Tesla Wall Charger Review: The Wall Connector, Tested

As a Tesla certified installer, we take you through the Tesla Wall Charger pros, cons and whether it's worth the purchase in our Tesla home charger review.

What is the Tesla Wall Connector?

Here comes the 3rd generation Tesla home charger, the Tesla Wall Connector, a tethered home charger with a 7.3-meter cable length and a power output of 22kW, adding 44 miles of range per hour.

The all-new Tesla Wall charger connects your EV, the Tesla app and the charger simultaneously through a Wi-Fi connection.

Plus, it’s compatible with all Smart Charging Regulations and comes with a 4-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Tesla Wall Connector Review: Pros

1. Superior style

Cheap plastic, clunky form and millennial grey colour scheme have been unplugged. Now, the Tesla Wall Connector comes as a slender, sleek unit at H345mm x W155mm x D110mm with a luxurious, interchangeable glass faceplate and in a sprinkling of striking colour choices:

  • Solid black
  • Red multi-coat
  • Deep blue metallic
  • Midnight silver metallic

And with its inbuilt cable holder, something its predecessor lacked, style conjoins with functionality.

2. Convenient compatibility

Are you a Tesla vehicle owner? Or a Nissan Ariya? Maybe a Kia EV6? Perhaps you own a different EV altogether? No problem. Not anymore.

The 3rd-gen Tesla home EV charger offers compatibility with both Tesla and non-Tesla electric vehicles – so long as they have a Type 2 Connector.

So you can taste the Tesla experience, without the Tesla price.

3. Upgraded smart EV charging features

Previously, the Tesla Wall Connector Gen 2 has lacked functionality. Specifically, in the smart charging department.

But this way of the past is no longer. With new smart charging upgrades, electric car owners can finally schedule charging (Tesla calls it Scheduled Departure), start/stop charging sessions remotely and browse charging history all from the titillating Tesla app.

What’s more, over-the-air firmware updates have been unlocked, so your Wall Connector is constantly refreshed with the latest and greatest updates.

4. Exclusive Tesla charging perks

 It wouldn’t be Tesla without offering a host of exclusive benefits to – you guessed it – Tesla owners.

For one, and arguably the best, you can unlock your Tesla charging port straight on the charging cable, with just a flick of your thumb.

Another perk, you can track your EV charging costs with detailed analytics within the Tesla app.

5. Load sharing  

With the Group Power Management feature, multiple Wall Connectors can share the same electrical system and charge a string of electric cars at the same time.

Perfect for multi-EV households.

Tesla Wall Connector Review: Cons

1. No earth rod

Cast your mind back a few years ago, earth rods were standard practice in EV chargers. Now, though, earth rods are practically unheard of.

Most home EV chargers come with built-in PEN fault protection, which negates the need for an earth rod. Which, by the way, is something that slows installation and comes at an additional price.

Except, of course, the Tesla Gen 3 Wall Connector. One to keep in mind for your budgeting.

2. No solar charging

As technology develops, the world of smart charging expands and adapts to EV owners needs and want. Having listened, one of the newest benefits of certain home chargers is their unique ability to charge your electric car with entirely free, surplus solar energy.

Big names such as Zappi stand out in the crowd for their solar functionality.

Solar panels are, of course, required, but you could be missing out on greener, cheaper energy if you choose the Tesla, which lacks this functionality.

3. No EV tariff integration

One of the best parts of smart EV chargers is, without a doubt, tariff integration.

With the right home EV charging set-up, you can charge your electric car overnight for less than 10 per kWh. Of course, the specifics depend on the EV tariffs, for which there’s an abundance of, offering different – yet all cheaper – rates:

The Tesla Wall Connector, though? Unfortunately, it has no EV tariff integration, meaning you can’t take advantage of exclusive, cheaper tariffs for EV owners.

Conclusion: Should you get a Tesla Wall Connector?

The Tesla home charger has many perks, with a swish, superior style to the Gen 2 Tesla Wall Connector, upgraded smart features, and expanded compatibility. It’s definitely an EV charger Tesla owners should consider, especially when you compare and contrast against its predecessor.

But, if you’re interested in charging your electric car with greener, cheaper electricity, whether with an EV tariff or through solar integration – or both – your head may be turned elsewhere.  Some of our top picks for these functionalities include the Indra Smart LUX and the Ohme Home Pro.

Ready to find your charging solution?

As a Tesla EV charger installer, we can install your Tesla Wall Connector Gen 3 – with first-class customer service. Our expert EV charger installers are DBS-checked, accredited and experienced – trained to the highest heights, to provide you with secure, safe and fast installation.

Plus, we install nationwide. So, wherever you are, we can install near you.

Still unsure about the Tesla? Call a member of the team to discuss further at 03333 44 96 99, get a free EV charger quote below, or browse our other EV chargers and reviews.

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