Backward compatibility of Gen 3 Wall Connector

[gcogan]

I have two Tesla Model S (2014 P85D and 2018 100D) and I want to install new wall connectors (I have been using the mobile connectors in 220V sockets). I read somewhere that the Gen 3 wall connectors are not backwards compatible with early model S's. I like the power sharing feature as I only have 60 amps available without pulling more wires into the garage. Any advice would be welcomed

 

[jjrandorin]

I havent seen that (that Gen 3 wall connectors are not compatible with older model S) anywhere. Some older model S might have dual chargers, so be capable of receiving more power than gen 3 wall connectors put out, but that doesnt mean "incompatible."

Since you are looking at sharing a 60amp circuit anyway, which is max power for a gen 3 wall connector, I am fairly sure you will be fine (but I dont work for Tesla or anything).

 

[cbdream99]

I have a 2017 S and gen 3 charger works fine

 

[Cosmacelf]

Gen 3 are fully compatible with all model S. They are a great choice for sharing a circuit.

 

[Rocky_H]

I read somewhere that the Gen 3 wall connectors are not backwards compatible with early model S's.

That is not true, but I wonder if you were hearing about something similar that IS true. There were very early first generation wall connectors. At some point around like 2015 or 2016 or something, the newer cars had something about their central computer that was an incompatibility with those very old wall connectors. Tesla never did get that corrected to make the newer cars work with those old wall connectors, but that is the reverse of the problem you are talking about. The Gen3 wall connectors do work with everything as far as I know.

 

[M CARLING]

The only thing I can think of that might be considered an incompatibility is that very early Model S didn’t reliably charge at 277V, which is supported by NACS. Shutdowns would occur when voltage was on the high side, but still within the +5% required by ANSI C84.1. This was corrected before the Model X was introduced, so I’m not sure whether or not your 2014 might be affected.

BTW, support for 277V is the reason why wall connectors are meant to be hard-wired, not plugged into a NEMA receptacle. UL2594 requires that EV chargers that are rated for more than 250V have to be hard-wired.

As long as your wall connector is powered by 208V or 240V, there should not be any compatibility issues with either of your Teslas.

 

[cwerdna]

OP might be referring to Comparing Tesla Gen 2 and Gen 3 Charging Stations for Home Use that I found today that claims "while the Gen 3 is only compatible with Tesla vehicles manufactured after May 1, 2019.".

I have no idea if that's true.

That is not true, but I wonder if you were hearing about something similar that IS true. There were very early first generation wall connectors. At some point around like 2015 or 2016 or something, the newer cars had something about their central computer that was an incompatibility with those very old wall connectors. Tesla never did get that corrected to make the newer cars work with those old wall connectors, but that is the reverse of the problem you are talking about.

Yeah, on very early HPWCs with newer Teslas issue, there were these threads and posts, in addition to my work running into that.

Destination Charging Failures

Gen 1 Destination Chargers DO NOT Charge Post 2018 Model S. Per Tesla wall connector support team (877) 961-7652 or [email protected] I thought they told me all Teslas but now have seen 3 &Y successful where my model S won’t. They don’t tell you when you buy! My model s in car...

teslamotorsclub.com

HPWC Problem, Gen 1 not working on Late 2019-2021 S & X

We were one of the FIRST Tesla Destination charging locations in Wisconsin(Before it was even a program!), and THE First Hotel/Motel/Resort in Wisconsin to have dedicated EV Charging (Early 2000's!). As such, we have/had some of the oldest (Early Production) HPWC's Tesla produced. They have...

teslamotorsclub.com

 

[GHammer]

OP might be referring to Comparing Tesla Gen 2 and Gen 3 Charging Stations for Home Use that I found today that claims "while the Gen 3 is only compatible with Tesla vehicles manufactured after May 1, 2019.".

I have no idea if that's true.

I've used Gen 3's on my 2014 at hotels without issue. There are also two versions of Gen 1, I believe the problem of it not working on newer cars is only the original version. I have a Gen 1 v2 and it works fine on newer cars.

 

[cwerdna]

I've used Gen 3's on my 2014 at hotels without issue. There are also two versions of Gen 1, I believe the problem of it not working on newer cars is only the original version. I have a Gen 1 v2 and it works fine on newer cars.

Thank you. It's possible that Primecom page is wrong.

For the latter, that's very possible given that https://www.tesla.com/support/charging/gen-2-wall-connector at the bottom lists this:
"Previous Wall Connector installation guides:

First generation Wall Connector (Fall 2014 - Spring 2016, ending with part number -C or -D)
First generation Wall Connector (Winter 2012- Fall 2014, ending with part number -A or -B)"

 

[Cosmacelf]

I've used Gen 3's on my 2014 at hotels without issue. There are also two versions of Gen 1, I believe the problem of it not working on newer cars is only the original version. I have a Gen 1 v2 and it works fine on newer cars.

My Gen 1 V1 works fine with my brand new Model S.

 

[Rocky_H]

My Gen 1 V1 works fine with my brand new Model S.

That came up in one of those other threads on it. It seems at some point again in the last few years, where we never noticed and talked about it here, that the newer cars had some other change in their computer systems that once again brought back compatibility with the old original wall connectors. So there may just be a span of several years of production of cars that couldn't work with them.