If you are thinking of buying a Tesla Model 3, you might be wondering if you can charge it at home. The answer is yes, you can. In fact, charging your Tesla at home is one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to keep your battery topped up. In this blog post, we will explain how to charge your Tesla Model 3 at home, what equipment you need, how much it costs, and how long it takes.
How to charge your Tesla Model 3 at home
To charge your Tesla Model 3 at home, you need a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) charger that is compatible with your car's charging port. The Tesla Model 3 uses a proprietary connector that is different from other EVs. You can buy a Tesla Wall Connector from the Tesla website or from authorized installers. The Tesla Wall Connector is a hardwired device that mounts on your wall and plugs into your home's electrical system. It can deliver up to 48 amps of power, depending on the circuit breaker size and the wiring.
Alternatively, you can use a mobile connector that comes with your Tesla Model 3. The mobile connector is a portable device that plugs into a standard 120-volt or 240-volt outlet. It can deliver up to 32 amps of power, depending on the outlet type and the adapter you use. The mobile connector is more flexible and convenient than the wall connector, but it is also slower and less efficient.
What equipment do you need to charge your Tesla Model 3 at home
To charge your Tesla Model 3 at home, you need the following equipment:
- A Tesla Wall Connector or a mobile connector
- A compatible outlet or a hardwired circuit
- A Tesla account and app
The Tesla Wall Connector costs $500 and requires professional installation by a licensed electrician. The installation cost varies depending on the location, the distance from the breaker panel, the wiring, and the permits. The average installation cost ranges from $500 to $1,500.
The mobile connector comes with your Tesla Model 3 and does not require any installation. However, you may need to buy additional adapters to plug into different outlets. The adapters cost $35 each and are available from the Tesla website or from authorized installers.
The Tesla account and app are free and allow you to monitor and control your charging remotely. You can also use the app to find nearby public charging stations, schedule charging sessions, and access other features.
How much does it cost to charge your Tesla Model 3 at home
The cost of charging your Tesla Model 3 at home depends on several factors, such as:
- The electricity rate in your area
- The battery size and state of charge of your car
- The charging speed and efficiency of your equipment
The electricity rate in your area is the price you pay for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy you consume. The average residential electricity rate in the US is about $0.13 per kWh, but it can vary widely by state, time of day, and season. You can check your utility bill or use online tools to find out your exact rate.
The battery size and state of charge of your car determine how much energy you need to fill up your battery. The Tesla Model 3 has two battery options: Standard Range Plus and Long Range. The Standard Range Plus has a battery capacity of 54 kWh and a range of 263 miles. The Long Range has a battery capacity of 75 kWh and a range of 353 miles. The state of charge is the percentage of energy left in your battery. For example, if your battery is at 50% state of charge, it means it has half of its capacity left.
The charging speed and efficiency of your equipment affect how long it takes to charge your car and how much energy is lost in the process. The charging speed is measured in miles per hour (mph) or kilowatts (kW). The higher the speed, the faster the charging. The charging efficiency is measured in percentage (%). The higher the efficiency, the less energy is wasted.
The table below shows the approximate charging speed, efficiency, and cost for each equipment option:
| Equipment | Speed | Efficiency | Cost |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Tesla Wall Connector | 44 mph / 11.5 kW | 85% | $0.16 per mile / $0.015 per kWh |
| Mobile connector (240V) | 30 mph / 7.7 kW | 80% | $0.19 per mile / $0.017 per kWh |
| Mobile connector (120V) | 3 mph / 0.96 kW | 75% | $0.24 per mile / $0.020 per kWh |
Note: These numbers are based on the average electricity rate of $0.13 per kWh and the Long Range battery option.
How long does it take to charge your Tesla Model 3 at home
The time it takes to charge your Tesla Model 3 at home depends on the same factors as the cost: the electricity rate, the battery size and state of charge, and the charging speed and efficiency. The table below shows the approximate charging time for each equipment option:
| Equipment | Time |
| --- | --- |
| Tesla Wall Connector | 6.5 hours |
| Mobile connector (240V) | 9.7 hours |
| Mobile connector (120V) | 97 hours |
Note: These numbers are based on charging from 10% to 90% state of charge and the Long Range battery option.
Conclusion
Charging your Tesla Model 3 at home is a convenient and cost-effective way to keep your battery full. You can choose between a Tesla Wall Connector or a mobile connector, depending on your preference and budget. You can also use the Tesla app to monitor and control your charging remotely. Charging your Tesla Model 3 at home can take anywhere from 6.5 hours to 97 hours, depending on the equipment you use and the battery size and state of charge of your car. The average cost of charging your Tesla Model 3 at home is about $0.18 per mile or $0.016 per kWh, but it can vary by location, time of day, and season.
