Can You Charge a Tesla with J1772?

Charging your Tesla is an essential part of owning one, but what if you’re at a station with only a J1772 connector available? Can you still charge your Tesla with it? This is a common question for Tesla owners, especially those on long trips or in areas with limited charging infrastructure. Let’s dive into this topic to clear up the confusion.

Yes, Tesla can charge with a J1772 connector, but you will need an adapter to do so. The J1772 is a widely used standard for electric vehicle (EV) charging, but Tesla uses a proprietary connector in North America. Tesla offers an adapter that allows you to use J1772 chargers with your vehicle.

While the J1772 is not natively compatible with Teslas, the solution lies in using a simple adapter. Tesla provides an official J1772 adapter, which allows the vehicle to charge at any public charging station with a J1772 port. However, some important factors like charging speed and adapter costs should be considered before using the J1772 charger.

What is the difference between J1772 and Tesla connector?

Every EV driver notices quickly: charging plugs are not all the same. You might have seen Tesla’s sleek connector and then the chunkier J1772 at public stations. Why are they different, and what does that mean for you?

The J1772 is the standard connector for Level 2 charging across North America, while Tesla uses a proprietary connector that is smaller and supports higher charging speeds on Tesla chargers.

To break it down:

Feature	J1772 Connector	Tesla Connector
Charging Type	AC Only	AC & DC (Supercharger)
Compatibility	Common for EVs	Tesla-specific
Charging Speed	Slower	Faster (with Superchargers)
Adapter Availability	Widely available	Must use an adapter for J1772
Port Design	Standard	Proprietary

Is a J1772 to Tesla adapter worth it?

You might ask, “If I get a Tesla, do I really need one more piece of equipment?” It sounds like a hassle. But it actually makes a big difference.

Yes, a J1772 to Tesla adapter¹ is worth it because it gives you access to thousands of public Level 2 charging stations that otherwise would not fit Tesla’s plug. Most Teslas come with this adapter included at purchase.

Here’s why it matters:

• Many hotels, shopping centers, and parking garages only offer J1772 chargers.
• You won’t always find a Tesla destination charger² nearby.
• It’s easier to find a charging spot during peak times.

Without the adapter, you might find yourself circling parking lots or waiting longer for a Tesla-specific charger to open up. With the adapter, you can plug in almost anywhere Level 2 charging is offered.

How fast does a J1772 charge a Tesla?

Fast charging is important, especially if you are in a hurry. But different charging standards mean different speeds. So how fast is J1772 compared to Tesla Superchargers³?

A J1772 charger typically charges a Tesla at a speed between 10 to 30 miles of range per hour, depending on the power output of the charger. This is similar to most Level 2 home charging speeds.

Here’s a rough idea:

Charger Type	Charging Speed (Miles per Hour)	Typical Use
J1772 Level 2	10–30	Home, public stations
Tesla Supercharger	200–1000	Road trips, fast charging

When you plug into a J1772, you are charging at about the same speed as plugging in at home with a Tesla Wall Connector. It’s great for overnight charging or a few hours while shopping, but it’s not meant for quick pit stops like a Supercharger.

What cars use a J1772 charger?

Walking through a parking lot full of EVs, you’ll notice that not every car uses the Tesla plug. Most actually use J1772 plugs. But which ones exactly?

Almost all non-Tesla electric vehicles (EVs) in North America, including models from Chevrolet, Nissan, Ford, and Volkswagen, use the J1772 standard for Level 2 charging.

Brands Using J1772:

• Nissan Leaf
• Chevrolet Bolt
• BMW i3
• Ford Mustang Mach-E
• Hyundai Kona Electric

These cars all use J1772 connectors for charging, making public charging stations with J1772 plugs universally available for most electric vehicles in North America.

This is why so many public stations stick to the J1772 standard. It covers almost the entire non-Tesla market⁴, making it the go-to plug for most locations outside of Tesla’s own network.

Is slow charging better for Tesla?

You might think fast charging is always better. But is that really true for battery health⁵ over time?

Slow charging can be gentler on the battery, reducing the wear and tear over time. Tesla batteries are designed to handle both fast and slow charging, but long-term use of fast chargers could lead to more degradation compared to slow charging. Using a J1772 charger, though slower, could help maintain battery health by providing a more gradual charge.

It’s important to note that Tesla recommends using Superchargers when possible for long trips, but for everyday use, slower charging can be more beneficial for overall battery longevity.

Does Tesla come with a J1772 adapter?

Yes, Teslas do come with a J1772 adapter. This means you can use public charging stations that utilize the J1772 standard without needing to buy an additional adapter.

Teslas are typically shipped with a J1772 adapter as part of the package. This makes it easy to charge your car at public stations that don’t have Tesla-specific chargers.

The inclusion of the J1772 adapter provides flexibility for Tesla owners, allowing them to charge their vehicles at most public charging stations. However, it’s important to remember that charging from these stations is typically slower than Tesla’s Supercharger network.

Conclusion

Tesla vehicles can charge using J1772 connectors with a simple adapter, making it easy to use thousands of public charging stations. Knowing the differences between connectors, the benefits of slow charging, and what is included with your Tesla helps you stay prepared and keep your battery healthy.

READ ON:

J1772 Charging Speed: How Fast Does It Charge?

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How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Vehicle?

1. Explore the advantages of the J1772 to Tesla adapter to maximize your charging options and convenience. [↩]
2. Learn about Tesla destination chargers and their locations to ensure you have reliable charging options on the go. [↩]
3. Exploring Tesla Supercharger speeds will give you insights into fast charging options for long trips, enhancing your travel experience. [↩]
4. Learning about the non-Tesla market provides insights into the broader EV landscape and available options. [↩]
5. Learn about the impact of charging speed on Tesla battery health and longevity for better maintenance. [↩]