I am going to purchase a Model 3, but first I want to make sure I have the right kit, so I won't end up running an extension cable out the kitchen window.
Originally I just assumed I'd either need one of those $500 pretty Tesla charging stations or otherwise deal with the electrons trickling in. But now I realize that the world is far more complex.
Given that I have no garage, I'm going to need an electrician to install an outdoor box. The weather here is humid, and frequently very hot and rainy. I have a shed attached to the side of the house which would be a great place to protect a box from the elements and hide it from thieves (should the box be alluringly pretty). If I'm not limited to a 20-foot cable, that would be the best option.
If 20 feet is a hard limit, then I could have the box installed on the outside of the shed, closer to the parking space, although that would leave it exposed to the elements and such.
So, my two major questions are...1) if I have to pay an electrician to run a new line and install a new breaker in my panel anyway, does it make much difference if I get the pretty charger or just what I would ignorantly call a "dryer plug" of some type...along with presumably a grey metal box of some kind around it and a converter of some kind? Obviously the Tesla charger is faster, but assuming I sleep for a reasonable number of hours each night, I don't think that matters much to me.
And 2) can I get away with using a longer cable? That seems like it would solve a lot of problems and would keep the outside of the house looking cleaner.
Thanks for your help. I'm a total newbie here. My current car is an ancient Prius, so I realize I am in for some culture shock.
Originally I just assumed I'd either need one of those $500 pretty Tesla charging stations or otherwise deal with the electrons trickling in. But now I realize that the world is far more complex.
Given that I have no garage, I'm going to need an electrician to install an outdoor box. The weather here is humid, and frequently very hot and rainy. I have a shed attached to the side of the house which would be a great place to protect a box from the elements and hide it from thieves (should the box be alluringly pretty). If I'm not limited to a 20-foot cable, that would be the best option.
If 20 feet is a hard limit, then I could have the box installed on the outside of the shed, closer to the parking space, although that would leave it exposed to the elements and such.
So, my two major questions are...1) if I have to pay an electrician to run a new line and install a new breaker in my panel anyway, does it make much difference if I get the pretty charger or just what I would ignorantly call a "dryer plug" of some type...along with presumably a grey metal box of some kind around it and a converter of some kind? Obviously the Tesla charger is faster, but assuming I sleep for a reasonable number of hours each night, I don't think that matters much to me.
And 2) can I get away with using a longer cable? That seems like it would solve a lot of problems and would keep the outside of the house looking cleaner.
Thanks for your help. I'm a total newbie here. My current car is an ancient Prius, so I realize I am in for some culture shock.