Stealing Electricity From A Tesla: A How-To Guide

There have been instances of Tesla owners stealing electricity to charge their cars. In one case, a Tesla owner parked their car on a stranger's lawn and used an extension cord to plug into the homeowner's outlet for 12 hours. Another instance involves a Tesla owner plugging their car into a power box available for food trucks in a small city. While some people may be concerned about the potential for electricity theft, others argue that it is not a big deal as it only costs a few dollars to fully charge a vehicle. Some Tesla owners have also expressed interest in sharing their outlets with other EV drivers who may be in need of a charge. To prevent electricity theft, Tesla owners can install locking covers or disconnect boxes on their charging outlets.

Stealing electricity from a Tesla by plugging into a public power box

Stealing electricity from electric vehicles, including Teslas, is a known issue. Some people have resorted to using extension cords to plug into strangers' power outlets without their knowledge. This act of stealing electricity is illegal and unethical, and there are ways to prevent it.

To steal electricity from a Tesla by plugging into a public power box, one would need to find an accessible and unsecured power source. While public charging stations for electric vehicles are available, they typically require payment or authorization through an app or membership card. However, some public power boxes may be less secure and accessible for unauthorized use.

To carry out this theft, one would require the necessary equipment, such as compatible charging cables or adapters that can connect the Tesla to the public power box. This may involve using a standard electric dryer outlet, often a 14-50 outlet, which can be found in some public spaces or residential areas. The thief would need to locate such an outlet and ensure they have the appropriate connector to plug into it.

Once the compatible outlet is located, the thief would need to establish a connection between the Tesla and the power box. This may involve bypassing any security measures in place, such as locks or covers, to access the outlet. After connecting the charger, they would need to ensure the Tesla is properly drawing electricity from the source. This process may take several hours, depending on the charging rate and the battery level of the Tesla.

It is important to note that stealing electricity is illegal and can have consequences, including criminal charges. Additionally, tampering with electrical equipment and connections can be dangerous and may lead to electrical faults or injuries. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize safety and legality when considering charging options for a Tesla or any other electric vehicle.

To prevent electricity theft, Tesla owners can consider installing security measures such as locks, disconnect boxes, or circuit breakers to control access to their charging equipment. Additionally, they can opt for wall chargers with built-in security features or choose to charge their vehicles at secure public charging stations.

Using an extension cord to plug into a stranger's outlet

While it is not recommended, it is technically possible to use an extension cord to plug into a stranger's outlet to charge a Tesla. This method of stealing electricity from a Tesla has been used by some owners who are desperate for a charge.

To do this, you would need to find a stranger's outlet that is accessible from the street or a public area. This could be an external outlet on a residential home or a commercial building. Once you've located such an outlet, you would need to ensure that it is compatible with your extension cord and that the outlet can provide enough power to charge your Tesla.

The next step would be to connect your extension cord to the outlet. Make sure that the extension cord you are using is rated for the amperage you intend to draw and that it is in good condition, with no exposed wires or other damage. Plug one end of the extension cord into the outlet and then run the cord to your Tesla, ensuring that it is safely out of the way and does not present a tripping hazard.

Finally, connect the other end of the extension cord to your Tesla's charging port. Depending on your Tesla model and the outlet's power, it may take several hours to fully charge your vehicle. Keep in mind that using an extension cord can reduce the charging rate and cause the cord and outlet to become warm, so it is important to monitor the situation to prevent any safety hazards.

It is important to note that stealing electricity is illegal and unethical, and it can also be dangerous if not done properly. Additionally, using an extension cord to charge your Tesla is not recommended by the manufacturer and may void your warranty.

Installing a lockable wall charger to prevent theft

There are several ways to prevent theft of electricity from a Tesla charger. One way is to install a lockable wall charger. This can be done by purchasing a lockable wall charger from a company like Tesla or another brand. For example, the Tesla Wall Connector has an access control feature that can be configured in the Tesla One app to allow charging for 'All Vehicles', 'Only Tesla', or 'Authorized Teslas Only'.

Another option is to install a disconnect box with a lock on it to turn the power off to the outlet when not in use. This can be done by installing a hidden power disconnect or drilling and tapping the disconnect with a second lock. Additionally, you can install a locking cover on a 14-50 outlet, which is a standard electric dryer outlet.

If you are concerned about the wall charger being stolen, you can put it in a lockable cabinet large enough to include the cable. You can also install an alarm system with a sensor on the cabinet door.

It is important to note that anything can be unbolted or cut, so these measures may only slow down a determined thief. However, they can provide an additional layer of security and deter casual thieves.

Using a Tesla Wall Connector with a disconnect switch

The Tesla Wall Connector does inherently support EVEMS using the Neurio module. However, there is some confusion regarding the use of a disconnect switch with the Tesla Wall Connector. Some sources suggest that an external disconnect switch is neither required nor recommended by the EV charging manufacturer. This is because such switches are not needed for 60A EVSE branch circuits, and there are safety concerns with cheap switches burning out when used for EVs.

However, other sources suggest that a disconnect switch is required by code for Tesla Wall Connector installations. This may vary depending on the city and local codes, which can be confusing as they change every few years.

One possible solution is to install a non-lockable subpanel with a 60-amp breaker and place the wall connector next to it without any disconnect. If installing a 60-amp or less circuit breaker, a lockable disconnect is not necessary.

Another option is to install a locking cover on a 14-50 outlet or another brand of wall charger that is lockable. Alternatively, you can install a disconnect box with a lock to turn the power off to the outlet or HPWC.

The ethics of stealing a small amount of electricity

Stealing electricity, no matter the amount, is a criminal practice that has been around almost as long as electricity distribution. It is a dangerous activity that can result in severe electric shock, fire outbreaks, or even death.

On the other hand, stealing electricity is illegal and can have significant consequences, including fines and incarceration. It is also important to consider the potential impact on others. The cost of stolen electricity is often passed on to honest, paying customers in the form of higher rates. Additionally, power theft can overload power lines, causing harm to electronics and appliances and reducing the reliability and quality of power service for others.

Furthermore, stealing electricity from a Tesla or any electric vehicle is not a quick or discreet act. It requires a certain level of planning and time commitment, as charging a vehicle can take several hours. Therefore, the ethical argument of "sticking it to the man" may not hold as much weight when considering the impact on other individuals and the time and effort required to commit the theft.

To prevent theft, individuals can take measures such as installing locking covers on outlets, disconnect boxes with locks, or circuit breakers to disable the charger when not in use. Additionally, publishing one's charger on platforms like Plugshare can help EV drivers in need of a charge, promoting a sense of paying it forward instead of stealing.

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