[Dan Detweiler]

Hello Folks,

I am currently a Chevy Volt owner and have been for almost 4 years. I have been very pleased with the car as it has exceeded all the promises Chevy made regarding the vehicle. I have used the regular 110 outlet to charge my Volt as it has been more than adequate for my needs. However, I don't think that would be practical for an all electric vehicle.

Can you guys that have experience fill me in on what I would be looking at when it comes to a home install for faster home charging options on a Tesla? Looking at cost, efficiency, practicality, etc. Any info would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Dan

 

[teslaliving]

You can get away with pretty much any electrical setup but a NEMA 14-50 outlet is the best option. Tesla has a guide for the electrician here:
https://www.teslamotors.com/sites/default/files/downloads/US/universalmobileconnector_nema_14-50.pdf

The costs for installing that depend on your electrician, your panel, the location etc. Mine cost about $650 to install.

With that option you can fully charge the Model S85 in about 8 hours. Practically I drive about 100 miles a day so it charges in about 3 hours and I start every day with a full "tank". I have mine set to start charging at 2am and its easily done before I wake up every day.

 

[Dan Detweiler]

One question regarding battery health. Since these cars have 3 or 4 days of range (for my daily driving) capacity, would it be better for the battery to let it drain down to say 25% or so over a few days and then charge it back up to say 90% or so...or...top it off each night?

Dan

 

[teslaliving]

One question regarding battery health. Since these cars have 3 or 4 days of range (for my daily driving) capacity, would it be better for the battery to let it drain down to say 25% or so over a few days and then charge it back up to say 90% or so...or...top it off each night?

Dan

Tesla recommends plugging it in any time you're at a plug. So they do not recommend running it down then charging back up but recharging often.

When I go on a trip I let it sit at 50% charge, otherwise I plug in daily and charge (if any) overnight even if I didnt use much. Thats what they recommend and it works.

I've lost about 5% battery capacity over 2 years/60,000 miles. Thats expected and doesn't affect my use in any way. Some have seen that actually taper off a bit with additional miles/age.

 

[LUXMAN]

Tesla recommends plugging it in any time you're at a plug. So they do not recommend running it down then charging back up but recharging often.

When I go on a trip I let it sit at 50% charge, otherwise I plug in daily and charge (if any) overnight even if I didnt use much. Thats what they recommend and it works.

I've lost about 5% battery capacity over 2 years/60,000 miles. Thats expected and doesn't affect my use in any way. Some have seen that actually taper off a bit with additional miles/age.

Doesn't Tesla recommend only charging to 80% for daily use? and then have a Range option for when you need it, you turn it on? I have a 2015 Leaf now, and they only allow 100% charging unless you use the timer or unplug. I use to Lease a 2013 Leaf and it use to have an 80% setting.

 

[TrevP]

Doesn't Tesla recommend only charging to 80% for daily use? and then have a Range option for when you need it, you turn it on? I have a 2015 Leaf now, and they only allow 100% charging unless you use the timer or unplug. I use to Lease a 2013 Leaf and it use to have an 80% setting.

Correct. Most owners charge to 80 or 90 perfect. 100% is not recommended on a regular basis.

 

[teslaliving]

Tesla's "Daily" charge range is form 50% - 90%. You can see this in the UI for setting the charge limit:

The upper end of the daily charge area is 90%, the lower end is 50%. You can't set the slider lower than 50%.

Most owners I know leave it set to the upper end of the daily range. Thats where mine has been for 2 years with it only moving when I need a few extra miles on a road trip.

 

[AEDennis]

Doesn't Tesla recommend only charging to 80% for daily use? and then have a Range option for when you need it, you turn it on? I have a 2015 Leaf now, and they only allow 100% charging unless you use the timer or unplug. I use to Lease a 2013 Leaf and it use to have an 80% setting.

The Roadster's Standard Charge (Daily) is for 80%. One of the earliest FW updates for the Model S provided owners with the ability to charge between 50-90% for a Daily charge.

That's why you probably think 80%. (also, as you pointed out the older Leaf's had that setting as well, but different chemistry and BMS.)

 

[Thalass]

I'm lucky enough to live 6km from work. So for me, using charge numbers on another Tesla forum that I can't remember at the moment, a regular 110v plug would be adequate to recharge my car every night. (about 4-5km per hour of charging)
I also have a NEMA 6-15 plug in my garage that should be good for 14.5km per hour of charge.
As far as I can tell I shouldn't have to use the supercharger that will be built in my town, except in an emergency I guess. Also my wife's parents will have one in their town that I might use but I should get there on one charge anyway. The main issue is whether the charge cable will reach outside, where the car will be parked.

 

[Van Shrider]

I'm afraid that with a condo, I will not be able to put a charging solution inside my garage due to possible HOA issues, and the fact that there is shared liability.
Second, my breaker box is in the middle of the second floor, 25-30 feet away. And the garage is on the first floor underneath the spare bedroom.

 

[jim stack]

Battery life depends on 2 factors , not getting hot and try not to leave at 100% for a long time.
Also REGEN braking doesn't work well with 100% charge.

So don't worry about charging too often and try to stay about 80% or less.
It's always good to have it at 80% in case of extra unexpected errands. once a week could be low when you need it.

Just before a long trip charge to 100% and go for it if you need to. Battery life will be ok.

 

[Tesla_Montreal]

I'd like to know the best options for people who live in apartments or condos that do not have access or ability to install a home charger. Here are the 3 scenarios:

1) Unit with indoor garage

Have to ask owner if they are willing to install a wall outlet, must link charger to unit for billing. I understand there are tax benefits for some owners to install chargers but what if they refuse?

2) Unit without garage but have access to an outlet at ground level

- Quick 220 Systems
- NEMA 14-30 Extension cord
- NEMA 14050 (240V)

Here's a great video by a Tesla owner who rents. I'd be interested in knowing other ways...

3) Unit without garage and no close access to outlet

This seems the toughest situation, are destination and superchargers the only options? If so seems there's a large segment of the population that won't be able to get a Tesla. Is it still too early for mass adoption until charge times and battery range improve? many people rent or live in apartments, what are their options to charging?

 

[AEDennis]

Depending on the size of the multi-family dwelling, some places around Southern California have "renter" shared J1772 charging in them.

If you look at Plugshare, they're often under Restricted use. That being said, this is basically a special purpose public charger, and it's up to building management to set up what the charging (both power and money) is, some offer it gratis, others, not so much.

That solution could work for folks too.

 

[Tesla_Montreal]

Depending on the size of the multi-family dwelling, some places around Southern California have "renter" shared J1772 charging in them.

If you look at Plugshare, they're often under Restricted use. That being said, this is basically a special purpose public charger, and it's up to building management to set up what the charging (both power and money) is, some offer it gratis, others, not so much.

That solution could work for folks too.

Thanks for your reply Dennis.

I can see things being complicated for people who don't own a home. This charging issue... once the masses adopt the Model 3, and everyone will have to share the Supercharger network, I'd imagine there would be a shortage of charging stations and I'm not hearing much discussions about this. People who leave their cars there longer than they should could also be problematic. Most renters might be using this option.

 

[AEDennis]

Thanks for your reply Dennis.

I can see things being complicated for people who don't own a home. This charging issue... once the masses adopt the Model 3, and everyone will have to share the Supercharger network, I'd imagine there would be a shortage of charging stations and I'm not hearing much discussions about this. People who leave their cars there longer than they should could also be problematic,

In dense #EV markets like California, we see this sort of challenge, especially with current generation EVs.

With Model S and newer Teslas, the range should provide apartment or non-private garage owners/lessors/drivers could get by with using local superchargers and visit every few days (depending on commute). I know of at least a few Model S owners who currently do just that. However, I live in Southern California with over 7 superchargers within 60 miles of my location and another 2 locations identified and at least under permit.

The other solution that is being pushed heavily (and adopted by many around here) is workplace charging. A lot of employers are doing just that. Additionally, US locations are able to have a tax credit of up to $30k to cover the cost of providing a commercial charging location. There is a smaller credit for private installation.

I believe that there is no Federal solution in Canada, and you have to check on a Province by Province solution... I believe the UK has a charger installation scheme, and it requires a set of authorized installers and equipment, I believe.

 

[Tesla_Montreal]

Here in Montreal Canada, I was happy to come across a province wide initiative to electrify transport called the Circuit Electrique program. Basically a grid of charging stations throughout the province, mostly located in indoor garages but some outdoor at a reasonable cost. The regular curbside stations (240V) costs around $1-3/hr, and the fast chargers (400V) costs $10/hr. Not crazy about it but it's better than nothing. https://lecircuitelectrique.com/charging-stations-and-rates

That's another option.

 

[JP White]

2) Unit without garage but have access to an outlet at ground level

- Quick 220 Systems
- NEMA 14-30 Extension cord
- NEMA 14050 (240V)

Quick 220 systems require you to connect to two outlets on separate circuits and those circuits be on separate phases.
Access to "an outlet' won't cut it.
A single outlet will restrict you to 120v

 

[JP White]

3) Unit without garage and no close access to outlet

This seems the toughest situation, are destination and superchargers the only options? If so seems there's a large segment of the population that won't be able to get a Tesla. Is it still too early for mass adoption until charge times and battery range improve? many people rent or live in apartments, what are their options to charging?

I know a 2011 LEAF owner in Georgia who lives in an apartment complex. She was able to talk the apartment complex into installing a L6-20R receptacle (which she paid for). and then had her portable EVSE upgraded to 240v by EVSEUpgrade.

Being a simple outlet without a J1772 plug there is little chance an an unauthorized EV owner would know what it is or that it could be used.
https://www.google.com/search?q=l6-...hmwW1M:;tf9mtmN8cfnAzM:&imgrc=ihqJB5KkhmwW1M:
L6-20R Receptacle
EVSEUpgrade

 

[WaitingForTesla]

I'll be renting in LA starting next year and considering the popularity will try and find an attached garage unit and persuade the owner to add or let me add a NEMA 14-50 tied to my meter. Considering the increasing popularity in CA it's kind of a no brainer improvement even if I get stuck with the installation bill.

 

[AEDennis]

We just did a few changes for the charging infrastructure at home this past weekend.

Considering how full some Superchargers have been currently (this was at Fountain Valley, CA at 1pm this afternoon.)

IMG_0492.JPG by Dennis Pascual, on Flickr

If you have a home with a garage, I highly recommend that you go ahead and install your own NEMA 14-50, HPWC, or J1772 at home for your EV.

Here's how we charged.... over the years and prepare for the future and for visitors.

Hope it helps you figure out what to do for yourself.