If a Tesla can drive through floodwaters, at least in an emergency, will it also be safe to charge your electric car in the rain? Modern automotive questions are vastly different from those of the past. Who thought that the weather would be a consideration when purchasing a car?
It is feasible to charge a Tesla in the rain using a supercharger or a TWC (Tesla Wall Connector). To charge securely, a Gen2 Mobile Connector or a 14-50 Outlet must be weatherproofed or installed inside.
Each billing circumstance is unique and must be evaluated properly. Realistically, Tesla has made charging as secure as possible, but we must plan for the worst-case scenario.
How Are Teslas Charged?
The overwhelming majority of Teslas are charged at home. Tesla advises installing a Tesla Wall Connector when purchasing a Tesla. It charges at a rate of about 44 miles per hour. Although many Tesla owners keep their TWC in their garage, it is absolutely safe to use in the rain or bad weather.
A supercharger is the fastest way to charge your Tesla. A supercharger will increase your range by 200 miles in just 15 minutes. But who wants to be out in the weather charging their car?
Many, but not all, supercharger stations are covered with a canopy. Using a supercharger in the rain has no effect on the charging process and is completely safe. Continue reading to learn more.
What The Tesla Drivers’ Manual Says
One of the warnings in the Tesla Manual is not to use the Mobile Connector when you, the car, or the connector is exposed to extreme rain, snow, an electrical storm, or bad weather. It also recommends keeping it away from dampness and water at all times due to corrosion.
If the connector is immersed in water or snow, switch off the breaker before disconnecting it. These indicators are all pointing to an electric shock. Water and electricity do not mix. However, this is due to the standard plug adapter on the end of your charger, and this would be the same advice for any electrical equipment.
Guidelines for keeping oneself safe:
- Never allow rainfall to flow down the charging cable’s length.
- Do not plug in your connection if the outlet is totally covered in snow, ice, or water.
- If you use a mobile connection, keep it clean and dry.
- Spray or immerse your charger in water.
- Although you can use the charger when it rains, you are not required to do so. Tesla urges owners not to charge during heavy rains.
- Do not leave your charger unattended. Water may creep through and cause harm to the components.
Tesla highly advises against exposing your chargers to water in the form of liquid, ice, or snow. This puts you in danger of an electrical shock, fire, or serious harm.
Rainy Weather
Although freezing rain does not occur everywhere, it might be a concern when charging your automobile. If your car’s charger becomes frozen, resist the urge to de-ice it or throw hot water on it to defrost it. You may either cover it and let it thaw naturally, or use an ice scraper to carefully chip the ice away.
The natural method is preferred since using a deicing instrument might cause damage to your cable. However, in our hectic society, this is not always achievable. It is recommended that you avoid charging your automobile in the rain unless your home outlet is indoors or your external socket is entirely waterproof.
That, we realize, doesn’t make sense for many people, because you need access to your automobile and the ability to charge it. If you know there will be severe rain, it’s worth stopping at a supercharger.
In the rain, Tesla chargers may be used. You may charge it by plugging it into a charging port while it rains. When the connection is wet, however, do not force it into the port. If the charging mechanism detects a little power leak, no electricity will pass through the cable, and your batteries will not charge.
Water is an excellent electrical conductor. EVs receive high voltage (up to 240V) from the connection during charging. There’s no knowing how much harm may be done if live connections come into contact with precipitation.
Are Tesla Chargers Waterproof?
It is, indeed. The Tesla charging terminals are waterproof because they will be utilized outside. You have to think that the individuals who designed these devices realized that the best choice was to make something that people would feel comfortable using regardless of the weather outside their window.
They wanted the public’s trust, and the only way to fully win that trust was to design something that could be used across the country. Water downpours occur in some locations, and it is critical that individuals who reside in those areas have access to charging stations in order to keep their Tesla vehicles functioning properly and seamlessly.
Can You Drive Tesla In Snow?
Yes, a Tesla can be driven in the snow. You can drive almost every electric car in the snow, just as you can drive almost any internal combustion engine (ICE) car in the snow, yet the experience might be considerably different for two reasons. The first is that electric vehicles produce all of their torque at zero revolutions per minute.
Maximum power currently provides for excellent fun and energetic driving, but it’s not always what you want on a slick, snowy road.
The second is that harsh weather, whether hot or cold, reduces your vehicle’s efficiency, resulting in a lower driving range with a full “tank” of electrons in your battery.
Conclusion
Tesla is making significant efforts to develop something that will help both the earth and the individual drivers who like their automobiles. It is common for developments like these to take some time to catch on with the general audience. People will have concerns about the near future, which is totally fine.
What is most essential is that individuals be allowed the space they need to make their own judgments about what sort of car they want to acquire and how that vehicle should reflect their beliefs.
Some people have determined that having an electric car matches that description, which is why they have made the decision to purchase such high-quality vehicles.
