NEMA 14-50 vs. Tesla high-power wall charger: which one should you pick?

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While installing the Tesla high-power wall charger will cost you nearly $500 dollars, you can do the job with the NEMA 14-50 adapter for only about $35 dollars.

That is when people start asking which one would be the best option for them. As this question is becoming popular in the online media, we thought about covering the question so that you can get specific information for a better decision.

All this information should work well if you own a single Tesla-like Model 3.  But the information should be valid for other models as well.  If you are interested in home charging, this should be the right place for you.

Spoiler alert; we have disclosed the winner in the last part of this article.

Without any further I do, let’s jump into the essential discussion-

NEMA 14-50 vs. Tesla wall charger

If you are lazy to scroll through this whole article, this table down below should suffice the whole article in a single place.

We have tried to put together every little information that will get validity to make an ideal decision in the longer run. Here goes the table-

NEMA 14-50 is best for single Tesla Users, whereas Tesla wall charger is compulsory for multiple Tesla Model User

If you own two or three Tesla Models, installing a Tesla super wall charger is mandatory. You will require simultaneous charging solutions for charging two to three Tesla Models at the same time. That is when the Tesla wall charger tends to bring the most convenient experience.

On the other hand, if you own a single Tesla like the Model 3, the NEMA 14-50 should bring the fastest charging experience.

NEMA 14-50 is the most affordable option available on the list

The Tesla wall charger is almost 15 times more expensive compared to the NEMA 14-50 wall charger.

For the Tesla super wall charger, you will need to spend around $500 dollars without the additional installation cost. On the other hand, the NEMA 14-50 charging adapter is nearly $35 dollars.

Therefore, when you really want to save your budget, the NEMA 14-50 should bring the most convenient experience.

The NEMA 14-50 adapter charges at 32 amps max, whereas the wall charger charges at 48 amps

When it comes to fast charging, the Tesla wall charger should give you the fastest experience. But when you are thinking about charging your Tesla at home, you probably will plug the charger overnight.

It is indeed true that using the NEMA 14-50 charging adapter will take a little longer time to fully charge a Tesla high-range model. But if the charging time does not matter to you, you can get away with the adapter or mobile charger as well. 

The NEMA 14-50 is just a receptacle

Unlike the wall charger, the NEMA 14-50 is just a receptacle. Therefore, you will get enough portability with this charging adapter to bring the most efficient support possible.

Besides, NEMA 14-50 will allow you to charge other electric automotive as well. You just need to ensure high-end compatibility only.

Tesla wall charger looks cool

If you have multiple Tesla Models, and you have Tesla themed garage, installing the Tesla wall charger should give you the high-end look you would love the most.

A Tesla super wall charger installed on the wall of your garage will surely bring a rich vibe to show off the world.

In terms of looks and versatility, Tesla has made no compromise with this device.

On the other hand, being a cheap adapter, NEMA 14-50 will remain in no way in the competition when it is about competing against the Tesla wall charger in terms of look.

NEMA 14-50 has some limitations

Especially, when you are using a long-range Tesla, you may need to charge the vehicle with a 60-amp circuit which is not compatible with the NEMA adapter. But when you have the Tesla high-power wall charger, you will have the option to adjust the amp connection so that you can get the appropriate amount of charging.

Which is the best option for you?

For a single Tesla user, the NEMA 14-50 charging receptacle is the best option for you. On the other hand, choose the Tesla high-power wall charger when you have multiple Tesla models with a Tesla featured garage.

If you really want your garage to pop, the Tesla high-power wall charger can really help your garage to make pop.

On the other hand, being a simple receptacle, the NEMA 14-50 looks a little ugly when compared to the wall charger.

How much does the installation cost?

If you are like the same as most other people, you will surely do the installation with the help of an electrician. That is when the installation cost comes into consideration.

The installation cost of the NEMA 14-50 will be anywhere between $300 dollars to $450 dollars. That means setting up the whole system will cost a max of $500 dollars. 

On the other hand, the installation cost for the Tesla high-power wall charger will be around $500 dollars, whereas the actual price of the item is around $500 dollars at the same time. Therefore, installing the whole system should cost you nearly $850 dollars to $1000 dollars at max. 

Which one wins the competition?

From our side, the NEMA14-50 is the clear winner. Even we have come across a large number of experts who have directly suggested avoiding the Tesla wall charger unless you are pretty much passionate about building a Tesla featured garage.

Choosing the NEMA 14-50 adapter will enable you to save almost half the price of a Tesla high-power wall charger.

Final summary

When it is about home charging, you will keep your Tesla car connected on the charging connector anyway. Therefore, it does not matter whether you choose a NEMA 14-50 adapter or a high-power Tesla wall charger. At the end of the day, both devices will ensure that you get a full-power car to run the distance.