Nema outlet alone vs Tesla Wall Charger?

[Taofang]

Hi! Projected to get my X in a month so I am planning to get my charging situation set up!

Is there any advantage of getting a Tesla wall charger vs just plugging into a Nema 14-60 outlet?

Also do I get the tax credit for just installing the Nema outlet?

Thank you!!!

 

[TexasEV]

Search the many threads on the debate.

 

[jerry33]

Advantages of HPWC:

1. Potentially faster charge. If your panel and/or electrical service won't support an additional 100 amp circuit, then you will either have to pay for an upgrade or dial it down to a level the panel/service can handle.

2. Longer cable. More installation location flexibility.

3. Heavier duty cable. Less heat.

4. Hardwired. Fewer connections imply fewer problems.


Advantages of UMC/NEMA 14-50:

1. Cost.

2. 40 amp charging is fast enough for most people.

 

[GSP]

Another advantage of getting the HPWC is that you can keep your UMC in the trunk, instead of unplugging it and stowing it in the car whenever you leave on a long trip. Most 14-50 outlets are not designed to last for many insert-remove cycles.

GSP

 

[Taofang]

Got it, thanks!

Also do you guys know if installing a NEMA 14-50 is included in the federal tax credit of 30% of the cost?

 

[TexasEV]

Yes it is, it's alternative vehicle fueling infrastructure, but most a Tesla owners don't benefit from that credit because it's subject to AMT.

 

[CHG-ON]

+1 on Jerry

 

[jerry33]

Another advantage of getting the HPWC is that you can keep your UMC in the trunk, instead of unplugging it and stowing it in the car whenever you leave on a long trip. Most 14-50 outlets are not designed to last for many insert-remove cycles.

While true, typically it's somewhere around 300 cycles (a quick look didn't find any specs with this information, but 300 was posted some time ago). So three to six vacation trips a year plug taking it in to the Service Centre for inspection once a year, plus some extras and it's going to be over twenty years before it becomes an issue. You'll likely need to torque the wires to the receptacle long before the receptacle itself wears out. Of course, it's a different matter if you unplug weekly. And it's pretty easy to tell if it's wearing out because it will get hot, so check it occasionally.

 

[Rocky_H]

Hi! Projected to get my X in a month so I am planning to get my charging situation set up!

Is there any advantage of getting a Tesla wall charger vs just plugging into a Nema 14-60 outlet?

Also do I get the tax credit for just installing the Nema outlet?

Thank you!!!

No one has commented on it, but I hope that was a typo, where you said 14-60 outlet. A 14-60 outlet does exist, but there is no point in installing it. The mobile cable for the Tesla can only handle 40A maximum, so the 14-50 outlet would be the right one.

 

[aesculus]

Or you could do both.

 

[jrichey]

Another thought...If you are going to have more than 1 Tesla on the same circuit, go with the wall charger since it has smarts to balance the load between 2 wall chargers...I did this in anticipation of Model 3...

 

[ecarfan]

Or you could do both.

Agreed. I did both in my garage. After over 2 1/2 years I have yet to use my NEMA 14-50 240V/40A plug but I like having it there as a backup in case my HPWC were to fail.

About 2 years ago the HPWC cable had to be replaced when I was suddenly unable to charge. I called my local Service Center. They came out and replaced the cable that same day! So I never even had to use my 14-50.

 

[aesculus]

Yes. I just leave my 14-50 breaker off, but for the $30 or so extra, it was worth having it as a backup.

 

[cmd_keen]

It's much cleaner looking with the HPWC and if you park close (like me) then you do not need any additional cable management. I just coil my 8ft cable once around the charger.

 

[aesculus]

It's much cleaner looking with the HPWC and if you park close (like me) then you do not need any additional cable management. I just coil my 8ft cable once around the charger.

You have a thermostat in your garage?

OK. I see you live in Chicago, enough said.

 

[PtG62901]

Or you could do both.

View attachment 190251

You ran a line from your main box, to a sub, then have 2 breakers for the PW and 14-50? I have a long run from the main to my garage, hadn't thought of doing it like that.

 

[aesculus]

You ran a line from your main box, to a sub, then have 2 breakers for the PW and 14-50?

Yep. The sub panel is on 125 amp breaker with 1/0 from the main panel and there is a 100 amp breaker for the WC and a 50 amp breaker for the 14-50 in the sub panel. Only one is active at a time.

 

[cmd_keen]

You have a thermostat in your garage?

OK. I see you live in Chicago, enough said.

Oh yes, I just leave it at the lowest setting on that old mercury switch thermostat, really helps on those sub-zero days (literally).