Comparing Level 2 Charging Solutions for Electric Vehicles: Tesla Mobile Connector vs. Clippercreek HCS-40P
Introduction
Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular in recent years, and with that comes the need for efficient and reliable charging solutions. One of the most common ways to charge an EV at home is through a Level 2 charger, which can provide faster charging times than a standard household outlet. In this conversation, we will be discussing two popular options for Level 2 chargers: the Tesla Mobile Connector and the Clippercreek Level 2 HCS-40P.
Comparing the Tesla Mobile Connector and Clippercreek Level 2 HCS-40P
The original poster in this conversation already has the Clippercreek from their previous Chevy Volt days, but they also recently acquired a new Tesla Mobile Connector since they are taking delivery of a Tesla soon. Both chargers are connected via NEMA 14-50 outlets, but there are some differences between them.
One advantage of the Clippercreek is its extra 5 feet of cable length, which can be helpful depending on your garage setup. Additionally, the Clippercreek unit is known for being seriously robust. However, outside of having to use a J1772 adapter with the Tesla Mobile Connector, both chargers are essentially the same.
The Tesla Mobile Connector does come with a J1772 to Tesla adapter so you can use it with the existing Clippercreek charger. It's important to keep the Tesla Mobile Connector in your car's trunk in case you need it while traveling. The Clippercreek HCS-40P puts out 32 amps, which is the same as the mobile Tesla connector. If you have an older EVSE like an Eaton from Leaf days, it may put out less amperage than newer models, but that should not be an issue if you're using either of these two chargers.
It's worth noting that many non-Tesla chargers can do 40A on a NEMA 14-50 outlet, which would give them some advantage if quick charging matters to you. This only applies if you have a Long Range or Performance Model Tesla as Standard Range/Rear Wheel Drive models are limited to 32A regardless of the charger used.
Personal Experiences with Charging Solutions
One participant in this conversation shared their personal experience with extending their reach by purchasing a J1772 extension cable from Amazon for $150. They now have a total reach of 44 feet, which can be useful depending on where their vehicle is parked.
Another participant shared their experience with installing a NEMA 14-50 outlet seven years ago using aluminum wire instead of copper wire due to cost savings suggested by their electrician. While aluminum wire expansion over time could loosen connections, they checked their outlet recently and found no issues after all those years. When they had another electrician install a new outlet for their Tesla Mobile Connector, they opted for copper wiring as recommended by the manufacturer’s spec sheet. Despite spending more money on copper wiring, they still plan to use their old aluminum wiring for other purposes.
Conclusion:
When it comes down to choosing between the Tesla Mobile Connector and Clippercreek Level 2 HCS-40P, it ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both chargers are reliable options for charging your EV at home and offer similar performance capabilities. It's important to consider factors such as cable length and amperage output when making your decision. As always, consult with a licensed electrician before installing any electrical equipment in your home to ensure safety and compliance with local codes and regulations.