Tesla cars are incredible EVs that have impressive ranges and performance specs. However, one thing Tesla has not seemed to manage yet is the convenient charge, with owners required to either charge at a Tesla station or wait hours to charge their Tesla through a standard outlet at home. This all changed with the Tesla Gen 3 Wall Connector charging station, offering more power to Tesla owners at home. So, is the cost of the new Tesla wall charger for homes worth it?

Tesla home charging systems

Tesla vehicles have traditionally been charged using one of two methods. A 120v adapter comes included with every Tesla, allowing the EV to be charged from home. However, using a standard outlet to charge your Tesla means it will most likely need to stay plugged in overnight. Fast-charging Tesla Supercharger stations are also available, but only in commercial settings. With these, owners can get a charge in 20-30 minutes, but without the convenience of it being at home.

Owners of Teslas have had no in-between option for charging their vehicles, but the automaker’s latest Wall Connector will change that. According to Electrek, the Wall Connector is designed to sit between the current Level 1 and Level 3 options. It will be a Level 2 home charging station. This new charging option allows owners the convenience of pumping more power into their Teslas without needing to leave home. Still, unlike other free and discontinued options, the convenience of Level 2 charging at home will cost you.

What does the Tesla wall connector home charger cost?

After experiencing the differences between charging at home and charging at a station, it’s easy to see why owners are drawn to an at-home charger. For many, the convenience of quickly charging your car at home makes the hefty price tag seem more reasonable. According to Tesla, the newest Gen 3 Wall Connector costs $550 and can charge a Tesla “up to 44 miles of range per hour.” Compatible with the Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model Y, and Model X, the Gen 3 uses a much larger 240v adapter to put out a maximum of 48 amps. 

Aside from general quickness in charging, the newest wall connector also features customizable power levels. It adds a cable length of 24 feet, a tempered glass faceplate, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Tesla says it is suitable for indoor and outdoor installation compatibility. However, although the Wall Connector is compatible with any home’s electrical system, it can cost more due to installation.

How expensive is it to install a Tesla wall charger in your home?

Unfortunately for owners, the convenience of the Tesla Wall Connector doesn’t just stop at the $550 needed to buy the appliance. We’re talking about installation costs, which many people may not immediately think of when considering a home charging station. As the Gen 3 requires a 240v outlet, you’ll most likely need to hire an electrician to install it. Most homes use a standard 120v outlet, so an electrician will need to upgrade the outlet. Of course, nothing is that simple. Installing a 240v outlet may require rewiring, work on the electrical panel, and even an upgrade to the entire electrical system in some cases. This can make installing a Tesla charger cost an exorbitant amount.

Installing a home charger station can cost an average of up to $1,700, but if extensive electrical work is required, it could cost up to $5,000. This may not even include the cost of hourly labor, which can add even more to your bill. Lastly, the Gen 3 Wall Connector may help fill your battery four to six times faster than the standard charger, but it could also add an extra $25-$35 per month to your electric bill. There’s a lot to consider when tallying your costs for the convenience of quickly charging your Tesla at home.