What Is a Tesla Mobile Charger?

The Tesla mobile charger, also known as a portable Tesla charger or Tesla mobile connector, is a versatile and portable EV charger designed for all Tesla models. With a typical charging power of up to 9.6kW, it’s a convenient solution for charging on the go. The key advantage of this portable charger is its compact size, making it ideal for travel or as a backup charger when visiting friends. Tesla’s official Mobile Connector offers a maximum charging current of 32A and a charging power of up to 7.6kW. It comes with a NEMA 14-50 plug, a NEMA 5-15 plug, and a 20-foot charging cable.

However, the official Tesla mobile charger can be expensive and offers a maximum power of 7.6kW. This has led to the emergence of various third-party brands that produce compatible chargers, some of which can deliver up to 9.6kW of power. These alternatives have increased market competition, giving Tesla owners more options to choose from.

What Is the Use of the Tesla Mobile Connector?

The primary difference between an electric vehicle (EV) and a conventional car is the power source—EVs rely on electricity, while traditional cars use gasoline or diesel. Unlike with conventional cars, where you simply stop at the nearest gas station to refuel, EV owners need to plan for charging. Although charging stations are becoming more common, they’re not as ubiquitous as gas stations. That’s where the Tesla mobile connector comes in handy. It serves as a portable charger that you can keep in your trunk, ensuring you have a way to recharge your vehicle in case you can’t find a charging station nearby. This portable connector can plug into a standard outlet, allowing you to charge your EV almost anywhere.

What Is the Difference Between the Tesla Mobile Charger and the NACS Mobile Charger?

There’s no difference between a Tesla mobile charger and a NACS mobile charger—it's simply a matter of terminology. NACS stands for North American Charging Standard, which Tesla has pioneered. When someone refers to a NACS charger, they’re typically talking about a Tesla charger. However, starting in 2025, several other automakers—including Ford, General Motors, Honda, and BMW—will adopt the NACS standard, meaning the term "NACS mobile charger" will no longer be exclusive to Tesla.

How Fast Does the Tesla Mobile Charger Charge?

The Evgoer Tesla 40A mobile charger, for example, offers a maximum charging power of 9.6kW, which adds approximately 30 miles of range per hour to your Tesla. This is an excellent charging rate for overnight use, striking a balance between preserving battery life and ensuring your car is ready for the next day’s drive. In comparison, Tesla’s official Mobile Connector has a maximum charging power of 7.6kW, providing about 25 miles of range per hour.

When traveling or charging outdoors, you might only have access to a standard U.S. outlet (5-15R), which has a maximum charging power of 1.8kW. This would add about 6 miles of range per hour—a slower rate, but still useful in a pinch. For this reason, if you own a Tesla mobile charger, it’s advisable to also purchase a 5-15P adapter, enabling you to use the charger as a backup when you're on the road.

Is the Tesla Mobile Charger Compatible with All Tesla Models?

Yes, as long as the Tesla mobile charger you purchase is NACS-compliant, it will be compatible with all Tesla models. It doesn’t matter whether you buy it directly from Tesla or from another brand—the compatibility remains the same. Therefore, you can confidently purchase any NACS-compliant mobile charger, even if it's not officially made by Tesla.

Can the Tesla Mobile Charger Be Used Outdoors, and Are There Any Concerns?

Yes, the Tesla mobile charger can be used outdoors, but you need to ensure that it’s equipped for outdoor conditions. Specifically, the charger should be waterproof and able to operate in low temperatures, and it should have over-temperature and over-voltage protection features. Additionally, make sure the charger's plug matches the available outlet.

For outdoor use, your Tesla mobile charger should have a waterproof and dustproof rating of at least IP56. Without this level of protection, the charger could easily become damaged. Over-temperature and over-voltage protection are also crucial for ensuring that the charger will enter a safe mode in case of extreme conditions, protecting your car from potential harm.

In the U.S., the most common outlet is the 5-15R, so it’s a good idea to purchase a 5-15P adapter along with your charger. For example, if your charger comes with a 14-50P plug, you should also have a 5-15P to 14-50R adapter as a backup for outdoor charging. The 5-15R is the standard outlet for 120V, while the 14-50R is common for 240V. With these two plugs, you’ll be able to charge your Tesla almost anywhere in the U.S.