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

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

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.

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.

I’m glad you said how you charge both Teslas, so many RU-vidrs 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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

I got the NEMA 14-50 for my model y and it's super fast. Love it. And I can take it with me.

Great comparo……wish you’d have mentioned the need for a NEMA 14-50 that can withstand many plug/unplugs rather than those designed for clothes dryers/ovens that get plugged in and left untouched basically because there is a BIG difference in the cost of the w.

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.

I agree with your points! I came to the same conclusion four years ago and got a NEMA 14-50 outlet installed, so we are good to go 👍 The question still remains though if everything will work alright at 50 amps, since my house has an old 100 amp breaker. Anyway, I figure that should not be too much of an issue since when we do need to charge that quickly, we can make sure the dryer isn't on or anything. And, on a day-to-day basis, we don't drive too much, so we'll be fine charging at a lower amperage.

Using the mobile connectors completely fine if you park in a garage. My EVSE is out in the driveway exposed to the elements 24/7. The high-powered wall connector is completely waterproof/weatherproof and as a longer cord If you can't park your car close enough to the outlet

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.

AND if you do car camping, by far the most popular plug is the 14-50 for campsites that offer electric hookup for RV's and such. So bring your mobile charger with you and just plug in when you get to the campsite.

I use the nema 14-30 and it works just fine with the mobile connector

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.

I would totally spring for the wall connector if the cable were a bit longer and could reach both cars when parked in the driveway.

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

I used a mobile charger because I sometimes drive my Tesla out of the states and I can charge it with a 120v outlet.

Another advantage or two for a 14-50 NEMA receptacle. 1) If you have a welder (like me) you can plug the welder into the 14-50 with an adapter if needed for 14-50 to 6-50. 2) We also own an electric golf cart and charging with the 240v (with adapters) makes charging very quick time wise. 3) We use the Tesla Mobile unit (32amp output) to charge at my daughters house which is 165 miles away. We drive down, visit for a day or two and charge our Tesla Model Y in about 4 or 5 hours. No need to hang out at a remote location somewhere.

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.

Thanks for the info! You crushed the video, straight to the point!

Something worth considering is the price electricity at various times. If you have a short window of off peak rates they you want to get the most out of that time period with a Tesla wall charger adding 40 miles of range per hour. Do the math to see what’s best.

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+

Another reason for wall connector is that it can be mounted outside. Don’t think that’s the case for NEMA 14-50

Yup i got the nema for my bros Tesla and my Mach E GT and Dads BMW i4 it works out we charge once a week differeny days 10-100 percent in 8 hrs when we sleep 😎

I purchased both Tesla Universal Wall connector (TUWC) and Tesla Mobil Connector. Los Angeles DWP utility company provides a $1000 rebate for the TUWC but not for TWC or NEMA 14-50 options. I guess DWP wants to support a universal EV charging solution vs. a proprietary Tesla solution. Financially makes sense to get the fastest solution for low cost. Plus when I get a second EV in the future (not necessarily a Tesla), the TUWC has both NACS and J1772 plugs, and faster charging to support 1 charger - 2 EVs. I still feel the need for mobile charging just in case, so I bought that too and still have low overall cost with the rebate. I realize that not everyone has access to rebates but I did fortunately.

Definitely mobile charger cuz I got quotes from $2.7k-$5k for the Wall charger. My panel is in the basement. Q. When using the mobile connector, does the phone app needs to be open to charge?

Great video .. helped in preparing for my first tesla

Wall connector is more efficient to charge. The inverter loss means that if you're able to pull 48amps from thr wall connector, vs 40 from the 14-50 plug, you're geting more wattage into the car. And I dont mean just the raw increase i mean the ratio of watts of input to loss in the inverter.

Unless you already have 200A or at least 150A service to your house you are not going be able to install a 50A breaker in that panel because most houses in the US only have 100A or less service. To upgrade to 200A service from 100A is going to be $7000-$8000 + the cost of installing the wall charger or 14-50. A better option would be to use the 30A socket from a dryer instead because almost everybody has those and they charge at over 21 miles and hour.

I mean yes if you can only have one, you need the mobile connector and should keep it in your car. But if you charge at home, it's obviously better to get the home wall connector if you can afford it. Nema 14-50 plugs are not meant to be plugged and unplugged daily, so you will need to be careful about replacing it when needed. It's better to have a hardwired connector. Also, it's good to have the mobile connector as a backup, but not solely depend on it.

Just ordered mobile charger. Makes sense.

The wall charger is not only for Teslas. At least the 3rd gen is a universal connector.

I never considered needing to charge other EVs. We went with the NEMA 14-50.

My wife usages her Y more than I use my 3 and I have a company car. So i charge in during the day when she is away & we use a mobile connector on a Nema 14-50

Who doesn't use their mobile connector. It doesn't make much sense to me to purchase a wall connector.

Soon the Tesla plug will be the standard for all cars in north America

I like to have both, and keep the mobile in the car. Or if you have two EV still would be nice to get one

Nothing you forgot to mention that certain Tesla only can go up to 32 amps so regardless of charger they will only take in 32 amps.... I just installed the wall charger for my Tesla model 3 rwd but it's useless because the charging rate is same as the mobile charger

Love the video and yes NEMA 14-50 all the way !

Thank you, Darrell for this very helpful video. I've been leaning toward getting a NEMA 14-50 outlet installed, so your video here confirms my choice. I'm now looking for a good electrician for the outlet installation, do you have a recommendation? I live in the east bay area, north of Fremont, CA. Thanks!

Great video! Can any viewers here from Orange County California recommend a licensed electrician who can install the Nema 14-50 outlet at a reasonable price? TIA

Great video!

Are you able to use your washing machine while charging your tesla on the NEMA 14-50?

NEMA 14-50 isn’t meant for continuous load. Take a look at the episode that Sandy Monroe put together about outlets melting. That alone is worth a couple hundred bux to get the wall connector. That is what I have. So not burning down your house may be another reason right below looking cool.

Does the charger come with the NEMA male end?

I could easily charge at 120V overnight, but I was told that, other than DC charging, it's the amount of time charging, not the amps that cause the slight battery degradation. You mentioned that trickle charging was better for the battery. Is there any evidence for that, or just assuming that the Tesla batteries function the same way as lead-acid batteries?

I've just brought home my first Tesla. And you are making sense, but I have a question: when using the NEMA 14-50 adapter with the connector, is power, or at least the higher voltage part, kept off the cable until it is plugged into the Tesla and handshaking has been done? I have heard that the Wall mounted connector works that way.

Do you have any issues with nuisance tripping? My electrician told me that new building code requires them to install GFCI breakers for the NEMA 14-50 outlet which may cause tripping with the TMC.

Can you leave the mobile charger connected to the NEMA outlet all the time, even when you’re not charging? I read somewhere that constantly plugging and unplugging from the outlet can damage it.

Why do they call it a high power charger if both charge the same!!

Great video.

Great video. I had an electrician come and they said my breaker is 100 amps. He recommended I use a NEMA 14-30 outlet vs a 14-50. He thinks if I use the 14-50, I could break the circuit. However, I was thinking I only charge on off peak hours and the only thing I have on that time would be a refrigerator and my HVAC system. Do you think I should still push for the 14-50 or play it safe and go for the 14-30 outlet? I was also thinking if I do get the 14-50 outlet, I can lower the amount of amps using the Tesla app so there's even less chance of breaking the circuit.

Mobile charger GO!!! 🤑

What about the Wall charger > App Wifi connectivity features? Are they worth it?

I bought both mobile and wall haha

Hi I bought new Tesla Model 3 Where should i go or search for wall charger from 🔌 best price?

Anyone have 100amp service in their home? I have a neighbor who said it isn’t possible to level 2 with 100amp service.

Does the gen 3 white faceplate provide extra wifi or app data?

Don't be so cheap and just get both.

In some states like here in GA the power company and state offers a rebate to homeowners to get a EV connector installed. After the rebate I basically paid $100 for the WC, and then of course an electrician, but the quote for the 14-50 plug (dryer plug) was the same as the WC. Some the extra mileage per hour of charging adds up over time, and to me it was worth the price.

Hey Nukem384, Thanks for providing great intel between the 2. I live in the upper midwest so my Tesla is outdoor 90% of the time. Purchased the wall charger because I knew I would be mounting the charge outdoors. Can you provide any intel on having an outdoor 14-50 plug and how the mobile charger withstand the beating of rain and snow? Thanks!

What about surge protection? Isn’t that included in the wall connector? I’m worried an unlikely surge could fry my battery.

Does the mobile charger require gfci breaker ?

What breaker size is needed for use with 14 50 adapter

That’s San Ramon isn’t it

Get a commercial grade NEMA 14-50 (Hubbell) or hardwire, hardwire, hardwire! A standard NEMA 14-50 is designed for short use, does your dryer run for 8 hrs straight at 40A? NOOOOO! Keep a mobile connector in the car, hardwire 48A at home. Heat is the biggest battery killer, 40A vs 48A on AC connector is not enough heat difference to degrade your battery. If you have two EVs and only one plug, get a Split Volt, they work great. Sure hope you properly grounded that metal box at receptacle.

Unless you really want the aesthetics and will be staying in your home for some time, the wall charger doesn't make sense.

I think the BIGGEST misinformed information on the market is : ""EV charging NEED NEMA1450 ( 4 wires ) "". For home installation, NEMA 650 ( 3 wires ) is the ONE. By installing NEMA1450, you are wasting ( or not installing ) the neutral wire sitting there doing nothing. The only reason for NEMA 1450 to be so popular is because in the CAMPING grounds, they use NEMA1450 for camping vehicles, which the neutral wire in NEMA 1450 is used to balance the load for 120 Volt appliance in the RV/ Campers. FOR 240 Volts EV charging, this Neutral wire is NOT needed. The extra copper wires in NEMA1450 will be there DOING NOTHING.... The Tesla Wall Connector is NEMA 650 wiring

At 1 minute in you said You're basically left with no way to charge your car, which is objectively false.

Wall chargers are only cool factor.

I just expend to much in a cool car 500 DLLS is ok for a long investment

you can just call it a wall charger. calling it a high power wall charger gets annoying

Electrician wants $700 to install the HPWC, just see no reason to fuss over a couple hundred $ at this point.

Why the heck wouldn’t they make the hi power charger to plug in to the 240v