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Tesla Model 3 Charger: Everything You Need To Know

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When you’re buying an electrical device that requires charging, it’s not crazy to wonder if a charging cable will come with that device. It’s like buying a new phone and being curious if a corded or cordless charger comes with it.

It makes complete sense to ask yourself that question, especially when you’re talking about an electric vehicle like the Tesla Model 3.

After all, how are you going to charge your car after you take delivery of your new Tesla? It’s kind of an important thing to know if you have to buy a cable separately or know where the nearest charging station is right away.

Like a lot of things that use batteries, though, Tesla is transitioning to a business model that can be boiled down to CHARGING CABLE NOT INCLUDED (although it does come with one, for now).

So, let’s take a look at what the Tesla Model 3 has for charging cable options, recent changes in what comes with your Model 3 purchases, and some other questions you may be looking for answers to.

What Charging Cables Come with the Tesla Model 3?

The Tesla Model 3 comes with a NEMA 5-15 electrical vehicle charging adapter. This is the adapter that allows you to plug your Tesla in to a regular 110V, three-pin house outlet for charging.

This, of course, is also the slowest way you can possibly charge your Tesla Model 3, at a rate of only 3 miles of range per hour of charging.

Tesla vehicles used to come with the NEMA 5-15 and the NEMA 14-50 adapters as well as a mobile charging adapter (think of it as a spare gas can if you need to charge someplace on the road without a charging station nearby).

Those days are gone. You can still get the NEMA 14-50 adapter and mobile charging adapter, but at an extra cost.

It should be noted, however, that charging stations are becoming more and more accessible across the country and Tesla continues to emphasize their recommendation that consumers have a Wall Connector installed in their homes, if possible.

Tesla Charging Cable: 110 or 220?

The NEMA 5-15 adapter is the adapter used for your typical household 110V outlet and is the only adapter that comes with the purchase of a Tesla Model 3. Until recently, you also received the faster charging NEMA 14-50 adapter as part of your purchase but are now required to buy it separately.

Sometimes, you may see them referred to as 120V outlets or adapters. Don’t let that confuse you. The outlets are 110V as far as nomenclature goes. The voltage supplied to a residential home is usually 120V or 240V. By the time it gets to the outlet, though, it will vary from 110V to 220V, depending on the outlet.

What also varies with 110V outlets is usually the amperage rating for the circuit breaker, which is usually either 15 amps or 20 amps (sometimes 30 amps). That’s why sometimes you may see an outlet referred to as a 115 outlet (110V, 15 amps) or 120 outlet (110V, 20 amps). For a NEMA 5-15 adapter, the minimum amperage rating needed is 15.

The NEMA 14-50 adapter utilizes 220V outlets, similar to what a household uses for a dryer or oven. This also means a faster charging time compared to the NEMA 5-15 adapter.

Tesla Charging Cable Replacement

All Tesla charging cables can be replaced either through purchasing directly through the Tesla website, at a dealership, or on the secondary market.

However, it should be noted that as many of these cables and adapters are no longer included with new Tesla vehicle purchases, there has been a surge in buying separate components, leading to items like the Mobile Adapater being sold out routinely.

Do Teslas Come with Charging Cables?

Tesla model electric vehicles only come with the NEMA 5-15 adapter for a 110V outlet. They no longer, as of April 2022, come with the NEMA 14-50 adapter or the Mobile Adapter.

You can, however, purchase the NEMA 14-50 adapter, Mobile Adapter, and Wall Connector at an additional cost.

What Other Models Get

The new limitation that only includes the NEMA 5-15 adapter at the time of purchase isn’t restricted to only the Tesla model 3. The NEMA 5-15 adapter is included with all Tesla models.

And, as already noted, to get any of the other adapters or Wall Connector, you’ll have to pay additional costs, no matter which Tesla you’re purchasing.

What Size Cable Comes with Tesla Model 3?

The only charging item that now comes with the Tesla Model 3 is the NEMA 5-15 adapter for a 110V standard household outlet.

The NEMA 14-50 adapter, the Mobile Adapter, and the Wall Connector are all sold separately as part of your initial purchase or later if you choose to upgrade your options.

What Comes with a Tesla When You Buy It?

When you buy your Tesla, you’ll receive the NEMA 5-15 adapter and two key cards.

You’ll also receive a 4 year, 50,000 mile warranty and an 8 year, 100,000 mile warranty for your battery.

Final Thoughts

Although the purchase of a Tesla Model 3 still means you’ll get charging capability included with it, it’ll be minimal at best. You will definitely need to purchase a Wall Connector or map out your nearest charging stations.

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