Tesla Model 3 or Y Wall Connector vs. NEMA 14-50 in 2023

It’s 2023. Is the NEMA 14-50 or the Tesla wall connector a better option for you? Come watch to find out.

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[RS-lwcd]

If the purpose of installing a NEMA 14-50 outlet in your garage is for EV charging, why not just install a dedicated hardwired EV wall connector, especially if you own a Tesla? Here are the reasons for installing a Tesla Wall Connector (TWC) instead of a NEMA 14-50 outlet.
1) People are under the impression that installing a NEMA 14-50 outlet will save them a ton of money. However, when adding up the cost of the parts required for a NEMA 14-50 and Tesla Mobile Connector, the costs are almost the SAME as compared to a Tesla Wall Connector. If you have a NEMA 14-50 installed for EV charging, you should install an industrial grade/commercial grade NEMA 14-50. Tesla (the company does NOT recommend installing a NEMA 14-50 for home EV charging) has stated that if you do decide to install a NEMA 14-50, that the NEMA 14-50 brand to use is either a Hubbell, Bryant or Cooper. These 14-50 outlets cost significantly more than a residential grade NEMA 14-50 (like Leviton). Why? The higher rated brands are constructed of materials that are much more robust (heavier duty). The less expensive residential NEMA 14-50 are designed for plugging in RVs, dryers or range ovens, which will only pull max amperage for short periods of time. Plus, their insertion cycles will be much less than the more expensive ones. There are many reports that the less expensive NEMA 14-50 outlets have melted down and are a fire hazard. EV charging will be pulling maximum amperage for hours on end every night, so installing the highest quality outlet makes good safety sense. Those three brands currently cost around $75 to $115 each (as of 2/4/2023) at Amazon. A higher grade outlet cannot use the “standard” face plate since it is larger than a residential grade outlet, so the face plate will cost more, around $17. You will also need to purchase an electrical box for about $5. Per the NEC (National Electric Code), most states now require using a GFCI breaker on garage installed NEMA 14-50 instead of a non-GFCI breaker. You should check to see if this is a requirement at your location. The GFCI breaker will cost an additional $108 ($125 vs $17). Add those costs together and the total will be $205 ($75 + $17 + $5 + $108) for the parts to install a NEMA 14-50 outlet (excluding wiring and conduit). Add in the Tesla Mobile Connector and the total cost is $435 ($205 + $230). For Tesla owners, the Tesla Wall Connector (TWC) is currently priced at $425. So, the TWC is actually about $10 less than the NEMA 14-50 parts. I am not including the cost of the actual wiring or conduit for the circuit because that is a wash since both will need that. Wiring for either 50A or 60A circuit should use a minimum of 6 gauge copper THNN wire.
2) The Tesla Wall Connector does not require a GFCI breaker because that circuitry is built into the unit. The cost of the non-GFCI 60 amp breaker is $17 at Home Depot. There is only a 30 cents difference between a 50A an 60A non-GFCI breaker. The TWC, obviously, does not need a NEMA 14-50 outlet, electrical box and face plate.
3) The NEMA 14-50 is restricted by the NEC to a maximum of 50A, which means if connected to a NEMA 14-50, it can only charge at a maximum of 40A (80% for continuous current draw), but in reality if you use the Mobile connector, it is only 32A. The TWC can be set up on a 60A breaker, and therefore will have the capability of charging at 48A. That is 50% faster than the Mobile connector. Tesla model Y will charge at 44 to 45 mph at home with this set up. There are people that say the Mobile connector is fast enough, but it is more convenient to be able to charge 50% faster especially if you have a time constraint (and forgot to plug in the night before).
4) The TWC has a 24 foot cable. The Tesla Mobile connector is only 20 feet. The 4 extra feet may be difference in reaching the charge port or not.
5) The TWC is a "smart" wifi unit and can be communicated with your cell phone. Plus, it has the ability to have future software upgrades. The mobile charger lacks these features.
So, for a few extra dollars less for the Tesla Wall Connector, you get 50% faster charging, the advantage of a smart wi-fi unit (for future software upgrades), a safer charging station, more convenient charging at home, and a longer cable. One other thing...the TWC just looks cool! I would think for most people it would be worth it for all the extra things you get with a TWC for about the same cost.

[willybolt]

Just picked up my 24 model y performance last Thursday and I went with the nema 14-50 outlet and mobile charger. Simply because my friend is electrician who has a ton of experience with 14-50 outlets so super cheap to install. I now feel I made the correct choice after watching your video. I knew the 8-10 mph difference in charge wouldn’t matter since it’ll charge while I sleep Thanks!

[entertainment]

Been using the 14-50 for three years with no issues.

[markhamrick]

Terrific breakdown of the considerations. I didn't opt for the more expensive high-power wall charger and the 14-50 approach has worked just fine. We have a relative who is now trying to figure this out and I've shared. I'm perfectly content using the mobile connector and carry it in the truck during long road trips, as infrequently as I take them.

[EthanMatlack]

Electrician here. You’re very clearly using #10 wire in this video and not #6 as would be required when installing a 14-50 on a 50A breaker. Also, you said that an electrician did the install… why did your “electrician” have cheapo Commercial Electric wire strippers and was struggling to use them properly? If that’s you doing the work - just say so, don’t lie about it. And fix your fire hazard wire/breaker mismatch.

[francicking]

Well, I agree with a few points you made, but a couple of points you failed to mention are that the wall connector is best for people who do not have a garage and need to charge their car outdoors, as it's weatherproof. Also, it's the most convenient option—just plug and play. I would recommend getting a wall charger; the convenience you get is outstanding.
Moreover, a dedicated wall charger can free up your mobile charger for on-the-go use, ensuring you always have a backup charging solution when traveling or in emergencies.

Considering these additional benefits, investing in a Tesla Wall Charger can significantly enhance your electric vehicle ownership experience.

[garryrooks]

One additional reason for the Tesla Wall Charger is the faster charge time, which may be necessary on a utility time of use plan. We have exactly six hours of the lowest rate.

[jordanpack]

Great video! I was planning to buy both, but will definitely stick to just the mobile connector, now. Thank you!

[Lovejazz]

I’m glad you said how you charge both Teslas, so many YouTubers who have two or more Teslas rarely ever say what their daily charging schedule is. I’ve always wondered if and when I could get another Tesla for my wife how we would charge both cars.

[lydo-kisner]

This confirms my thoughts that I can make due with ordering the mobile adapter only. Thank you very much!

[hereandthere]

Thanks so much for the review. I purchased my Model Y on December 31st. So far trickle charging is working for me. I do plan to put in a 14-50 this month.

[alex-]

They should stop pushing the wall charger for residential, and mark it for commercial customers. You could still buy it if you wanted but push the mobile charger for normal buyers.
The mobile charger is superior for the vast majority of buyers. Easier installation, troubleshooting, and you can take it with you when you want.

[timoortiz]

Great commentary. I have a 2018 and 2021 Model 3. I sent my daughter off to college with the 2018 and gave her the mobile charger, just in case she needs it in the future. The 2018 has the NEMA 14-50 adapter. I didn't realize that Tesla stopped supplying the NEMA 14-50 because I had never opened the included charging bag of the 2021 Model 3, because I had been charging the 2021 with the mobile charger of the 2018. One thing that's also an advantage, if you install the NEMA 14-50 outdoors, a generator can be hooked up to it during a power outage if you shut off your main breakers.

[cameronyoung]

I’m having a 14-50 installed tomorrow. If the future is electric, the 14-50 is more future proof, unless dryers go away. And like you said it’s more adaptable, I don’t mind a trickle charge at an Airbnb … typically I park and don’t leave so 3mpg is perfect not my house not my electricity.

[MrSpinnerbug]

Thanks for an HONEST factual review. Ive used the mobile connector for my 2021 Model 3 since I bought it. Works great here or if I travel!😊😊

[MrSevillian]

My electrician made basically the same points you make in this video. I feel very good about going with NEMA now. Thanks!

[joelcleare]

We had to make a 75’-ish run from the panel to garage. $1400 form an electrician that did side gigs. Regular price is $1950. Went with the cool factor for sure. My garage is really nice and wanted something to complement the aesthetics.

[shnor]

What did you think of sandy monroes recent video about cheap nema 14-50 plugs and the risk of fires, I recently had on installed and it looks like my electrician used a pretty standard plug that u not hold up in the long run. Might go and replace it with a more industrial plug as I have high charging needs in the Minnesota winter’s with the model 3 sr+

[rkgsd]

You just want to avoid plugging and unplugging the mobile charger. That's only a problem if you don't want to be on the road without the charger. Maybe there's a male to female extension so it can go between the 14-50 and the mobile charger, that way it can easily be replaced if the prongs wear out instead of the receptacle.

[michaeltanzyus]

I just bought a model y long range and use my dryer outlet. It charges at 21 miles an hour.