December 13, 2020

Tesla Mobile Charging

Posted by Paul S at 08:25

DISCLAIMER: This is a research paper about using available adapters and extensions cords to charge Tesla Electric Vehicles at different voltages and currents. Extension cords are not recommended for charging electric cars. The content of this page is for information, it is not intended as endorsement of these configurations. Tripped breakers and fires could result from use of these configurations. Several of the configurations require manually changing the charge rate of the Tesla from the vehicle screen.

Summary

Updated: 2022-02-03

Standard 5-15 and 5-20 120 VAC receptacles are the most likely available. Configurations are shown for extending both of those circuit types.

Typical campground outlets, 14-50 and TT-30, are included without extensions. The Tesla can usually be parked near the campground power, avoiding extensions.

Devices to extend 240 VAC circuits and the TT-30 campground circuit are listed for future purchase. An adapter to use the 240 VAC extension for 120 VAC common circuits is also listed as a method to only have to carry one extension cord for all variations.

The Tesla Mobile Connector adapters set the maximum amperage of the circuit independent of the Voltage on the connector hot blades. Tesla 240 VAC adapters can operate with 120 VAC. This feature is used in some configurations.

Several of these configurations involved use of the Telsa 14-30P Mobile Adapter with the neutral blade cut off. This results in automatic configuration of the Telsa to 24 Amps. If a Tesla 14-50P Adapter is used, the Telsa must be manually limited to the appropriate amperage. (Note 1, 2)

Tesla Mobile Connector Adapters (Bundle)

    Tesla NEMA Adapter Current (Amps) Power (kW) Voltage (Volts)
    5-15P 12 1.3 120
    5-20P 16 1.7 120
    6-20P 16 3.8 240
    6-50P 32 7.6 240
    14-30P 24 5.7 240
    14-50P 32 7.6 240

3rd Party Extension Cord and Adapters
with Amazon Links

Most Common Receptacle
120 VAC 15 Amp extension configuration

  • 5-15P to 5-15R extension
  • Tesla 5-15P adapter

Common 20 Amp Receptacle
120 VAC 20 Amp extension configuration

  • 5-15P to 5-15R extension
  • 5-15P to 5-20R/6-20R adapter
  • Tesla 5-20P adapter

Campgrounds 120 VAC
120 VAC 24 Amp configuration

  • TT-30P to 14-50R Adapter (Note 2)
  • Tesla 14-30P Adapter (Note 1,2)

Campgrounds 120 VAC
120 VAC 16 Amp configuration

  • TT-30P to 5-20R Adapter
  • Tesla 5-20P Adapter

Optional 3rd Party 240 VAC Cord and Adapters
with Links

Campgrounds 120 VAC
120 VAC 24 Amp extension configuration

  • TT-30P to 14-50R adapter
  • 14-50P to 14-50R extension (Note 3)
  • Tesla 14-30P adapter (Note 1,2)

Air Conditioners
240 VAC 20 Amp extension configuration

  • 6-20P to 14-50R adapter
  • 14-50P to 14-50R extension (Note 3)
  • Tesla 14-30P adapter (Set Tesla to 16 Amp)

Ovens and Campgrounds
240 VAC 32 Amp extension configuration

  • 14-50P/14-60P to 14-50R extension (Note 3)
  • Tesla 14-50P adapter

Clothes Dryers
240 VAC 24 Amp 14-30 extension configuration

  • 14-50P to 14-50R extension (Note 3)
  • Tesla 14-30P adapter (Note 1,2)

Welders
240 VAC 32 Amp extension configuration

  • 6-50P to 14-50R adapter
  • 14-50P to 14-50R extension (Note 3)
  • Tesla 14-50P adapter

Optional 3rd Party Adapter to use
14-50 extension with 5-15,5-20 circuits (Note 4)
including Amazon Link

Most Common Receptacle
120 VAC 15 Amp with 14-50 Extension configuration

  • 5-15 to 14-50 adapter
  • 14-50P to 14-50R extension (Note 3)
  • Tesla 14-30P adapter (Set Tesla to 12 Amps)

Common 20 Amp Receptacle
120 VAC 20 Amp with 14-50 extension configuration

  • 5-15 to 14-50 adapter
  • 14-50P to 14-50R extension (Note 3)
  • Tesla 14-30P adapter (Set Tesla to 16 Amps)

Notes:

  1. 14-30P with neutral blade cut off. Tesla does not use the neutral blade on the NEMA 14 series 240 VAC adapters. Removing the neutral blade makes a 14 series plug compatible with all 14 series receptacles (14-30R, 14-50R, 14-60R). Elimination of the neutral also makes extension cables less heavy. Removal of the neutral on the Telsa 14-30 adapter makes it useful for TT-30 campground circuits which need to be limited to 24 Amps (2.9 kW at 120 V). This modification can be dangerous.
  2. The TT-30P configuration applies 120 VAC to the Tesla’s typically 240 VAC 14-30P adapter but the Mobile connector does not care. However, the Tesla must be set to 24 Amps. The 24 Amp setting is automatic if a 14-30P adapter is used with the neutral blade cut off. If a 14-50P adapter is used, the Tesla amperage must be set manually.
  3. 14-50 extension cord with neutral blade and neutral conductor removed. Tesla does not use the neutral blade on the 240 VAC adapters. Removing the blade makes the extension compatible with all 14 series receptacles. Elimination of the neutral conductor makes the cable less heavy. EVSEadapters.com makes an extension with the blade removed, uses 6 AWG conductors and has no neutral conductor. It is perfect for Tesla. Other standard 14-50 extensions could be used and the neutral blade could be cut off to enable extension of 14-30 and 14-60. Consider adding a warning label to the extension noting the missing neutral.
  4. This adapter seems to put 120V across the two hots on the 14-50 receptacle. This will work with Tesla, see note 2.
  5. The adapter enables use of the 14-50 extension with the common 5-15 and 5-20 120 VAC circuits. This avoids the need for a second 120 VAC extension cord.

References

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