The "granny charger" is the nickname for the Tesla Mobile Connector — the charging cable with a 3-pin UK plug that comes included with every new Tesla. It plugs into a standard household socket and charges at around 2.3 kW, adding approximately 8–12 miles of range per hour. Yes, it is waterproof (IP55 rated) and safe for outdoor use.
What is a Tesla granny charger?
The term "granny charger" is informal British slang for any EV charging cable that plugs into a standard 3-pin household socket — the implication being it charges at a "granny pace." For Tesla, this is officially called the Mobile Connector (previously bundled with all new Teslas and now sold separately for ~£165 in the UK).
The Mobile Connector consists of a control unit and interchangeable adapters. In the UK it comes with a standard 13-amp (BS 1363) plug adapter. Other adapters are available separately for commando sockets (Blue 16A), which provide slightly faster charging at up to 3.6 kW.
How fast does the Tesla granny charger charge?
On a standard UK 13A socket, the Mobile Connector delivers approximately:
- 2.3 kW charging rate
- 8–12 miles of range per hour (depending on model efficiency)
- Model Y Long Range: approximately 30–33 hours for 0–100%
- Model 3 RWD: approximately 25–28 hours for 0–100%
While this sounds slow, for most daily drivers covering under 50 miles per day it is entirely adequate. Plug in overnight for 8 hours and you will add approximately 64–96 miles of range — enough for most UK daily commutes.
Where it falls short is for drivers who regularly cover 100+ miles per day or who need to recharge quickly. For those drivers, a dedicated Wall Connector is strongly recommended.
| Charger | Power | Miles added per hour | Full charge time (Model Y LR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Connector (3-pin) | 2.3 kW | 8–10 miles | ~33 hours |
| Mobile Connector (Blue Commando) | 3.6 kW | 12–14 miles | ~21 hours |
| Wall Connector (7kW) | 7.4 kW | 35–40 miles | ~11 hours |
| Supercharger V3 | up to 250 kW | 200+ miles | ~25 minutes (20–80%) |
Is the Tesla granny charger waterproof?
Yes. The Tesla Mobile Connector carries an IP55 rating, meaning it is protected against dust ingress and water jets from any direction. It is designed and certified for outdoor use in UK weather conditions — rain, drizzle and damp environments are not a concern.
The 3-pin plug itself must be inserted into a weatherproof outdoor socket if used permanently outdoors. Standard indoor sockets should not be used in exposed outdoor locations. A weatherproof outdoor 13A socket (IP66-rated) is available from electrical suppliers for around £15–£30 and is a safe way to charge from an external wall socket.
Can you get a granny charger extension?
Tesla does not recommend using extension leads with the Mobile Connector. Standard domestic extension leads are not designed for sustained high-current loads. Charging draws close to 10A continuously for many hours, which can cause overheating in cheap extension leads, potentially causing a fire.
If you genuinely need additional reach, the only safe options are:
- A heavy-duty outdoor extension reel rated for at least 13A continuous (not the maximum rating — the continuous rating matters). Look for products rated 16A continuous on a fully unrolled reel. Keep it fully unrolled when in use to prevent overheating.
- Have an electrician install an outdoor socket closer to your parking position — often cheaper than you expect.
- Install a Wall Connector with the cable routed to your parking spot — the most practical long-term solution.
Granny charger vs Wall Connector — when to use each
Use the Mobile Connector when:
- You are staying away from home (hotel, friend's house) and need to top up overnight.
- You drive fewer than 50 miles per day and have 8+ hours to charge overnight.
- You are waiting for your Wall Connector to be installed.
- As an emergency backup if your Wall Connector develops a fault.
Use (or install) a Wall Connector when:
- You drive more than 50–60 miles per day regularly.
- You want to start every morning with a guaranteed full charge.
- You want to charge during shorter overnight windows (6–8 hours).
- You want to take advantage of the £350 OZEV grant (if eligible: renters and flat owners only).
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Tesla changed its bundling policy in 2022. In the UK:
- Model S and Model X: Mobile Connector included as standard.
- Model 3 and Model Y (current production): Mobile Connector is not included — it must be purchased separately for approximately £165. A charging cable (Type 2 to Type 2, for public AC chargers) is included instead.
If you plan to use home 3-pin charging even occasionally, purchase the Mobile Connector when you order your Tesla — it is the most cost-effective time to add it.
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Is the Tesla granny charger safe to use overnight?
Yes, when used correctly. The Mobile Connector has built-in thermal monitoring and will reduce or stop charging if it detects overheating. Use a dedicated socket rated for continuous load, do not use lightweight extension leads, and ensure the cable is not pinched, coiled tightly or covered during use.
How many miles does the Tesla granny charger add per hour?
Approximately 8–12 miles per hour on a standard 13A socket at 2.3 kW. With a Blue Commando 16A adapter, this rises to approximately 12–14 miles per hour at 3.6 kW. The exact figure depends on your model's efficiency.
Can I use the Tesla granny charger in the rain?
Yes. The Mobile Connector is IP55-rated and safe to use outdoors in rain. The socket you plug into must also be weatherproof if used outdoors — use a dedicated IP66-rated outdoor socket, not an indoor socket with the door left open.
Should I buy a Wall Connector or use the granny charger?
If you drive more than 40–50 miles per day, a Wall Connector is worth the investment. Installation typically costs £800–£1,000 for a straightforward detached house install (note: homeowners of houses are no longer eligible for the £350 OZEV grant as of April 2022 — only renters and flat owners qualify). The Wall Connector charges approximately 3–4× faster than the Mobile Connector.