enough to be convenient but not too low. An additional recommendation we have is to mount it near the outer garage door. A DIY project can take over your garage quickly and if you can’t park inside, your charger will need to reach where you park (like the driveway).
Installing the charger: Hire Penrith Solar Centre to handle the installation. We do that in addition to installing solar systems. We’ll connect the charger to your home Wi-Fi for updates.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about the importance of a good installer, you might want to check out the following article titled, In-house Installers vs. Subcontractors: Which is Better?
Cost and Value Analysis
Breakdown of costs:
The Tesla car charger costs $750.00.
Installation starts at $800 or $1,200, depending on whether your home is a single-phase or three-phase site.
Long-term value and savings potential:
Using solar power will lower your energy costs. If you’re thinking of an EV, you should also be thinking about installing solar. And if you’re thinking about solar, you should be thinking about an EV.
If you’d like to learn more about Tesla products, we recommend you check out the following article titled, Tesla Powerwall 3 Review: An In-Depth Look at Tesla’s New Solar Battery.
Should I Buy a Tesla EV Charger?
If you have a Tesla EV or a Powerwall, this is a no-brainer. It’s half as much as other home chargers in its class. All the charging features are available through the Tesla App.
The Tesla Wall Connector looks so cool, and it can be colour-matched to your vehicle. If you value aesthetics and simplicity, this is the charger for you.
If you don’t own a Tesla EV or Powerwall, you won’t have a lot of options when it comes to charging features. As we mentioned, it’s only able to schedule charging and that’s about it.
If it had OCPP, you might be able to work around that, but the Wall Connector doesn’t have that either. It’s just a huge connector for non-Tesla owners, but it honestly doesn’t need to be much more than that if you don’t have a solar system.
If you’re interested in learning about other EV charger options, you might want to check out the following article titled, Zappi Charger Review: Is It the Right Choice for You?
Wire Wouldn’t a Tesla Owner Buy a Wall Connector?
The Tesla car charger offers many benefits. It’s fast, reliable, and integrates well with Tesla’s app and solar power. It’s also the most economical option. If you own a Tesla, it’s a great choice. If you’re looking to save money and don’t need all the features, it’s also a great choice.
At Penrith Solar Centre, we install the Tesla Wall Connector as well as the MyEnergi Zappi wall charger. We’re focused on setting customers up for an evolving energy lifestyle. The future is electric, and we’re here to help you reach it.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about public charging stations, you might want to check out the following article titled, Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Guide 2024.
