Tesla has produced four generations of Wall Connector since 2012. If you are buying a new home charger in 2026, the answer is straightforward: buy the Gen 3 for most UK homes. It charges at up to 11 kW, supports load balancing, has Wi-Fi for scheduled charging, and works with non-Tesla EVs via a Type 2 connector. Here is how all four generations compare.
Quick answer: which Wall Connector should you buy in 2026?
For most UK homes (single-phase electricity supply): Tesla Wall Connector Gen 3, priced at approximately £530 from Tesla. It provides 7.4 kW on single-phase (standard UK supply), 11 kW on three-phase, and includes all the smart features you need.
For homes with a three-phase supply (uncommon in UK domestic properties, more common in larger properties and commercial settings): consider the Gen 4 at approximately £620, which supports up to 22 kW three-phase charging.
Gen 1 and Gen 2 are discontinued and should only be considered second-hand. They lack smart features and do not work with non-Tesla EVs.
Generation comparison table
| Feature | Gen 1 | Gen 2 | Gen 3 | Gen 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max output (single-phase) | 7.4 kW | 7.4 kW | 7.4 kW | 11 kW |
| Max output (three-phase) | N/A | N/A | 11 kW | 22 kW |
| Cable included | Yes | Yes | Yes (7.3m) | Yes (7.3m) |
| Load balancing (multi-unit) | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi connectivity | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Scheduled charging | No (via car) | No (via car) | Yes (via charger) | Yes (via charger) |
| Works with non-Tesla EVs | No (Tesla only) | No (Tesla only) | Yes (Type 2 / J1772) | Yes (Type 2 / J1772) |
| IP rating | IP55 | IP55 | IP55 | IP55 |
| Approximate price (hardware) | Discontinued | Discontinued | ~£530 | ~£620 |
| Recommended in 2026 | No | No | Yes (most homes) | Only with 3-phase |
Gen 3 — the recommended choice for most UK homes
The Gen 3 Wall Connector, released in 2019, is Tesla's current mainstream home charger and the right choice for the vast majority of UK buyers. Key features:
- 7.4 kW on single-phase — the maximum your UK home supply can deliver. Adds ~35–40 miles of range per hour. Charges a Model Y Long Range from 0–100% in approximately 11 hours.
- 11 kW on three-phase — if your property has three-phase supply, Gen 3 can take advantage of it.
- Wi-Fi and app control — set charging schedules from the Tesla app, track energy usage and receive software updates.
- Load balancing — install multiple Gen 3 units that share the available capacity intelligently (useful for households with two Teslas).
- Universal compatibility — works with any EV that has a Type 2 (Mennekes) port, not just Teslas. Future-proof for households that may own different EV brands.
- 7.3m cable — long enough for most garages and driveways.
- IP55 weatherproof — safe for outdoor use.
The £350 OZEV grant is only available to renters and flat owners (homeowners of houses are no longer eligible as of April 2022). Total installed cost (hardware + installation): approximately £1,100–£1,500. If eligible for the OZEV grant, this reduces to £750–£1,150 after the £350 deduction.
Gen 4 — only if you have three-phase supply
The Gen 4 Wall Connector (released 2023) adds support for 22 kW three-phase charging and a slightly updated design. However, there are two important caveats for UK buyers:
- Most UK domestic properties are single-phase. Only large properties, some new-builds and commercial premises have three-phase supply. If you have single-phase supply, Gen 4 provides no benefit over Gen 3 — both deliver 7.4 kW maximum.
- Current Tesla onboard chargers accept a maximum of 11 kW AC. Even if you have three-phase supply, your Model 3 or Model Y cannot accept more than 11 kW from a home charger. The 22 kW capability is only useful if you own other EVs that support 22 kW charging (such as a Renault Zoe or some Mercedes EVs).
Verdict: unless you have confirmed three-phase supply and a specific reason to need 22 kW, save £90 and choose Gen 3.
Gen 1 and Gen 2 — avoid for new installations
The Gen 1 (2012–2016) and Gen 2 (2016–2019) Wall Connectors are discontinued and Tesla no longer sells them. Key limitations:
- No Wi-Fi, no app control, no scheduled charging (must be done through the car).
- No load balancing — installing two units requires manual current-sharing configuration.
- Tesla-proprietary connector only — will not charge non-Tesla EVs.
- Software support may be limited on future Tesla models.
Second-hand Gen 1 and Gen 2 units appear on eBay and Facebook Marketplace for £50–£150. They will charge your Tesla but lack all the smart features and non-Tesla compatibility of Gen 3. Unless the price difference is significant, Gen 3 is worth the upgrade.
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Calculate your home charger installation cost →Wall Connector vs Mobile Connector vs third-party chargers
The Tesla Wall Connector is not your only home charging option:
- Tesla Mobile Connector (granny charger): 2.3 kW from a standard socket. Free backup option but impractically slow for daily use.
- Third-party Type 2 chargers (Pod Point, Ohme, Andersen EV, Zappi): all compatible with Tesla via the Type 2 port. Often competitively priced with additional smart features. Zappi is popular with solar panel owners as it can divert surplus solar energy to the car.
- Tesla Wall Connector Gen 3: the simplest, most integrated option if you are a Tesla owner and do not need solar diversion.
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Order with referral link →Frequently asked questions
Does the Tesla Wall Connector charge faster than a standard socket?
Yes, significantly. A standard 3-pin socket charges at 2.3 kW (8–12 miles/hr). The Tesla Wall Connector Gen 3 charges at 7.4 kW on a single-phase supply (35–40 miles/hr) — approximately 3–4× faster.
Which Tesla Wall Connector generation is best?
For most UK homes in 2026: Gen 3. It provides the maximum 7.4 kW that single-phase UK homes can support, includes Wi-Fi, load balancing and Type 2 compatibility. Gen 4 is only worth considering if you have three-phase supply.
Can the Tesla Wall Connector charge other EVs?
Yes — Gen 3 and Gen 4 Wall Connectors use a Type 2 (IEC 62196) connector, which is the European standard for AC charging. Any EV with a Type 2 port can be charged, including Volkswagen ID.4, BMW iX, Mercedes EQC and most other European EVs. Gen 1 and Gen 2 used a Tesla-proprietary connector and cannot charge non-Tesla vehicles.
How much does it cost to install a Tesla Wall Connector?
Hardware (Gen 3): approximately £530. Installation by an OZEV-approved electrician: £400–£800 depending on property type and cable run. Total: £930–£1,330. Note: the £350 OZEV grant is only available to renters and flat owners (homeowners of houses are not eligible as of April 2022). If eligible, the cost reduces to approximately £580–£980 after the grant.