Hey gang, was 'considering' a 2021 M3 LR for my wife, but just learned that a new Tesla dealer is opening in El Paso, TX next week, so now it's official I'll buy her one (ha ha). And according to a Tesla guy in Austin, I should get it before the end of the year with 90% probability. We'll see. Waiting for a trade-in offer, but will probably just sell our car in immaculate condition privately.
Anyway, I thought the car came with a house cable/charger, but it does not. Apparently you need a $500 Tesla home charger. Now, the guy said it's better not to leave connected at home all the time, to charge it to 90%, and discharge it to about 30 to 20%, then charge it again. Before my questions, the only supercharger in town is 2 miles from my house (next to a Rudy's BBQ), and we drive about 50-80 miles a week when not traveling. With that in mind, here are my questions:
1. Is it worth/necessary to pay $500 (plus probably a hefty installation charge) for a home charger, with a supercharger 2 miles away?
2. If not, no issues always using a supercharger? Not sure if they are 75kW or 150kW, but can find out.
3. If yes, does it have to be permanently installed if you're going to use 120V? If not, meaning you can take it with you when you travel, how many hours would it take to charge an LR M3 from 30 to 90%?
4. If wall charger needs to be permanently installed, then it'd make sense to hook it up for 220V... but can you do that without having to mess up your house (drilling, etc)? I only have 1 dual outlet in the garage, which I'd still need operational.
5. If I need to drill, I'd probably install it right behind the electrical panel, which is at the end of my garage, so not a huge deal, but it'd probably cost a pretty penny. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. First EV ever. Thank you.
Anyway, I thought the car came with a house cable/charger, but it does not. Apparently you need a $500 Tesla home charger. Now, the guy said it's better not to leave connected at home all the time, to charge it to 90%, and discharge it to about 30 to 20%, then charge it again. Before my questions, the only supercharger in town is 2 miles from my house (next to a Rudy's BBQ), and we drive about 50-80 miles a week when not traveling. With that in mind, here are my questions:
1. Is it worth/necessary to pay $500 (plus probably a hefty installation charge) for a home charger, with a supercharger 2 miles away?
2. If not, no issues always using a supercharger? Not sure if they are 75kW or 150kW, but can find out.
3. If yes, does it have to be permanently installed if you're going to use 120V? If not, meaning you can take it with you when you travel, how many hours would it take to charge an LR M3 from 30 to 90%?
4. If wall charger needs to be permanently installed, then it'd make sense to hook it up for 220V... but can you do that without having to mess up your house (drilling, etc)? I only have 1 dual outlet in the garage, which I'd still need operational.
5. If I need to drill, I'd probably install it right behind the electrical panel, which is at the end of my garage, so not a huge deal, but it'd probably cost a pretty penny. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. First EV ever. Thank you.