It might seem like an obvious thing to include when selling any EV. How else would you be able to charge the darn thing? Luckily there are a few options available to most Tesla owners. So back to the main question; do you get a charging cable when buying a Tesla?
Tesla discontinued including the standard Mobile Connector (charging cable) with the NEMA 14-50 plug. This is because their research shows that people were not really using it and it seemed wasteful to be included. You can now buy the Gen 2 (Level 1) bundle separately for a lower price ($200) from the Tesla Online Store.
This decision from Tesla sparked some controversy and many people were very unhappy. It also didn’t sit well since customers are subjected to constant Tesla price increases. It also resembles the corporate greed we see from Apple, not including chargers. But what is really going on here? You can read further to find out.
Why Did Tesla Stop Including Chargers?
- Most people were rarely using the included Mobile Connector as usage statistics seemed low.
- Other options are more commonly used like the Wall Connector and Superchargers.
- It was deemed wasteful. Both in terms of Tesla’s bottom line and in terms of being environmentally friendly.
Tesla has dropped the price of this standard Mobile Connector by 50% from $400 to $200 from their online store. This has sparked some opportunism because it now seems that the product is almost always sold out. So be on the lookout if you really need this charger for any emergencies. Which is what it really was intended for.
If you’d like to find out what’s included when buying a Tesla, check out this related article that I wrote. I also go over all the optional extras that you can get when buying a Tesla.
Do other EV manufacturers include chargers in their vehicles?
| Car Brand | Charger Included | Type of Connector / Charger |
| Kia EV6 | No | n/a |
| Porsche Taycan | Yes | Level 1 charger to plug into 120/240 V Outlets. |
| Rivian | Yes | Portable Charger to plug into 120/240 V Outlets. |
| Volkswagen ID3/4/5/6 | Yes | Level 1 charger to plug into 120/240 V Outlets. |
| Lucid | Yes | Lucid Mobile Charging Cable / NEMA 5-15 / 14/50 |
| Audi eTron | Yes | Installed Charger included not a cable. For use with the included 9.6 kW AC capsule charger (Level 2, 240-volt/40 amps) |
| Jaguar I-Pace | Yes | Public Charging Cable (Mode 3 Charging Cable) |
Tesla Charger Options
Like most prospective owners, I was curious about my charging options when I first bought my Tesla. The topic may be more relevant now that Tesla discontinued including chargers in their vehicle purchase.
But, don’t worry. You can get a charger at any Tesla shop when you buy your Tesla. Two charger options allow you to recharge your car at home by plugging it into a standard outlet. You can use the following charging options discussed below.
Tesla Mobile Connector
Although it is a convenient option, I have found the Tesla Mobile Connector a little slow for my liking.
As the name suggests, it is a portable charger that can be easily packed and used as a backup charging option for your car when moving around. It comes with a standard adapter suitable for regular 120-volt (NEMA 5-15) household outlets. The low power supply makes the Tesla Mobile Connector a level 1 charger that gives your car about a 3 miles (4.83 km) range per hour.
Fun Fact
You save around 158,000 gallons of gas by using charging systems to power up your car. Charging is an efficient way of powering your vehicle. It is cost-efficient and causes minimal harm to the environment compared to gasoline.
However, you can always get faster charging for your car while using your Mobile Connector. Attach a Gen 2 NEMA adapter to your charger, which allows you to connect to a 240-volt (NEMA 14-50) outlet. The adapter elevates the mobile connector toa level 2 charger and gives your Tesla up to 30 miles (48.3 km) of range for every hour charged.
I have found the mobile connector more efficient for my commutes with the additional adapter attachment as I charge my Tesla overnight.
For more information on the Tesla Mobile Connector and attachments, you can watch the video below:
Tesla Wall Connector
I highly recommend installing the Tesla Wall Connector to charge your vehicle in the comfort of your home.
The Wall Connectors are level 2 chargers that use 240-volt power outlets and give your car 44 miles (70.8 km) of range per hour.
I suggest you use this charging option if you plan to go on a trip. Install the home charging system before purchasing your Tesla to avoid inconveniences.
Just to give some extra value to you, you can also read this article that I wrote called: “Tesla Wall Charger – How to Reset, Connect and Troubleshoot“. It will give some further insight.
The only downside to installing a Wall Connector is arguably its price. I had to part with $550 to purchase the device. Similarly, you have to hire a Tesla Certified electrician to install the equipment, therefore incurring additional costs.
Nonetheless, the Tesla Wall Connector is the perfect home charging solution for your vehicle.
Statistic
61% of Tesla drivers use mobile connectors to power their cars, while only 32% use the wall charger. The mobile connector is more popular since it connects cars to standard power outlets. However, the wall connector charges your car faster as it gives it more miles for every hour you charge.
Tesla Adapters
Adapters play a vital role in connecting your charging system to the power outlet.
Different adapters connect to corresponding outlets and charge your car at different speeds. Pick your adapter depending on the power outlet you have installed in your home.
However, from personal experience, it is crucial to expand your charging options by purchasing the NEMA Adapter bundle. It includes seven Gen 2 NEMA Adapters that enable you to charge at any outlet.
| Adapter | Range in Miles / Kilometers Gained for Every Hour Charged | |||
| Model S | Model 3 | Model X | Model Y | |
| 5-15 | 3 / 4.83 | 3 / 4.83 | 2 / 3.22 | 3 / 4.83 |
| 5-20 | 4 / 6.44 | 4 / 6.44 | 3 / 4.83 | 4 / 6.44 |
| 6-15 | 7 / 11.26 | 11 / 17.7 | 5 / 8.05 | 10 / 16.1 |
| 6-20 | 11 / 17.7 | 15 / 24.1 | 8 / 12.9 | 14 / 22.5 |
| 10-30 | 17 / 27.4 | 22 / 35.4 | 14 / 22.5 | 21 / 33.8 |
| 14-30 | 17 / 27.4 | 22 / 35.4 | 14 / 22.5 | 21 / 33.8 |
| 14-50 | 23 / 37 | 30 / 48.3 | 20 / 32.2 | 29 / 46.7 |
| 6-50 | 23 /37 | 30 / 48.3 | 20 / 32.2 | 29 / 46.7 |
Did You Know?
The Tesla Model 3 and Y have the most extended battery range. The vehicles can go as long as 322 miles without complications when fully charged. All you need is an efficient charging system.
Related questions you might have:
How Can I Charge My Tesla When Traveling Long Distances From My Home?
Tesla’s Supercharger network and destination charging sites allow you to charge your vehicle across the country as you travel. Plug in at any of the locations and wait as your car charges.
To What Percentage Should I Charge my Tesla?
I recommend charging your vehicle to around 90% if you drive around regularly since it is considered the daily range bracket. You may charge your Tesla to 100% if you plan to go for a long trip.
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