Public Charging Options

[Pantera Dude]

I would like to know what charging options are available in public places. Which ones will work for us and which will not?

Thanks

 

[Jackyche]

In short:

1)You must have a J1772 Adapter (either 'the Can' or Tesla's) to use the vast majority of public stations. Vast majority of which are 30amps. And you have to get 'cards' for different companies like ChargePoint, Blink, etc.

2)Tesla Roadster HPC's (not many of them, but strategically located for long road trips - like along I-5 from Canada to Mexico)

3)any outdoor 110v plug, but obviously, shockingly slow. (for 2.0/2.5 owners can't have it on a GFI - didn't know that, thanks hcsharp)

4)240/50 amp chargers at RV sites which require a UMC or MC240 connector.

 

[Enadler]

Let's not forget Superchargers!!

 

[Jackyche]

Won't work for Roadsters. And no word on if Tesla is installing HPC's in those stations.

Let's not forget Superchargers!!

 

[rsquared99]

Number 4 on Jackyche's list are 240/50 amp chargers at RV sites which require a UMC or MC240 connector.

 

[hcsharp]

In short:
<snip>
3)any outdoor 110v plug, but obviously, shockingly slow.

Outdoor plugs don't work if on a GFI circuit.

 

[Vger]

Outdoor plugs don't work if on a GFI circuit.

That is true for Roadster 2.0/2.5, but OP's is 1.5, which I believe WILL charge on a GFI-equipped circuit (according to @TomSax).

 

[jordanthompson]

Outdoor plugs don't work if on a GFI circuit.

I saw somewhere on this forum that they removed (actually made it removable) the GFI breaker from the 110V Tesla cable (I did this too) and hey presto! I can charge on a GFI circuit.

 

[dhrivnak]

Outdoor plugs don't work if on a GFI circuit.

I have had no problem charging on a GFI with my 1.5 Roadster.

As for public charging I really like PlugShare, it has been the best for me. But my frustration is all the public charging I have found is only 6 KW (208V and 30 amps), VERY painful for any roadtrip.

 

[Jackyche]

Tom Saxton wrote: "In the US, we have over 6,000 30A charging stations, mostly funded by federal grants that required the stations to not be over 30A. (No one will explain why that limit was placed, or even admit who was responsible.) We also have a sprinkling of 70A J stations."

So that got me wondering who's the genius that put the 30amp rule.

As for public charging I really like PlugShare, it has been the best for me. But my frustration is all the public charging I have found is only 6 KW (208V and 30 amps), VERY painful for any roadtrip.

 

[bonnie]

I removed the GFI from my 110 cable and my 2.5 no longer trips. I have a separate plug I can use if no gfi protection on outdoor circuit.

 

[Pantera Dude]

I charged my car at home for a few days on 110 before I got my 220 going. The GFI at the outlet tripped a couple of times but after a reset it worked fine on my 1.5

 

[Doug_G]

Tom Saxton wrote: "In the US, we have over 6,000 30A charging stations, mostly funded by federal grants that required the stations to not be over 30A. (No one will explain why that limit was placed, or even admit who was responsible.) We also have a sprinkling of 70A J stations."

So that got me wondering who's the genius that put the 30amp rule.

Probably some misguided effort to ensure the stations were low-cost.

<tinfoilhat>Either that or a deliberate attempt to prevent the viability of long-range electric vehicles. </tinfoilhat>

 

[Pantera Dude]

Thanks guys!

 

[vfx]

I charged my car at home for a few days on 110 before I got my 220 going. The GFI at the outlet tripped a couple of times but after a reset it worked fine on my 1.5

There are many app for the iphone that tell you where the public charge stations are. I like Recago (the owner drives Teslas)