Tesla wall charger availability

[Beachybumm]

I am buying a M3 LR from a private seller and installing a Tesla wall charger. I've read some threads on here saying it took months to receive their unit. I live in Los Angeles. Can I just walk in a store and buy one? The car isn't registered in my name yet, but I assume they'll sell me a charger regardless of whether I own a Tesla, right?

Also, if I have to order it online, is there a return policy?

 

[OCR1]

The stores don’t sell any products but the service centers do stock wall connectors. Call before you head over to confirm they have them in stock. I bought mine in Costa Mesa and they had an entire wall of them lined up for sale.

 

[Rice&Curry]

you can order online fro Tesla site

 

[Beachybumm]

you can order online fro Tesla site

Did you not read my OP? Some people have reported it takes months to get their charger. I don't want to wait.

But if I do order online and decide to return it within 30 days, unopened, is there still a restocking fee?

 

[OCR1]

I don’t believe there is a restocking fee but you are correct about online ordering. It’s very flaky and inconsistent. If you live in LA I can’t imagine why you would go through all that rather than just driving by the service center and picking one up.

 

[Beachybumm]

I don’t believe there is a restocking fee but you are correct about online ordering. It’s very flaky and inconsistent. If you live in LA I can’t imagine why you would go through all that rather than just driving by the service center and picking one up.

It's confusing because Tesla site says an unopened wall charger can be returned within 60 days and MAY be subject to a 15% restocking fee. That sounds very wishy-washy.

Re picking one up at the service center, I used the Tesla site, and it specifically says that places with the wall charger will be noted. I clicked on almost every store and service center, only one states they sell wall chargers. I find it hard to believe that in all of LA, there's only one place to buy it.

 

[1.21GW]

Why would you send it back? I’m truly trying to understand

If you have or will have a Tesla, a wall connector is a great item to have.

 

[Beachybumm]

Why would you send it back? I’m truly trying to understand

If you have or will have a Tesla, a wall connector is a great item to have.

Because if I buy it and then it takes two months to get, I'd probably get it elsewhere in between. So if return the online purchase.

 

[dmurphy]

I bought one online a few weeks ago. Was here 4 days later. Seems to me the online store has gotten its act together a bit - tracking info when it shipped and everything.

 

[surfrasch]

You’re thinking too much, save the brain cells and just buy it and it will arrive when it arrives. You won’t want to return it, and you can charge with 120V until you have it working. If it’s two months For delivery, that will pass buy before you know it.

enjoy the car, you won’t regret it.

 

[Dan203]

Do you really need a wall connector? You can buy a NEMA 14-50 adapter for the plug that comes with the car for $35. Another $35 buys you a little plastic mount for the wall that you can hang the plug on just like the wall connector.

A NEMA 14-50 outlet, using the gen2 charge cable that comes with the car, gets you about 30mph of range. (32A) So if you leave your car plugged in at least 8 hours a night you'll regain 240 miles of range which, even if you were pulling in on empty every night, would be ~80% of the battery's capacity and the recommended max for daily charging anyway.

IMHO the wall connector is unnecessary for 95% of people and mostly a waste of $500. Now if you have a special situation, or just really like the way it looks, go for it. But don't assume you "need" it just because it's shown in the promotional photos. I almost fell into that trap myself and only didn’t get one because they were out of stock. Now I realize I saved myself $500 because it's completely unnecessary for my situation.

 

[DrtyJrze]

Do you really need a wall connector? You can buy a NEMA 14-50 adapter for the plug that comes with the car for $35. Another $35 buys you a little plastic mount for the wall that you can hang the plug on just like the wall connector.

A NEMA 14-50 outlet, using the gen2 charge cable that comes with the car, gets you about 30mph of range. (32A) So if you leave your car plugged in at least 8 hours a night you'll regain 240 miles of range which, even if you were pulling in on empty every night, would be ~80% of the battery's capacity and the recommended max for daily charging anyway.

IMHO the wall connector is unnecessary for 95% of people and mostly a waste of $500. Now if you have a special situation, or just really like the way it looks, go for it. But don't assume you "need" it just because it's shown in the promotional photos. I almost fell into that trap myself and only didn’t get one because they were out of stock. Now I realize I saved myself $500 because it's completely unnecessary for my situation.

Agree, for the most part. Some states do reimburse some of the cost of buying/installing a wall charger.

If you’re not the greatest planner of your day (this guy) or some unforeseen travel comes up that extra speed is a life saver. Also, if you plan on getting a CT or another Tesla down the line with a higher capacity battery that 8 hr charge time will quickly increase.

So basically you’re paying more for convenience and flexibility.

 

[ShoreTrooper]

Agree, for the most part. Some states do reimburse some of the cost of buying/installing a wall charger.

If you’re not the greatest planner of your day (this guy) or some unforeseen travel comes up that extra speed is a life saver. Also, if you plan on getting a CT or another Tesla down the line with a higher capacity battery that 8 hr charge time will quickly increase.

So basically you’re paying more for convenience and flexibility.

And if you buy a second Tesla, THEN buy the wall charger. Save $465 dollars and just buy the connector. If you get a second car, you're going to want more than just 50A in the garage anyway.

 

[T3SLAROD]

Buy it on offer up. Several on there brand new for $400. Basically all these people bought them up hoping to resale for more and it failed.

 

[OCR1]

Re picking one up at the service center, I used the Tesla site, and it specifically says that places with the wall charger will be noted. I clicked on almost every store and service center, only one states they sell wall chargers. I find it hard to believe that in all of LA, there's only one place to buy it.

I doubt the website is accurate. It’s not a high priority for Tesla to keep it up to date. I would just call the closest service center and ask them.

 

[TX_M3P+]

One of the recommended installers on the Tesla site was a company called Charge Across America. When I called to get a quote from them, their quote included the Tesla wall charger as they had inventory in stock. Plus they had the gen2 charger which has the longer charge cable, which is what I needed. I'm pretty sure you can only get the gen3 charger from the Tesla site.

Also, Charge Across America will uninstall the wall charger for free should you decide to move, so when installing at the next home you don't have to pay for another wall charger.

 

[EV3_]

Ordered from Tesla on Tuesday, and it will arrive here across the country by Monday.

 

[TX_M3P+]

I was just reading about this new charger on the market...
Tesla owners tap into smart chargers for Ludicrously Green charging
https://evcharging.enelx.com/store/residential/juicebox-48

Has some very cool features if being ultra green is your thing!

 

[TX_M3P+]

One of the recommended installers on the Tesla site was a company called Charge Across America. When I called to get a quote from them, their quote included the Tesla wall charger as they had inventory in stock. Plus they had the gen2 charger which has the longer charge cable, which is what I needed. I'm pretty sure you can only get the gen3 charger from the Tesla site.

Also, Charge Across America will uninstall the wall charger for free should you decide to move, so when installing at the next home you don't have to pay for another wall charger.

Sorry, the company name is Smart Charge America and they operate in many state.
Electric Car Charging Stations - EVSE Installation - Smart Charge America

 

[Beachybumm]

Agree, for the most part. Some states do reimburse some of the cost of buying/installing a wall charger.

If you’re not the greatest planner of your day (this guy) or some unforeseen travel comes up that extra speed is a life saver. Also, if you plan on getting a CT or another Tesla down the line with a higher capacity battery that 8 hr charge time will quickly increase.

So basically you’re paying more for convenience and flexibility.

Tesla wall charger is FREE in LA county. Ladwp has a $500 wc rebate. Otherwise, I would just get the plug.