Recently it was known that Tesla is no longer including a mobile connector along with its new vehicles purchases. Considering how Apple stopped including chargers, and how Kia electric doesn’t come with chargers, it appeared reasonable. However, the website shows that the Gen 2 mobile connector is currently out of stock for individual purchases. Elon Musk stated in a reply on Twitter saying that it is advisable to have a wall charger.
Musk provided another update hours later, stating that, “based on user feedback,” Tesla will lower the price of the mobile connector to $200. He also said that Tesla will “make it easy” to order the mobile connector when purchasing a car, and he encouraged customers to get a wall charger installed “well before” their car arrives.
The Gen 2 mobile connector is still listed as costing $275 on Tesla’s site, and you couldn’t purchase one even if you wanted to; the mobile connector is currently out of stock, and the same goes for the Gen 1 connector. That said, it’s unclear how long either accessory has been out of stock or whether a supply chain shortage is contributing to Tesla’s decision.
Mobile connectors
Reactions to Musk’s decision have been mixed. Although a mobile connector isn’t a necessity, as Tesla owners can charge their car from a wall charger installed at their home or at a charging station, some drivers say it’s comforting to have the mobile connector with them while traveling. The accessory can come in handy at campsites or when traveling in an area without charging stations, as it allows drivers to plug their car into a standard outlet. It does charge at a much slower rate, though, with the Gen 2 charger providing about one to three miles of range after an hour of charging.
Based on feedback received, we will drop mobile connector price to $200 & make it easy to order with car.
Note, mobile connector is not needed if you have a Tesla wall connector or to use Superchargers.
Recommend installing Tesla wall connector well before car arrives.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 17, 2022
Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed in a series of tweets. The mobile connector bundle comes with an adapter that allows drivers to charge their cars from a standard 110v household outlet, with other adapters available for purchase separately. Some drivers also say the mobile connector servers as a much cheaper alternative to the expensive wall charger, while others say they rarely use it at all. Connectors with a 120v or 240v adapter come standard with other EVs, such as the Nissan Leaf, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevy Bolt, and all BMW EVs.
In a reply to a user’s reaction to the situation, Musk confirmed that the company will no longer include the Gen 2 mobile connector with new car purchases. “Usage statistics were super low, so seemed wasteful,” Musk explained, adding that Tesla “will be including more plug adapters with the mobile connector kit” in the future. It’s unclear which adapters Tesla will start including with the kit.
Credits- The Verge
