Are Tesla Mobile Chargers A Good Option For Lightnings

GrokTime · Aug 24, 2022

I am disappointed that you can't adjust the power draw on the Ford mobile charger. I would like to buy a charger that can handle different power sources I might encounter. I am hoping some of you with more experience can share some advice.

I have seen some people recommend the Tesla mobile charger along with an adapter such as the Tesla Tap. Am I correct in that as long as I have the right adapter for the the Tesla charger it will auto adapt to the correct power draw? Is this a good option? Are there other good or better options? I want to avoid rando unknown company imported models that are all over Amazon.

Finally, does anyone have any guidance for which Tesla Tap to buy. Is there any really any reason to buy the higher amperage versions? Also, I see there a Lightning specific version that is very expensive. Does it actually do anything special for the Lightning or would I just be paying for for the Lightning engraving? Is it worth it to buy a mini version?

Thanks for any and all help!

jefro · Aug 24, 2022

There are plenty of Tesla chargers online that I assume owners are selling. They range from low current to the highest current models at some pretty good prices.

They seem to be in stock new also at Tesla.

An EVSE is not vastly different in this instance. You may wish to have an adapter or it might arrive with it on some.

beatle · Aug 25, 2022

Tesla UMC and a TeslaTap is all I've used to charge my Lightning. I haven't even taken the Ford mobile connector out of the package. The Tesla UMC works great, and I've tried it on 4 different receptacle types with ratings of 16-40A, and the truck always pulls the appropriate amount of power.

If you go this route and only plan to use the TeslaTap with the Tesla UMC, there's no need to buy the higher amp adapters. However, if you ever want to use it with a Tesla HPWC and you don't know what the HPWC's max amps is set to, you should buy the 80A adapter.

luebri · Aug 25, 2022

beatle said:
Tesla UMC and a TeslaTap is all I've used to charge my Lightning. I haven't even taken the Ford mobile connector out of the package. The Tesla UMC works great, and I've tried it on 4 different receptacle types with ratings of 16-40A, and the truck always pulls the appropriate amount of power.

If you go this route and only plan to use the TeslaTap with the Tesla UMC, there's no need to buy the higher amp adapters. However, if you ever want to use it with a Tesla HPWC and you don't know what the HPWC's max amps is set to, you should buy the 80A adapter.

Exactly what I did. 80 Amp lightning Tesla tap mini with Tesla UMC. Now I just need my truck!

jefro · Aug 25, 2022

The only sort of current change on a Tesla is when you have more than one. Then they can talk to each other. Not sure if you can adjust them in software or not. Plenty of models have a switch or jumper to adjust output to match line.

FlasherZ · Aug 26, 2022

jefro said:
The only sort of current change on a Tesla is when you have more than one. Then they can talk to each other. Not sure if you can adjust them in software or not. Plenty of models have a switch or jumper to adjust output to match line.

You cannot adjust the EVSE pilot signal in software. UMC's will change their maximum current based on which adapter is plugged in. WC's / HPWC's are based on the switch setting done by the installer.

You can change the charging current drawn by the Tesla car both using the car's UI as well as the app, and that's regardless of which EVSE you're using. That's why the Lightning's lack of it really sucks, the EVSE was never intended to be the point of adjustment.