How Many Amp Service Do I Need in My Garage to Properly Recharge a Tesla Model 3 Performance Overnight?
To properly recharge your Tesla Model 3 Performance overnight, it is crucial to assess your current garage setup and determine if it adequately supports the charging needs of your vehicle. This article will guide you through different charging options and help you evaluate whether your current 220V service with 2 20A breakers is sufficient or if an upgrade is required.
Charging Options for Tesla Model 3 Performance
There are two primary charging options for the Tesla Model 3 Performance: Level 1 and Level 2 charging.
Level 1 Charging
Level 1 charging is the simplest setup, using a standard 120V household outlet. It is suitable for short-range vehicles but is not ideal for the Tesla Model 3 Performance as it provides only about 3-5 miles of range per hour.
Level 2 Charging
Level 2 charging is the recommended option for faster charging. This method uses 240V and can provide up to 11.5 kW, allowing the Tesla Model 3 Performance to charge at a significant rate.
Current Setup Analysis
You mentioned that you have 220V service with 2 20A breakers. Here’s a breakdown of your current setup:
Current Setup Analysis
Voltage: 240V service is ideal for Tesla charging.
Amperage: With two 20A breakers, you could potentially provide up to 40A if used together. However, typically, you would use only one circuit at a time.
Calculation
Let's calculate the power and range provided by a 20A 240V setup:
Power Calculation:
Power Voltage × Current 240V × 20A 4.8 kW.
Charging Speed Calculation:
4.8 kW translates to about 15-20 miles of range per hour.
Sufficiency for Overnight Charging
If charged for 8-10 hours overnight, the vehicle could gain approximately 120-200 miles of range, which is generally sufficient for most daily driving needs.
Recommendations for Faster Charging
To improve charging speed, consider the following recommendations:
Dedicated Circuit
If you plan to charge frequently, installing a dedicated 40A or higher circuit is highly recommended. This would provide optimal charging speed.
Tesla Wall Connector
Installing a Tesla Wall Connector would allow you to take advantage of faster charging capabilities and adjustability to match your circuit capacity.
Alternative Scenario: Two 20A 240V Breakers
In a rare scenario where you have two 20A 240V breakers, this could theoretically provide a 40A outlet. However, it's important to note that a 40A outlet does not exist in practice.
When a Tesla car is using a 50A outlet, it draws only 32A, which is 80% of 40A and a safe requirement.
This could potentially give you 30 miles of range per hour of charge, which is very good.
Conclusion
Your current setup with 220V and two 20A breakers is sufficient for overnight charging, but for faster charging, consider a dedicated higher amperage circuit. This will ensure that your Tesla Model 3 Performance is charged efficiently and promptly, meeting your daily driving needs.