For the Model S, it is best to just leave it plugged in. It would also be fine left unplugged for that length of time as long as there is enough charge in the battery to allow for the vampire drain of 10-20 miles per day.
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Tips for new Tesla owners.
- Thread starter mzairboy
- Start date
FlatSix911
Porsche 918 Hybrid
Last edited:
Just plug it in, set the slider to 50% or 60% and that's it. There's no need to do anything else.
Ideally use the HD 110 cord just because a plugged-in Tesla is a happy Tesla, but for a few days it won't matter even in cold weather. Note that the manual indicates that you don't allow it to sit in below -32 temperatures for over 24 hours. I doubt this is a problem where you live.
Local owners have asked about this statement from local Tesla store, apparently that means only if the car is unplugged. If it's plugged in, there should be no issues.
I'd be happier if that was stated in the manual (or at least a post by Elon) because Stores and Service Centres have been known to give conflicting information depending upon which Store or Service Centre is contacted.
No arguments here, that'd be more reasonable in any case and I hope they do that change with regards to model 3 manual. But in any case, the BMS on Tesla's should keep the batteries in good shape even in cold, as long as there is power
All good questions. The "UMC" (Universal Mobile Connector) is a portable EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment). It serves to connect the car to an AC power source. Tesla also sells the HPWC (High Power Wall Connector) that would be permanently mounted on the wall of a garage (or hotel or other place to charge). The UMC comes with a 14-50 plug but it can be used with adapters to fit other outlet and circuit types. The Model 3 will (likely) come with a UMC and a NEMA 5-15 adapter for standard 120 V outlets. So, yes you can use a 120 V outlet but it is very, very slow, about 3 to 4 miles of range per hour of charge rate. By contrast, a UMC on a 240 volt 14-50 outlet charging at 40 amps would charge at about 32 miles per hour. (And a Tesla Supercharger Station can charge as fast as 300+ miles per hour, depending on the battery size and how empty it is, but the charge rate tapers as the battery fills.)
Any EVSE acts as a safety device that doesn't allow current to flow to the car's on-board charger unless a "handshake" signal is passed between the device and the car. So, it is more than just a long extension cord.
All of the Tesla charging devices — UMC, HPWC, and Superchargers — use a special Tesla plug to fit to the car. To use a standard EV charge station J1772 plug, Tesla supplies an adapter that fits between that plug and the car. So, Teslas can use most Level 2 public charge stations but other EVs can't usually use Tesla UMC, HPWC or Superchargers. Teslas can also use Chadema DCFC "quick charge" stations with an adapter ($450).
As for what the outlet and UMC looks like, I have these pictures:
^ This is a 240 volt, 50 amp, 14-50 outlet. I have a meter on it, but that isn't really necessary. The UMC plugs directly into that outlet and can charge at up to 40 amps.
^ My car with UMC cable plugged-in. Note that the UMC device itself is plugged-in to the wall outlet. I could park in the other direction with the car's charge port near the wall outlet but I prefer to run the cable along the ceiling to keep it off the floor and out of the way. Just a personal preference. Most people don't do it this way and just put the cable on the floor and coil it up when not in use.
Excellent information. I see now that the UMC not only acts as an adapter, but provides an extra layer of security and protection to regulate what's coming from the wall to the car. Makes complete sense!
I happen to work at a power distribution molding company that specializes in making heavy duty extension cords for the Navy. We're talking anywhere from 15A to 110A or greater, so I know a thing or two about heavy duty extension cords!
Before I started working there, they were actually working with Tesla on EV charging cables. Now that I see these pictures, I think I actually have an old UMC lying around! Was this from the Roadster? Model S UMCs look way more snazzy and futuristic.
So, let's say I park on the street or need to charge farther away from an outlet than the UMC allows. What are my options?
From the looks of it, it appears you need an extension cord capable of handling the current which is then plugged into your wall outlet. Then you run the extension cord to your car, plug in the UMC to the extension cord (adapter if necessary), then finally plug the other end of the UMC into your car?
It looks like the car-end of the UMC is the plug designed for the car, so I'm guessing there's no way to plug in the UMC first, then run an extension cord? This would not make sense too, since the UMC can no longer regulate the electricity entering the car.
My concern is that if I am parking on the street, or at least not in a locked garage or otherwise private space, there is a risk that somebody could walk away with my UMC. Does it lock in the car? I know the superchargers do. Not sure how effective that would be and if somebody might end up damaging my car trying to get it out. Also, the UMC is just lying around, which could be prone to damage like people walking on it, weather, etc. Even if nothing happens, just the thought of it happening could be very stressful since it'll be exposed for half the day.
If all goes according to plan, I'll be living happily with a garage by the time my 3 arrives, but I'm just trying to prepare for the worst case scenario. Although if worse comes to worst, I'm sure I could convince my employer to pop in a charging station!
After 3 years of driving my Model S, my first EV, I learn a few things. I'm also interested to get the Model 3..
1. I plug in often but maintain the charge to 60-70% range. I charge it at night during the off peak hours using my 14-50 (240v) in my garage. To be honest, I'm a low mileage driver so my 115v outlet is just fine. To maintain your EV to the maximum range, do 2 things: 1. lower your battery to 30-40 miles frequently and go back to the 60-70% range on the daily basis; 2. charge your battery to the max. at times even though you're not traveling.
2. I use Metlife, very good rate. Since most insurance companies learned to rate EVs for the past few years and there is no premium add on anymore.
3. I have the air suspension but if I do it again, I would eliminate that option since I don't have steep driveway and all. There is very little difference riding wise, with and without the air suspension option. I doubt the Model 3 will have this option.
4. I do have the premium sound system which is important to me. The premium sound system after I purchased my MS improves and got even better (per my loaner car). If you enjoy good sound, I strongly suggest you get that.
5. I purchased the 4-year service plan which costs a little less. Tesla recommends service every 12K miles. My MS is very reliable and have little issues even I have the early adopter car. There are not a lot to fix other than tires and brakes. Tesla service is second to none and if I purchase the M3, I will not buy the service plan. I even 50% less for my annual car inspection, not a lot to inspect, my mechanic said.
6. Tesla Service owned by Tesla and not a third party outfit so I doubt they service the M3 customers any different than the MS customers. Based on my 3 years with Tesla services, I have high confidence on their service.
7. There are not a lot of useful apps at this time even with my iOS on my MS.
8. Therefore are adapters come with the MS for 115v, 220v and of course the supercharger station will automatically plug into the MS. I do have the Camco 50amp extension cord (30') which I keep in my MS for travel purpose. You do not want to use the standard extension cord..
http://www.amazon.com/Camco-55195-E...1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage an extension cord
9. Cold weather package includes rear heated seats and heated steering wheel. I live in NC so there is no need.
10. I'm not sure I answer your question here. Tesla uses slacker internet radio and rumor to switch to AT&T. My MS has USB port which I put "my music" into. There is no charge to use the slacker radio (for now anyway) although my early MS only has 3G vs the latest has 4G LTE. No SIM on my MS and not sure why we need it?
Have fun with your future M3
Here is one solution.
Some people put a lock box with the UMC and the GFI section in it so that only the cable sticks out. (or the extension cord wall plug end)
The UMC locks just as the Supercharger does.
Genshi
Member
I feel bad even asking this, but is there anything securing the adapter to the car or charger that would prevent someone from walking up to your car, grabbing the adapter, and walking away with it? At $450 for a CHAdeMO adapter, I'd actually have concerns about that...
Edited to add: Nevermind... just saw the comment above about the charger locking to the car, leading me to believe an adapter would do the same thing. Reading comprehension for the win.
It is likely that the car will be parked outside most of the time when it is being charged. Is the UMC unit built for outdoor use and will it stand up to being in the sun, snow, and rain?
I don't know if the HPWC is rated for outdoor use, but the Tesla destination charger they are getting hotels and such to install looks a lot like an HPWC and many of those are outside.
