More charging options with TeslaTap

John Woodell
2 min readDec 13, 2018

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I recently purchased a TeslaTap to have more charging options while on EV road trips. Tesla has been very effective at promoting destination charging and providing the hardware, but Tesla vehicles use a unique connector that is not compatible with all other electric vehicles sold in North America. The TeslaTap opens up many Bay Area destinations that are otherwise lacking electric vehicle charging options.

The TeslaTap connects to the J1772 port of your EV and provides a female receptacle that accepts the Tesla wall connector.

Connectors and levels of electric vehicle charging

In North America, there are various connectors that support three levels of electric vehicle charging. The TeslaTap is for Level 2 (240 volt) charging, and will not work with Tesla Superchargers even when the connector is identical.

It’s easy to locate Tesla charge stations with PlugShare by unselecting the other connector types. Electronic vehicles sold in North America use the J-1772 standard connector. You’ll find the Tesla charge stations at various destinations like hotels, restaurants and wineries.

More destinations available for EV charging

Having the TeslaTap gives you additional options for charging your EV while shopping, dining or taking a hike. I recently stopped in Moss Beach where the only EV charging options in the area were Tesla destination charging stations.

Currently, the only public EV charge stations In Moss Beach and Pillar Point Harbor are Tesla charge stations.

The Half Moon Bay Distillery provides access to a Tesla charge station for free. I took the tour and sampled their outstanding vodka and gin. Although San Mateo County coast had a colorful history during prohibition, I learned on the tour that Half Moon Bay Distillery is the first and only licensed distillery on the San Mateo County Coast.

Free charging at the Half Moon Bay Distillery is available on a first come bases.

Anyone planning an EV road trip along the California coast should carry a TeslaTap. In Moss Beach or Pillar Point harbor, you’ll be able to visit other local businesses or take a hike along Maverick’s Beach while charging your electric vehicle.

Maverick’s Beach provides a beautiful hiking experience with tide pools and stunning views of the harbor.

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John Woodell

Working as a software engineer at Chan Zuckerberg Initiative