Compatibility of Tesla Mobile Connector with Porsche Macan EV

[daveo4EV]

Thanks for the very helpful information, all! If the image below is the Porsche Universal Charger (PUC) that I can expect to be delivered with my new Macan, I agree there doesn't seem to be much need for the Tesla Mobile Connector (TMC), although, at a glance, the TMC appears to be less bulky, with lighter and more flexible cables. Not having seen either in person, though, I can't say for sure.

Question for @daveo4EV (along with appreciation for your very informative and detailed posts):
You recommended a TeslaTap. If I were to get a TMC, I think the correct model would be the 50 AMP Tesla to J-1772 Adapter but if I were to use the PUC that will come with my new Macan, there is no need for any adaptor - correct? Also, when the Porsche-approved NACS adaptors are finally made available to us, do you anticipate the need for any other NACS adaptor and, if so, which brand and model would you recommend?

specifically yes for a TeslaTap or similar it should be rated for 50 amps or more - the North American Macan's maximum charge rate is 9.6 kW (or 40 amps) which is a 50 amp circuit breaker - even if you plug into a 19.2 kW Tesla Wall charger your Macan's OBC will limit the charge rate to 9.6 kW and not overtax the amp rating of the TeslaTap (or similar) adapter…

personally I see the "adapter" as mutli-vehicle - and purchased a 19.2 kW rated TeslaTap - which means it will work for _ANY_ J-1772 EV I happen to use it with…current and future. But I"m a bit nuts and that is probably un-necessary as most EV's are 11 kW or less these days.

the "amp rating" on a TeslaTap (similar) is NOT a "limit" on the charging - but rather a measure of the Adapter's "robustness" under "load" - if you were to purchase a hypothetical 40 amp TeslaTap and then use it with a 19.2 kW rated Chevy Hummer and a 19.2 kW rated Tesla Wall Charger Gen 1/2 - the adapter's components (wire gauge, plastics, connectors) are not rated for that sort of high capacity AC powerflow - and if used for long enough (2 or more hours would be my guess) certain components may fail/melt since they are only suitable for 40 amp's of 240V AC current…

if you buy a 50 amp rated TeslaTap it will _NOT_ limit your charge rate to 50 amps - it may simply "melt/fail" if subjected to more "load" if you use it for long enough - it gets particularly dicy in terms of thermal load during summer when outside ambient temps are higher…

the amp rating on a TeslaTap is a rough measure of how robust the unit is under thermal loads expected based on high charger rates…and it is rated to not fail/melt in those conditions.

although a 20 amp TeslaTap may work fine for 10 min even at 19.2 kW - I wouldn't recommend - but electrical components like these do not fail immedidately - it's a matter of load over time and how much thermal load is allowed to build up over time.

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[daveo4EV]

you'll never know when/where you'll end up some place that has EV charging but the "wrong" type of charger when you show up - the adapters are "insurance" that you should be able to charge anywhere - regardless of installed charging infrastructure…

this guy for example…from July of 2020…

https://www.taycanforum.com/forum/threads/stuck-in-big-sur-no-charger.1930/

you'll want two adapters in the frunk of any EV in North America for at least a decade - regardless of native port type - you'll always be somewhere when you need access to a charger with the "wrong" type of connector…

J-1772/CCS native vehicles - 1) TeslaTap mini 2) Lectron/Porsche supercharger
NACS native vehicles - 1) J-1772 adapter ($75) 2) CCS Adapter ($250)

 

[Overton Park]

In response to @Paris92 - regarding your question about Romex meeting electrical code – yes, Romex (non-metallic sheathed cable manufactured by Southwire) fully meets code in Atlanta (technically, Alpharetta, GA) where it is commonly used for residential wiring – providing it is not exposed and protected from damage (if there is risk of damage, it should be run through metal conduit). The 6/2 cable used to connect the breaker box 50A breaker and the TUWC is not exposed at any point of the routing and not at risk of damage short of my launching the Turbo in Sport+ mode in the garage.

 

[Overton Park]

Thanks @CandianPorsche83 for the comparative photos of the TMC and PUC - the PUC is really not very space efficient and appears to be fully three or more times the size of the TMC by volume. On that basis alone, the TMC is appealing!

 

[daveo4EV]

Thanks @CandianPorsche83 for the comparative photos of the TMC and PUC - the PUC is really not very space efficient and appears to be fully three or more times the size of the TMC by volume. On that basis alone, the TMC is appealing!

again think it through! when will you need it?

if you just leave the PUC at home it doesn’t matter!

 

[skshimer]

Check with your dealer. My 2025 Macan 4 came with a portable EVSE from Porsche. I have never opened it since I previously has Tesla Gen3 in my garage. I bought a TeslaTap mini J1772 adapter.

Thanks for the very helpful information, all! If the image below is the Porsche Universal Charger (PUC) that I can expect to be delivered with my new Macan, I agree there doesn't seem to be much need for the Tesla Mobile Connector (TMC), although, at a glance, the TMC appears to be less bulky, with lighter and more flexible cables. Not having seen either in person, though, I can't say for sure.

Question for @daveo4EV (along with appreciation for your very informative and detailed posts):
You recommended a TeslaTap. If I were to get a TMC, I think the correct model would be the 50 AMP Tesla to J-1772 Adapter but if I were to use the PUC that will come with my new Macan, there is no need for any adaptor - correct? Also, when the Porsche-approved NACS adaptors are finally made available to us, do you anticipate the need for any other NACS adaptor and, if so, which brand and model would you recommend?

I only bought the TeslaTap mini because I already had the Tesla Gen3 AC charger for my Model S. When I sold it and bought the Macan I bought the adapter. As others have mentioned, there are good AC chargers that have more features than the Tesla. There are many Tesla destination chargers where the J1772 adapter would be useful. I bought the 60A version just have a little headroom.

 

[Overton Park]

again think it through! when will you need it?

if you just leave the PUC at home it doesn’t matter!

I would use either the PUC or TMC when visiting friends who live in relatively remote areas a good many miles from Level III charging stations. The idea is to charge my Macan at their house so that it will be replenished enough to make it a third or more of the way back to my home when I leave. From your posts today, it sounds like I'd want to have either the PUC or TMC (functionality the same but the TMC is lighter and takes up less space in the frunk) with a 19.2kW Tesla Tap Mini for Level I charging and a Lectron / Porsche adaptor for Level III charging. Is that correct?

 

[daveo4EV]

I would use either the PUC or TMC when visiting friends who live in relatively remote areas a good many miles from Level III charging stations. The idea is to charge my Macan at their house so that it will be replenished enough to make it a third or more of the way back to my home when I leave. From your posts today, it sounds like I'd want to have either the PUC or TMC (functionality the same but the TMC is lighter and takes up less space in the frunk) with a 19.2kW Tesla Tap Mini for Level I charging and a Lectron / Porsche adaptor for Level III charging. Is that correct?

yes - recommend leaving the PUC at home as a “permanent” EVSE for your garage - TMC + adapter kit + lectron nacs adapter + lectron/porsche adapter and you should be set for travels

shopping list below to over do it!!!!!!

https://shop.tesla.com/product/mobile-connector

https://shop.tesla.com/product/nema-adapter-bundle

https://ev-lectron.com/products/lectron-tesla-to-j1772-ev-adapter-250v-80-amp

https://ev-lectron.com/products/lec...0a-1-000v-compatible-with-tesla-superchargers

 

[daveo4EV]

I would use either the PUC or TMC when visiting friends who live in relatively remote areas a good many miles from Level III charging stations. The idea is to charge my Macan at their house so that it will be replenished enough to make it a third or more of the way back to my home when I leave. From your posts today, it sounds like I'd want to have either the PUC or TMC (functionality the same but the TMC is lighter and takes up less space in the frunk) with a 19.2kW Tesla Tap Mini for Level I charging and a Lectron / Porsche adaptor for Level III charging. Is that correct?

the “shopping” list will all nicely fit in the frunk! so you always have it with you! and will be a kit for any future EV!

 

[Paris92]

yes - recommend leaving the PUC at home as a “permanent” EVSE for your garage - TMC + adapter kit + lectron nacs adapter + lectron/porsche adapter and you should be set for travels

shopping list below to over do it!!!!!!

https://shop.tesla.com/product/mobile-connector

https://shop.tesla.com/product/nema-adapter-bundle

https://ev-lectron.com/products/lectron-tesla-to-j1772-ev-adapter-250v-80-amp

https://ev-lectron.com/products/lec...0a-1-000v-compatible-with-tesla-superchargers

Dave, is one of these items on the above list a replacement for, or similar to, the TeslaTap previously mentioned? Is the TeslaTap item no longer required as part of a kit?

 

[daveo4EV]

Dave, is one of these items on the above list a replacement for, or similar to, the TeslaTap previously mentioned? Is the TeslaTap item no longer required as part of a kit?

equal alternative to the tesla tap - Lectron makes quality EV accessories so if you're getting the supercharger adapter from them get the J-1772 from them also and save on shipping (one order one billing - hopefully one package)

this is not an endorsement for/against TeslaTap or similar alternatives - just simplifying the number of shipping charges (hopefully)

this item - https://ev-lectron.com/products/lectron-tesla-to-j1772-ev-adapter-250v-80-amp is simply an alternative to TeslaTap…owning this one or TeslaTap (or others) is beneficial so you have access to Tesla Destination chargers…

I hope this clears that up.

 

[craz8]

this guy for example…from July of 2020…

I was once in a BMW Z8 group where one of the members parked more than too close to the edge at Post Ranch Inn. Almost lost it down the cliff at the side of their driveway. The wide tires saved the day.

Also Big Sur was the first time I paid for $6+ gallon gas in the USA - 15+ years ago!

 

[jwatte]

most EV's are 11 kW or less these days

The Chevy ones (which includes the Caddys) are 19.2 kW.

 

[dbsb3233]

Thanks for the very helpful information, all! If the image below is the Porsche Universal Charger (PUC) that I can expect to be delivered with my new Macan, I agree there doesn't seem to be much need for the Tesla Mobile Connector (TMC), although, at a glance, the TMC appears to be less bulky, with lighter and more flexible cables. Not having seen either in person, though, I can't say for sure.

The general consensus is that mobile EVSEs aren't very durable. Which makes sense because they're designed to be lighter and have removable plugs (more connections). While they *can* be used for frequent home charging, it's not the best idea. 240v 32A is still a LOT of power that can heat up any weak spots (especially connection points like plugs).

Ideally, get a true wall EVSE for home. Mine is a Grizzl-E but there's lots of good brands (avoid the cheap Chinese ones). They're more heavy duty and designed for daily use. Remember, this isn't a clothes dryer or oven than might be on for 45 minutes then shut off. It's an EV that draws max power continuously for 6-10 hours. Any weakness is far more likely to get exposed. You don't want a fried wire/plug at 3am in your garage.

 

[Overton Park]

The general consensus is that mobile EVSEs aren't very durable. Which makes sense because they're designed to be lighter and have removable plugs (more connections). While they *can* be used for frequent home charging, it's not the best idea. 240v 32A is still a LOT of power that can heat up any weak spots (especially connection points like plugs).

Ideally, get a true wall EVSE for home. Mine is a Grizzl-E but there's lots of good brands (avoid the cheap Chinese ones). They're more heavy duty and designed for daily use. Remember, this isn't a clothes dryer or oven than might be on for 45 minutes then shut off. It's an EV that draws max power continuously for 6-10 hours. Any weakness is far more likely to get exposed. You don't want a fried wire/plug at 3am in your garage.

Thanks for your observations @dbsb3233 - I agree that it is best one have a wall mounted unit at home - which is why I installed a Tesla Universal Wall Connector (TUWC) on a 50-amp breaker with 6/2 electrical cable a couple of months ago. The interest in mobile units is solely for identifying the optimal equipment for out of town travel when staying with friends and family who live a good many miles away from any Level III charging stations.

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