Tesla is no longer including the mobile charging connector with new vehicles

By Jorge Aguirre
Tesla is no longer including the mobile connector with new vehicles
Tesla is no longer including the mobile connector with new vehicles

In a series of tweets, Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed that the company will no longer include the Gen 2 mobile connector bundle with new car orders and will instead sell it separately for $200. The mobile connector package includes an adaptor that allows drivers to charge their vehicles using a conventional 110v or 220v household outlet.

According to Musk, the move was triggered by customer input. He explained his choice on Twitter to sell the package individually: “Usage statistics were super low, so seemed wasteful. On the (minor) plus side, we will be including more plug adaptors with the mobile connector kit.”

Musk provided another update hours later in a response to Tesla owner @WholeMarsBlog, stating that “based on user feedback,” Tesla will lower the price of the mobile connector to $200, from the previous $275. He also stated that Tesla will "make it easy" to order the mobile connector when purchasing a car, and that owners should install a wall charger "long before" their car arrives.

The Gen 2 mobile connector package, which includes a 20-foot cable, a 110V adapter, and a storage bag, is still available on Tesla's website, but it’s impossible to get your hands on one right now; the mobile connector, like the Gen 1 connector, is presently out of stock. This fact has made some wonder whether it was a supply chain shortage that prompted this decision.

Tesla's mobile connector
Tesla's mobile connector

Over time, the charging kit that came with it evolved. Tesla used to supply a charging cable that included both a NEMA 14-50 (Level 2) connector and a normal outlet connector (Level 1). Later, the manufacturer opted to remove the NEMA 14-50 connector from the bundle, leaving only the NEMA 5-15 adaptor for regular outlets. The Level 2 connector could be purchased separately.

The reaction to this current decision has been divided. Even though most Tesla owners may charge their cars from a wall charger at home or at a charging station, many also use the vehicle's mobile connector to charge at home.

Having the Gen 2 bundle in the vehicle can also make drivers feel more comfortable when adventuring far from their homes.

Since the adapter allows Tesla owners to connect their car to a regular outlet, it can prove very useful at campsites or when traveling in an area without charging facilities, despite it charging at a remarkably slower rate - offering around two to three miles of range after an hour of charging.

For those owners waiting for delivery of their vehicle and wondering whether the mobile connector will be included, we're hearing that it depends on your delivery date.

If you ordered your Tesla after April 17th, then your vehicle will not include the mobile connector at delivery.

As long as you ordered your Tesla on or before April 17th then it looks like you will receive the mobile connector. It shouldn't matter when your delivery date is scheduled for, as Tesla is basing it on your order date.

This move has been compared by some to Apple’s controversial decision in 2020 to stop including chargers with its new iPhones, a move that was quickly followed by the likes of Samsung and Google. Only time will tell if other EV makers will follow Tesla in this choice.

Tesla Launches Model 3 Tow Package in North America

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

Tesla has finally launched a tow package for the refreshed 2024+ Model 3 in North America. While Tesla offered the tow package in the European and Asia-Pacific markets, this is the first time it has been made available in North America.

Until today, owners have had to use third-party hitch options, which do not support Tesla Tow Mode support or other features and can void your warranty.

Tow Package

The new package includes a high-strength steel tow bar, with the standard 2” receiver and 7-pin connector. As the package enables Tow Mode, the full trailer harness is also part of the installation.

As per Tesla’s specifications, this hitch supports towing up to 2,200 lbs (998kg), which is lower than the Model Y, Model S, and Model X, whose hitch supports up to 3,500 lbs (1,587 kg). You’ll need a 2” hitch and a ball of your choice to get towing with this new receiver, which neatly tucks away underneath a panel that’s accessible via two plastic bolts, similar to the rest of Tesla’s lineup.

The tow package neatly tucks away when not in use.
The tow package neatly tucks away when not in use.
Not a Tesla App

You can purchase the Model 3 Tow Package for $1,300 USD or $1765 CAD on the Tesla store or through your Tesla app. Installation is included in the price, and the parts are shipped directly to your local Tesla service center, where they’ll be installed. However, delivery can take one to two weeks.

As a note, this package is only compatible with the 2024+ Model 3 RWD and AWD. The Performance model is not compatible, likely due to the larger rear motor's size.

Installation

The total package price also includes shipping to your local Tesla Service Center. In addition, Tesla will enable the config changes that will allow you to use Tow Mode. The entire process takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the scope of work, as some Model 3s will require additional harness wiring.

It’s nice to see Tesla finally adding this much-missed feature to the North American Model 3, as many customers have had to use third-party solutions up to this point. Now, anyone can tow light loads with the refreshed Model 3 while also keeping their vehicle under warranty and taking advantage of Tow Mode.

Tesla Launches Approved Window Tinting Service in Collaboration With XPEL

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

Tesla has partnered with XPEL, one of the leading manufacturers of automotive tints, for an OEM-approved window tint. Previously, Tesla did not approve window tints on its vehicles and had even denied warranty claims for window issues if the windows were tinted.

Over the past year, Tesla Service has stopped denying warranty claims for cracked windows caused by excessive motor force, factory misalignments, or other minor issues — even when window tints are applied.

XPEL / Tesla Partnership

With this partnership, Tesla owners can find window tints directly through the Tesla app, just like they’d find any other Tesla accessory. The difference is that the purchase is completed on XPEL’s website instead of through the Tesla app.

Tesla is essentially promoting the service and presumably making it an approved product. However, the Tesla owner also benefits from having a better warranty instead of just going through XPEL directly.

XPEL offers two official tints for all Tesla vehicles, including the Cybertruck - its Prime XR+ and Prime XR lines. The best part is that XPEL and Tesla’s combined warranty covers the cost of reinstallation if the glass is damaged under Tesla’s vehicle warranty, which means you won’t have to pay anything additional to get your tint replaced.

You can check out the official specifications of the two tint options below.

Prime XR +

Prime XR

Infrared Heat Rejection

Up to 96%

Up to 85%

UV Protection

Blocks 99% of Harmful UV Rays

Blocks 99% of Harmful UV Rays

Glare Reduction

Up to 95% Glare Reduction

Up to 95% Glare Reduction

Technology

Dual-Layer Nano Ceramic

Single-Layer Nano Ceramic

Vehicle tints, like the ones XPEL offers, have numerous advantages. They reduce cabin heat, block UV rays, minimize glare from external light sources, and increase privacy.

The order is placed through XPEL’s website, and then you will be referred to your local installer. They will conduct the installation, and then you’re set and ready to go - no payment is needed from the installer. The process takes between 1-2 business days, including time for the tint to fully set on the glass. This reduces the chance of the window tint peeling prematurely from your frameless window, which automatically lowers and raises when you open and close the door.

For now, this service is only available in the United States, and you can get referred to an XPEL official installer through the button on XPEL’s Partner website here. You can select the shade/tint percentage of your window film on the installation date.

Of note, windshield tinting is not available through the partnership program, but XPEL advises that your local installer can provide you with an additional quote on the day of installation.

Latest Tesla Update

Confirmed by Elon

Take a look at features that Elon Musk has said will be coming soon.

More Tesla News

Tesla Videos

Latest Tesla Update

Confirmed by Elon

Take a look at features that Elon Musk has said will be coming soon.

Subscribe

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter