Buy Once, Charge Everywhere: The EV Adapters for Tesla & Other Makes

A Simple Guide to Connectors, Adapters, and What Works With Your Car

Electric vehicles are becoming more popular as companies like Tesla produce more efficient and accessible models. New and experienced EV owners, however, know that finding an EV charger compatible with your car is no easy task.

When that happens, you need a charging adaptor. But how do you know which one to buy?

What Are EV Charging Connector Types?

According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, EV charging equipment receives classification based on how fast it charges a battery. Tesla EVs each have a unique connector, but they all still follow the voltage levels for charging plugs.

Charging time will vary depending on several factors, but lower-level charging equipment tends to charge slower.

J1772 Connector

A J1772 connector, or the “J-Plug,” classifies as Level 1 and 2 charging equipment. Level 1 charging equipment charges through a 120 volt (V) plug, while Level 2 plugs charge through a 240 V or 208 V plug. The J1772 does both.

J1772 connectors are the most common cords. They will typically come with your EV when you purchase one. It might also be a good idea to install one in your home for faster charging if you haven’t already.

Level 1 equipment will charge about 5 miles of range per 1 hour of charging time. Level 2 charging equipment will charge about 25 miles of range per 1 hour of charging time.

Tesla to J1772 Adapter

Tesla EVs use unique connectors compared to the rest of the EVs on the market, and having an adapter handy will save you trouble when you look for a place to charge your car. If you don’t have a Tesla, this is also handy to have if you stop to charge at a Tesla station.

Lectron’s Tesla charger adapter is a good option that’s compatible with several different connectors. Its compact size also makes it great for storing in your car, so you’ll be able to visit any charging station if your Tesla runs out of juice.

Lectron also makes an adapter for non-Tesla EVs, so you can still enjoy Tesla stations’ fast charging times without having their brand of vehicle.

J1772 to Tesla Adapter

Alternatively, you can use an adapter to make charging at home or your favorite charging station easier with J-plugs.

Lenz makes a safe and quick charging adapter for Teslas that work well with J-plug charging stations.

However, Lectron also makes solid adapters that make stops at J-plug stations much faster and easy.

Tesla Connector

Tesla’s unique connector functions on both Level 2 and direct-charging (DC) fast charging equipment. This equipment does just that, fast charging, which makes Tesla EVs and charging stations appealing.

Since Tesla connectors aren’t universal for charging stations, it’s usually a smart idea to have an adapter on-hand. This way you can use any charging station and not have to worry about getting stranded on the road.

CCS Connector

CCS Connectors classify as DC fast charging equipment. As their name suggests, they do just that: fast charging. Systems like these charge between 100 and 200+ miles of range per 30 minutes of charging time.

But most charging stations don’t offer CCS connectors, so having a J1772 to CCS adapter is very useful. And if you own a Tesla, you will need to have a CCS to Tesla adapter when you stop by one of these fast-charging stations.

CHAdeMO Connector

CHAdeMO connectors are the highest tier of DC fast charging equipment worldwide. They’re also the rarest to find on the road. Not very many EVs are CHAdeMO compatible and CHAdeMO adapters are hard to find, so most refueling stations don’t bother with CHAdeMOs.

This is also a problem with CCS. Since CCS came later than CHAdeMO, there aren’t many CHAdeMO products that are compatible with CCS systems, though CHAdeMO does seem to be working to create an adapter between their products and CCS models.

However, CHAdeMO representative Tomoko Blech shared that these connectors have the most potential for functional expansion. You can get a Tesla CHAdeMO adapter from the company itself, although it isn’t compatible with every Tesla model EV.

What Are Common NEMA Outlets?

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) oversees the different plug types for domestic power supplies. NEMA 5-15 and NEMA 60-20 were the first Level 1 chargers introduced when EVs entered the market in 2010, but they have since expanded.

Now, when you go to charge your car, there are three common outlets that you can use. The NEMA 5-15 is your standard 15 amp, 125V outlet in most US homes. It produces enough power to charge home appliances and small machines.

The NEMA 5-20 is another common outlet at 20 amps, 125V. This one is common in offices and homes and can power larger equipment and more machines.

The NEMA 14-50 is for more heavy-duty charging at 50 amps and 240V. It powers RVs, electric vehicles, and heavy home appliances, like washers and dryers.

NEMA 10-30

NEMA 10-30 outlets are three-pronged outlets commonly found in older homes. These particular outlets are suited for level 2 EV charging at 30 amps and 125 or 250V. If you don’t have a charging station installed in your home, this plug might not be compatible with your charging cord.

Tesla 10-30 to 14-50 Adapter

Tesla charging cords especially need a compatible adapter for outlets, since these cords charge at a faster rate. Charging cords are typically for 14-50 outlets, which are the standard electrical outlets in many homes, and you will need a Tesla 10-30 adapter to fit the cords into your outlets.

Rophor makes a good Tesla 10-30 adapter with a 14-50 charging cord. If you have an RV, this adapter can work for that as well, allowing you to easily provide electricity to your recreational vehicle.

NEMA 5-20

NEMA 5-20 outlets are another three-prong outlet that’s rising in popularity for new homes and warehouses. These are suited for level 1 and 2 charging at 20 amps, 125V.

Tesla Motors 5-20 NEMA Adapter

Tesla Motors offers a Tesla 5-20 NEMA adapter that is compatible with Gen 2 vehicles. Just make sure to check that you have the proper outlet, as it’s easy to confuse with other types of outlets.

NEMA 14-50

NEMA 14-50 outlets are four-pronged outlets rated at 50 amps and 250 volts. It’s ideal for level 2 charging, and Tesla has already started using this at-home charging solution.

Tesla NEMA 14-50 Gen 2 Adapter

Tesla 14-50 NEMA adapters are compatible with Gen 2 vehicles. You can find these outlets in modern homes and businesses, making this a good adapter if you need to charge at work.

NEMA 5-15

The old reliable NEMA 5-15 is your standard charging outlet found in most US and Canadian homes. It is rated as a 15 amp, 125V receptacle with three prongs. And while it is the most common outlet in some countries, it charges at a slower rate than other NEMA outlets.

NEMA 14-30

NEMA 14-30 outlets are another four-pronged outlet found in modern homes and are ideal for level 2 charging. They can charge up to 30 amps and 125 and 250V, which makes them useful for fast charging. Just don’t confuse these outlets for NEMA 14-50s!

14-30P to 14-50R Adapter

There are several Tesla 14-30 adapters, and this particular adapter is helpful for use at home and on the go. It is also suitable for charging at faster rates to match your Tesla charging cable.

NEMA 14-30P to 6-50R Adapter 30A

This Tesla 30 amp dryer adapter is another good option if you park your car near a dryer outlet. These heavy-duty outlets are great for fast charging but aren’t very compatible with your trusty cables.

Tesla 10-30P to 14-50R 240V 30 Amp Adapter

If you own a Gen 2 Tesla, you know that your car needs a certain power input to charge efficiently. This ONETAK 10-30P adapter is ideal for 240V charging for our EV.

While it may seem tempting, refrain from plugging non-electric vehicles into this outlet as it is not intended for RV charging purposes.