Which Charging Box for Tesla

Back to blog

Choosing the right charging point for your Tesla is an important part of owning an electric car. Not only should the charging station be efficient and reliable, but it should also complement your daily routine and match your charging needs. With the growing popularity of Tesla and the increasing demand for sustainable transport solutions, the market for charging stations has expanded significantly. There are now a variety of options available, from Tesla's own Wall Connectors to third-party options that offer different features and benefits.This page is dedicated to helping you navigate the charging box jungle, guiding you through the process of choosing the best charging box for your particular Tesla. We'll cover everything from basic information about EV charging and the different types of charging stations, to in-depth reviews and comparisons of popular models. Whether you're a new Tesla owner looking for your first Supercharger, or a seasoned EV enthusiast looking for an upgrade, we have the information and resources you need to make an informed decision.

Which Charging Box Should You Choose for Your Tesla?

  • Tesla Wall Connector

    With the Tesla Wall Connector as a charging solution for your electric car, you can turn your home car park into an efficient and convenient charging station. This charging box offers an impressive range of up to 71 km per hour of charging, making it easy to keep your Tesla ready for the next day. Recommending overnight charging ensures that your vehicle is fully charged and ready to take you where you need to go in the morning.

    Choosing a charging station from the same manufacturer as your car, in this case Tesla, carries several advantages, not least in terms of compatibility and reduced risk of warranty issues. This is especially worth noting as a unified manufacturer can simplify the process in case of any fault reporting.

    Let's explore some of the prominent advantages and potential disadvantages of the Tesla Wall Connector:

  • Other Charging Boxes on the Market

    As the EV revolution gathers pace, with more and more car manufacturers getting involved in the development and production of EVs, the charging infrastructure scene is becoming increasingly dynamic and diversified. This expansion has led to a significant increase in available charging boxes on the market, putting Tesla owners and other EV drivers in an advantageous position to explore and choose from a wide range of charging solutions. It is a time of opportunity where owners are no longer limited to using only the manufacturer's own charging equipment, but can take advantage of innovations and special features offered by third-party manufacturers.For Tesla owners, known for their technology enthusiasm and environmental awareness, this opens new doors to customise their charging experience to personal preferences and specific lifestyle needs. This ability to choose charging boxes from other brands can come with a range of potential benefits:

  • Advantages of the programme

    Affordability: Although Tesla products are often associated with a higher price, the Wall Connector is surprisingly affordable compared to other charging boxes on the market.

    Minimised risk of warranty issues: Sticking to the Tesla ecosystem can reduce the risk of compatibility and warranty-related concerns.

    Aesthetic and functional design: The Wall Connector is not only stylish but also practical, with a generous 7.3 metre charging cable.

    Easy charging termination: With an unlock button directly on the charging handle, you can easily terminate charging without having to unlock the car first.

    Multi-car charging capability: The system allows charging of multiple vehicles simultaneously, optimised to maximise capacity.

  • Advantages of the programme

    Adaptation for Nordic climate: Many charging stations on the market today are specifically designed to handle the challenging conditions of the Nordic climate, including cold and snow. This can be particularly beneficial during the winter months when temperatures drop significantly.

    Advanced smart features: Modern charge points often offer a range of smart features such as dynamic charging based on electricity price fluctuations, the ability to be controlled remotely and connectivity to Wi-Fi for access to cloud services. These features allow you to monitor energy consumption, receive detailed reports and benefit from other innovative solutions.

    Exploring these options can enrich your charging experience, especially if you value flexibility and advanced technology.

  • Disadvantages

    Limited functionality: Compared to other Wallboxes on the market, the Wall Connector lacks some advanced features, such as scheduled charging based on electricity price fluctuations, Wi-Fi connectivity, and cloud-based smart features.

    By weighing these advantages against the disadvantages, you can better decide if the Tesla Wall Connector is the right charging solution for your home. It's important to choose a wallbox that not only meets your current needs, but is also compatible with your lifestyle and long-term EV usage.Choosing a wallbox from the same manufacturer as your car, in this case Tesla, carries several advantages, not least in terms of compatibility and reduced risk of warranty issues. This is particularly worth noting as a single manufacturer can simplify the process in the event of a fault report.

  • Disadvantages

    Higher costs: It is important to note that other manufacturers' charging stations often have a higher price tag compared to Tesla's own charging solutions. This price difference can be a deciding factor for some users.

    Warranty complexity:If you are driving a Tesla and using a charging station from another brand, you may encounter warranty complications. With a Tesla Supercharger, warranty issues can be easier to manage, as everything comes from the same manufacturer.

    Choosing the right Supercharger for your Tesla is about finding the balance between these pros and cons, taking into account your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your everyday life. Whatever choice you make, it's important to carefully consider how each option matches up against your needs for convenience, cost-effectiveness and technological features.
View all

How Long Does it Take to Charge a Tesla?

Charging a Tesla, or any electric car for that matter, is a process whose duration varies depending on several factors, including the car model and the type of charging station used. The growing availability of fast charging stations around the UK and internationally has revolutionised EV charging, offering quick battery top-ups to minimise trip interruptions. Although these fast charging solutions are not yet available for installation at home, they play a crucial role in the mobility of EV drivers, especially for long-distance travellers.

To illustrate the variation in charging times, let's take the Tesla Model 3 Midrange with a battery capacity of 62 kWh as an example. Based on the charging capacity of different charging boxes and the Tesla Super Charger, the charging time from 0 to 100% can vary significantly:

With a 3.7 kW charging box: It takes approximately 16.7 hours for a full charge. This power is typical for simpler home chargers and is suitable for overnight charging.

With a 7.4 kW Wallbox:The charging time decreases to around 8.4 hours, making it possible to fully charge the battery overnight.

With an 11 kW Wallbox:The time for a full charge goes down to around 5.6 hours. This power is more advanced for home charging and can offer a faster charge without reaching the levels of public fast chargers.

At a Tesla Supercharger (around 120 kW):The most efficient charging method, where a full charge can be achieved in about 1.2 hours. It is important to note that Superchargers are primarily intended for fast charging while travelling and not for daily charging, as frequent use can affect battery life over time.

This information underlines the importance of choosing the right charging solution based on your needs. For daily use and home charging, a standard charging box may be sufficient, while Tesla Superchargers and other public fast chargers are ideal for longer journeys or when you need to top up the battery quickly. However, future developments in home charging technology promise to make faster and more efficient charging solutions available for private use, which will further improve the user experience for EV owners.

It is also relevant to note that the actual charging time can be affected by external factors such as outdoor temperature and the current battery status of the car. The efficiency of the charging process can be optimised by keeping these factors in mind and choosing charging times when these conditions are most favourable.

How much does it cost to charge a Tesla?

The cost of charging a Tesla, or any electric car, varies depending on several factors, including electricity prices where you live, which Tesla model you own, and where you choose to charge your car (at home, at work, or at public charging stations). Here we provide an overview of how you can calculate the cost of charging your Tesla and what can affect this cost.

Charging at home

The most common charging method for EV owners is at home, often overnight. To calculate the cost of charging your Tesla at home, you need to know the following:

Your Tesla's battery capacity: For example, a Tesla Model 3 Long Range has a battery capacity of approximately 75 kWh.

The price of electricity per kWh: This varies depending on where you live and your energy supplier. In Sweden, it can be anywhere between 1 to 3 SEK per kWh, depending on the time of day and season.

Assume that the electricity price is 2 SEK/kWh and you are going to charge the entire battery of a Tesla Model 3 Long Range:

75 kWh×2 SEK/kWh=150 SEK75 kWh×2 SEK/kWh=150 SEK

So, it would cost about 150 SEK to fully charge the battery from 0 to 100%.

Public charging stations

The cost at public charging stations can vary widely. Some public chargers offer free charging, while others charge per kWh or per hour of charging. Fast chargers, such as Tesla's Superchargers, can be more expensive than standard chargers but offer the convenience of much faster charging. An approximate cost to charge at a Supercharger can be between $2 to $4 per kWh, which means a full charge can cost between $150 to $300 for a Tesla Model 3 Long Range.

Other Factors to Consider

Charging efficiency: It is also important to note that not all of the energy transferred to the car is used to charge the battery. Some energy is lost during the charging process due to heat losses. Tesla estimates charging efficiency to be approximately 85-90% for home charging.

Electricity price changes: The price of electricity can vary depending on the time of day (higher during the day and lower at night), which can affect the total cost of charging if you are not on a fixed price contract.

By understanding these factors and planning your charging smartly, you can reduce the cost of charging your Tesla and maximise the benefits of owning an electric car.

Frequently asked questions

What Is The Most Cost-Effective Time Of Day To Charge A Tesla?

The most cost-effective time to charge your Tesla is during nighttime or off-peak periods when electricity prices are lower. Many energy providers offer lower rates during off-peak hours, typically late evening to early morning, making it an ideal time to charge your electric car.

Can I Charge My Tesla With a Regular Household Plug?

Yes, you can charge your Tesla with a standard household plug using the included adapter. However, this is one of the slowest charging methods. For faster charging, the installation of a specific charging box at home is recommended.

How Far Can a Tesla Drive on a Full Charge?

The range on a full charge varies depending on the Tesla model and driving conditions. For example, a Tesla Model 3 Long Range can travel up to 568 km on a full charge according to WLTP standards, making it one of the most efficient EVs on the market.

Is it safe to charge a Tesla in the rain?

Yes, it is safe to charge your Tesla in the rain. Tesla charging equipment and charging ports are designed to be waterproof and safe to use in various weather conditions, including rain.

How Much Does it Cost to Install a Tesla Home Charging Box?

The cost of installing a Tesla home charging station varies depending on several factors, such as the need for any electrical work and the choice of charging station model. On average, you can expect to pay between $10,000 to $20,000 for the actual Tesla Home Charger plus the installation cost.

How do I Maintain My Tesla Battery for Optimal Life?

To maximise the life of your Tesla's battery, avoid regularly charging the battery to 100% or letting it go down to 0% before charging. Tesla recommends keeping the battery charge between 20% to 90% for daily use. Also, use Tesla Superchargers carefully as frequent fast charging can affect the health of the battery over time.

Can I Use a Tesla Supercharger to Charge Other Electric Cars?

No, Tesla Superchargers are designed specifically to charge Tesla vehicles. However, Tesla has started to open some of its Superchargers to other EV models in selected countries as part of a pilot programme.