Tesla charging speed at 110 V: Features and tips

In Ukraine, the main method of charging electric cars is through a standard 220V household outlet, which is the most convenient and efficient for most Tesla drivers. However, charging via a 110V outlet, although slower, can be useful in specific situations. It is most often used abroad, where some countries use this type of outlet. In Ukraine, 110 V charging is a less commonly used method, as almost all charging stations and household sockets support 220 V.

Charging via 110V may come in handy if you are travelling to countries with different socket standards, or when you don't have access to fast charging stations or more powerful charging options. However, it's worth remembering that this method of charging is very slow and is only suitable for situations where you don't need a fast charge. In this article, we'll take a closer look at how Tesla 110V charging works, how long it takes, and when it can be useful.

We remind you that you can purchase home and commercial charging stations in our online storeand also use the public charging stations ECOFACTORcharging points located throughout Ukraine. For convenient access to charging infrastructure, we recommend using our mobile applicationwhich is available on iOS and Android.

How 110 V charging works

Charging through a 110V outlet is the easiest way to charge a Tesla in the US, in Ukraine 220V outlets are usually used, so 110V charging is not common, this method is usually used for travelling to countries where only 110V outlets are available. Here's a closer look at this process, how it works, and what features you should consider.

Basic setting for charging via 110 V

Tesla is charged via a 110 V outlet using a mobile adapter that comes with the car. This adapter allows you to connect your car to a regular household outlet that is typically used for household needs. The car then converts the alternating current supplied through the socket into direct current, which is stored in the battery. The 110V charging process is more for emergencies or long stops, but it is worth remembering that it is significantly slower than other charging methods such as 240V (level 2).

Charging power via 110 V

A 110 V socket typically delivers between 12 and 16 amps, which provides a power flow in the range of 1.3-1.9 kW. This means that you only add about 3-5 km of range per hour of charging, which is very slow compared to other charging methods. For most Tesla owners, this means that they can recharge the battery overnight or during long stops when the car is not in use, but this method is not suitable for fast charging while travelling or on long trips. This method is less popular in Ukraine due to the use of 220V sockets, but it can sometimes be useful when travelling.

How the charging process works

• Connecting the adapter: First of all, you need to connect the mobile adapter to a 110V socket. This adapter is supplied with your vehicle and it ensures a secure connection between the socket and the vehicle.
• Connecting to the charging port: After plugging the adapter into a power outlet, you need to connect the other end to the Tesla charging port. As soon as you plug in the cable, the car automatically recognises the connection and starts the charging process. It's a convenient and simple process, but as already mentioned, it is very slow.
• Monitoring via mobile app: Use the Tesla mobile app or your vehicle's screen to track the charging process. In the app, you can see the current battery level, an estimate of the time left to full charge, and the speed at which the car is charging. This allows you to plan your trips and understand when the car is ready to use.

Safe and practical charging via 110 V

Charging via 110V is an available option, but has limitations. It is important to check the condition of the wiring, as old or poorly laid wires can lead to overheating and hazards such as short circuits. If multiple appliances are plugged into the same outlet, it can cause overload and overheating of the system. Therefore, it is recommended to use an outlet on a separate circuit and check the electrical system periodically. If you plan to charge your car frequently via 110 V, make sure that your system can withstand the load and monitor the process through the Tesla app.

How long does it take to charge a Tesla on 110 V

The 110V charging speed is quite slow compared to other methods, and the process can take a considerable amount of time, especially if the car battery is completely discharged, and it should be borne in mind that this is not the main charging option for Ukraine, and it will be much more convenient to use 220V sockets for everyday use. Here's a closer look at what it looks like in real life.

Overview of charging times

Charging via a 110V outlet adds only 3-5 km of range per hour. This is extremely slow, especially when compared to other charging options. It takes much longer to charge a Tesla to its full level:

• Tesla Model 3 (standard version, ~55 kWh): charging via 110 V will take about 30-40 hours (if the battery is completely discharged). 
• Tesla Model S (long range, ~100 kWh): charging will take approximately 55-70 hours (if the battery is fully discharged).

These times are based on the assumption that the battery is completely discharged, which is rarely the case in practice. In most cases, drivers recharge their cars before the battery is completely empty, which significantly reduces the overall charging time.

Factors affecting charging time

Charging time via 110 V may vary depending on several important factors:

• Battery size: The larger the battery in your Tesla, the longer it takes to fully charge it. Models with larger batteries, such as the Model S or Model X, will take much longer to charge than smaller models, such as the Model 3.
• Initial charge level: If the battery is already partially charged, this will significantly reduce the time it takes to reach a full charge. For example, if you have 50% of charge left, the time to full charge will be half that of a fully discharged battery.
• Battery status: Older batteries lose their ability to charge quickly over time. This means that charging with 110 V may take longer on older vehicles or in case of deteriorating battery health.
• Environment.: The ambient temperature can have a significant impact on the charging process. In extreme temperatures, especially during the cold season, the charging speed may be reduced. Tesla has a battery pre-treatment function that can help optimise the charging process in low temperatures, but the speed may still be affected.

How slow charging affects battery health

One of the main advantages of 110V charging is its gentle effect on the battery. Slow charging has several important advantages, especially when it comes to prolonged use and maintaining battery health.

The benefits of slow charging

• Less heat: Slow charging generates less heat, which is very important for the battery. High temperatures can accelerate battery ageing by causing negative chemical reactions within the battery cells. When charging slowly, the battery temperature stays lower, which greatly reduces the risk of overheating and, as a result, helps to extend the battery's life.
• Smooth voltage rise: When you charge your vehicle via 110 V, the voltage increases gradually. This gentle charging process reduces the mechanical stress on the battery, which helps to maintain its structure and stability. Sudden changes in voltage or fast charging can cause rapid wear and tear on the battery, which can shorten its life. A slow charging process allows the battery to work in optimal conditions, preventing unnecessary stress.

As a result, although charging via 110V is slower, it can be more beneficial to battery health, especially for those who do not need an instant top-up and can afford longer charging periods, such as overnight.

Advantages of charging via 110 V

Although charging via 110V is quite slow, there are several situations in which this method can be very useful and even necessary. Here are a few benefits to consider when using a 110V outlet to charge your Tesla.

Recharging at night

If your daily journeys do not exceed 40 km, charging via 110 V may be sufficient to maintain the proper charge level. In this case, by plugging your Tesla in overnight, you ensure that the battery is constantly replenished without the need to use faster charging methods. This is especially useful for owners who use their car mainly for short trips around town or to work. Since most people don't drive more than 40 km per day, this charging method ensures that there is always enough charge left until the next morning, without having to wait in line at a supercharging station or using faster charging equipment.

Extended stay or parking

If you are leaving your car for an extended period of time, such as several days or even weeks, 110 V charging can be an ideal option to keep your battery in a healthy state. Long-term charging via a 110V socket does not cause the battery to overheat or overload, which is important for maintaining its longevity. It also helps to prevent overcharging problems, as it is done gradually and without sudden voltage fluctuations that can cause stress to the battery. Therefore, 110V charging is a good option for maintaining the proper charge level without risking damage to the battery.

Access to high power charging stations

In Ukraine, the infrastructure of charging stations for electric vehicles is actively developing, but in some remote areas or when travelling through less developed areas, access to fast charging stations may be limited. In such cases, if fast charging is not available, charging via a standard 220V household outlet (which is the standard in Ukraine) may be the best option for maintaining a charge. Although charging via a 110V outlet is significantly slower, it can be useful in emergencies or during long stops. In Ukraine, 220V charging is the most popular and convenient, however, in the absence of access to high-power charging stations, a 110V outlet can provide a minimal top-up, allowing you to continue your journey until the next charging opportunity.

Practical tips for maximising the efficiency of 110V charging

To make charging via a 110V outlet more efficient, there are several key aspects to consider. This method of charging, while convenient, has a slow speed, so it is important to optimise the process to achieve better results.

Planning charging sessions

Charging via 110 V takes a lot of time, so it is important to plan the moments when your car will be plugged in. It's best to charge your Tesla at night, when electricity rates are usually lower and room temperatures are usually lower. This will not only save you money on electricity costs, but will also ensure better charging efficiency, as batteries tend to charge faster in cooler conditions. Additionally, night charging allows you to avoid having to check the process regularly and ensure that you are always replenishing the charge without any hassle.

Reduced energy consumption

To make the charging process more efficient, you should switch off unnecessary functions that may put additional strain on the battery before plugging the vehicle into a power outlet. For example, pre-conditioning the interior, which turns on the climate control system before you get into the car, can use a significant amount of energy. If this is not critical, it is best to disable these features while charging to ensure that the maximum amount of energy is used to replenish the battery.

Temperature control

Temperature conditions can have a significant impact on charging efficiency. In extreme temperatures, especially in cold weather, the charging process may be significantly less efficient. If possible, charge your vehicle in a garage or other temperature-controlled area. This will not only help improve the charging speed, but also keep the battery in better condition. Low temperatures can slow down the chemical processes in the battery, and excessive heat can cause the battery to overheat, which can reduce its longevity.

Using a dedicated chain

Another important tip is to use an outlet on a dedicated circuit to charge your vehicle. This will avoid overloading the power grid, which can occur when multiple devices are plugged into the same outlet. Separate power outlets will ensure a steady supply of electricity without interruptions and reduce the risk of overheating and potential accidents. If you plan to regularly charge your Tesla via 110V, you should consider installing a dedicated charging port on a separate circuit to ensure the safety and efficiency of the charging process.

By eliminating these factors, you can maximise the efficiency of 110V charging, making the process more convenient and safe. Still, in Ukraine, a 220V socket is usually used for everyday charging, and 110V is best used only in emergencies or when travelling.

ECOFACTOR - Solutions for charging electric vehicles in Ukraine

We are ECOFACTOR, a company specialising in the development and production of charging stations for electric vehicles in Ukraine. Our charging stations comply with modern standards and offer effective solutions to ensure the convenience of charging electric vehicles. In our online store, you will find not only charging stations of various capacities, but also accessories, cables and adapters that allow you to adapt charging to different types of sockets.

We offer a charging station network management platform that supports integration with mobile applications for iOS and Android. With the help of this platform, users can track energy consumption, set up tariffs and use map of charging stations. The mobile application makes it easy to find the nearest station, make payments and control the charging process, providing convenience for users.

Also, in our online store a wide range of products is presented chargers and accessories for electric vehicles, including cables Type 1 and Type 2, adapters and mobile chargers. Our solutions are ideal for both individual users and businesses - from restaurants to residential complexes - that need an efficient infrastructure for charging electric vehicles. With us, you will always find the right equipment for convenient and safe charging of your car.

Conclusion.

Charging a Tesla via a 110V outlet can be a useful option in situations where there is no access to fast charging stations, or when you need to charge your car in places where only such outlets are available. However, it is worth remembering that this method of charging has a slow speed, and for everyday use in Ukraine, it is best to choose charging stations with more power that support faster charging, such as 220 V or Tesla's special superchargers. While 110V charging can be useful when travelling or when stopping for long periods of time, in most cases other methods are more appropriate for efficient charging in Ukraine.

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