Wall Chargers, why?

[BLW2]

Why get a wall charger?
I'm rather early in my consideration of getting an EV. Thinking through logistics, setting up home charging....
Based on the internet/youtube research I've seen it seems that wall chargers only slightly increase charge speed.

Also, looking at the non-Tesla branded ones (chargepoint, juice box, bosch, clipper creek, etc..) it seems a lot of them thought various "smart" functions, wifi ability,etc... although i really don't understand the point of any of that.... doesn't the charger onboard the car take care of that stuff? Can't you even program the car to charge itself on a schedule or target?

so, other than having a perhaps neater looking install, is there any practical reason to get something like one of those vs just installing a NEMA 14-50 outlet?

 

[spsheridan]

If the 4 - 5 mph additional charge rate you'd get with a Gen 3 HPWC doesn't matter to you, then I'd go with the NEMA 14-50.

 

[Meros]

You are correct, the benefits of the wall charger are pretty minor. I actually have two of them, so I can speak from experience:
-Cleaner looking install (especially with the short cable version)
-Lets you keep the mobile charger in your car at all times (you don't have to remember to pack it before a trip) (however, I've never actually used the mobile charger on a trip, lol)
-If you have an older Model S or X with a 72-amp or 80-amp on-board charger, AND an older wall charger, AND a high-amperage circuit, then you can charge quite a bit faster than the mobile connector, however, if you are charging overnight, it really doesn't matter.

I admit these are all minor things. If you want to save money, just install a NEMA 14-50 and use the mobile connector. The 14-50 will also support a non-tesla charger if you ever find yourself with a non-Tesla EV in the future. A Tesla wall connector can only charge a non-Tesla EV using an adapter.

 

[SmartElectric]

any practical reason to get something like one of those vs just installing a NEMA 14-50 outlet?

Outdoor install. Not practical with 14-50 without very good weather enclosure. In that case hardwired weather proof direct wired makes more sense.

 

[F14Scott]

If you think you might use two chargers at once and want to load share them on the same breaker, the HPWCs can do that. Currently, the Gen 2 HPWCs do it with a communication cable. The Gen 3s are promised to do it via WiFi, but that functionality is not yet available.

 

[holmgang]

i think the tesla wall charger has cable with button to trigger opening of the charging port. thats a bit of convenience over 3rd parties