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Adapters for Wall Charger for non-Tesla use?

jpfive

Supporting Member
Oct 31, 2019
475
446
Pensacola, FL
I probably could be more proficient in forum searches, but I have not seen much discussion on this subject. I want to replace my wife's ICE car, which is used mostly locally. If I found a bargain on a non-Tesla EV I would likely consider it as a short term solution for us. Anybody here try to use Wall Charger for this? Is it even workable?
 

ewoodrick

Well-Known Member
Apr 13, 2018
5,285
3,721
Buford, GA
Knowing what the other non-Tesla EV was would definitely help.

But a NEMA 14-50 socket is generally the most flexible. For pretty much all cars that allow L2 charging, something will plug into it.
I installed one for my Leaf, but my Tesla now mostly charges off of it.
 

jpfive

Supporting Member
Oct 31, 2019
475
446
Pensacola, FL
Knowing what the other non-Tesla EV was would definitely help.

But a NEMA 14-50 socket is generally the most flexible. For pretty much all cars that allow L2 charging, something will plug into it.
I installed one for my Leaf, but my Tesla now mostly charges off of it.

NEMA 14-50 is good choice at the wall side. However, is there a way to adapt the Tesla wall hanger plug to a non-tesla EV receptacle? Knowing what adapters are available will help in the choice of EV. A second wall connector is not acceptable to me as these are driveway adapters, not garage.
 

ewoodrick

Well-Known Member
Apr 13, 2018
5,285
3,721
Buford, GA
NEMA 14-50 is good choice at the wall side. However, is there a way to adapt the Tesla wall hanger plug to a non-tesla EV receptacle? Knowing what adapters are available will help in the choice of EV. A second wall connector is not acceptable to me as these are driveway adapters, not garage.

You can charge just about any EV with a J-1772.

If you use the UMC, you can get the adapter to plug into a NEMA 14-50.
Dependent on your commutes, a 120V 15A or 20A, receptacle, one for each car may be the best answer, then you can both plug in.
 

jpfive

Supporting Member
Oct 31, 2019
475
446
Pensacola, FL
OK. I am new to this, and probably confused. There is no NEMA 14-50 outlet on the outside wall of my house. I have a Tesla Wall Charger wired in to a dedicated panel/circuit, with the long cord, so that it reaches my car in our driveway. On the end of that cord is the connector that fits the socket in my Model 3. If, for example, I purchased a Chevy Bolt for my wife, I would need an adapter to mate with the car and accept the Tesla fitting coming from my Wall Charger. Is there an adapter that plugs into the charging socket of the Chevy Bolt (or Nissan Leaf, or whatever) that will accept the Tesla "nozzle" coming from the Wall Hanger? Thanks, and please answer with small words...:)
 

brkaus

Well-Known Member
Jul 8, 2014
7,633
6,163
Austin, TX
Slaps head. Never mind, I clicked on the link. I am in the clear now. Thanks, Folks
Just make sure the non-Tesla car has a J1772 inlet. Most of them do, perhaps all, but check to be sure.

I'm thinking Leaf for a kids car. I'll be doing the same.
 

srs5694

Active Member
Jan 15, 2019
1,024
1,148
Woonsocket, RI
Oh, one more point: I recall hearing that there's often a ~30-second delay between plugging in the J1772 car and charging beginning when using one of these adapters. The reason, as I understand it, is that the Tesla Wall Connector tries to initiate a session using Tesla's charging protocols, which of course a J1772 car doesn't understand. When that attempt fails, the Wall Connector drops back to the J1772 protocols and charging starts. Ordinarily this isn't a big deal, but if something isn't properly seated and you don't wait around for charging to start, you might be frustrated by the lack of a charge when you return to the car.

Note that the above is basically hearsay, based on what I've read. I've never used one of these adapters, so it could be I'm repeating bad information. If so, I hope that somebody with first-hand knowledge will offer a correction.
 
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user212_nr

Active Member
Aug 26, 2019
1,407
732
US
OK. I am new to this, and probably confused. There is no NEMA 14-50 outlet on the outside wall of my house. I have a Tesla Wall Charger wired in to a dedicated panel/circuit, with the long cord, so that it reaches my car in our driveway. On the end of that cord is the connector that fits the socket in my Model 3. If, for example, I purchased a Chevy Bolt for my wife, I would need an adapter to mate with the car and accept the Tesla fitting coming from my Wall Charger. Is there an adapter that plugs into the charging socket of the Chevy Bolt (or Nissan Leaf, or whatever) that will accept the Tesla "nozzle" coming from the Wall Hanger? Thanks, and please answer with small words...:)

One thing to think about is that the adapter is $200, so that's quite a lot. It still only lets you charge one car at a time, so you are unlikely to be happy with that solution. You will be wasting your time shifting the plug from one car to the other and it will get annoying.

If the car is to be used locally, you should be 100% fine with 120v charging, but if its not too much work/money you can add an additional outlet and/or another EVSE.

I drove 30 miles a day on 120v at one time, and there was no issue + plenty more. With local driving (for me that means no more than a 5 mile radius, 15 total on the average day). If you get a car with 70 miles range, just use what came with it and cover it so that it doesn't get too wet.
 
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brkaus

Well-Known Member
Jul 8, 2014
7,633
6,163
Austin, TX
One thing to think about is that the adapter is $200, so that's quite a lot. It still only lets you charge one car at a time, so you are unlikely to be happy with that solution.

If the car is to be used locally, you should be 100% fine with 120v charging, but if its not too much work/money you can add an additional outlet and/or another EVSE.
I have a Model 3 and a Model S and a single WC. I'm happy with that situation based on our driving needs.

It. will depend on how many miles.

And yes, 120v might be a reasonable alternative for a smaller battery car, sharing a single charger may work out fine for many people.

I haven't found anyone willing to add a permitted outlet for under $200.
 

user212_nr

Active Member
Aug 26, 2019
1,407
732
US
I haven't found anyone willing to add a permitted outlet for under $200.

Depends where you live, and also a lot of electricians work without permits for such jobs. I know Pensacola and outside of large Metropolitan areas $200 sounds like the going price.

If I found a bargain on a non-Tesla EV...

You know what is a bargain is the 2012-13 Nissan Leaf. Its been massively depreciated due to the newer models coming out with more range, but for local use it is a steal.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/793236825/overview/
https://www.cars.com/for-sale/searc...=20077&rd=20&searchSource=QUICK_FORM&zc=32520

$4,495
 
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