Driving a UK Tesla to Europe: Which Mobile Connector Adapters to Pack

Why your UK adapter is not enough

The Gen 2 Mobile Connector takes interchangeable adapters. UK cars come with the 3-pin BS 1363 adapter, which only fits UK and Irish sockets. On the continent you need the adapter for the socket you will actually find: a household socket at a holiday home or hotel, or a blue CEE socket at a campsite.

Schuko covers most countries

Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Sweden and much of Eastern Europe use Schuko (Type F) sockets. Tesla sells a Schuko adapter for the Mobile Connector and rates it at 3 kW, about 19 km of range per hour. France and Belgium use Type E sockets, which have an earth pin: a Schuko plug fits them only if it has the hole for that pin.

Campsites: the blue socket

European campsites and marinas mostly use blue CEE (IEC 60309) sockets. Tesla lists 3.7 kW on a 16A blue socket and 7.4 kW on 32A. The 32A adapter is a different size from the 16A one; many pitches are fused below 16A, so set a lower current in the car if the site asks.

• Ask the campsite which socket and fuse rating the pitch has before you arrive.
• Bring the adapter that matches the socket size, not just the colour.

Switzerland and Italy

Switzerland uses its own Type J socket, so neither the UK nor the Schuko adapter fits. Italy uses Type L sockets and, in many homes, Schuko sockets too; Tesla notes that its Schuko adapter is not intended for Italy, so check which socket your accommodation has.

Before you go

Superchargers and public AC chargers do not need any of these adapters; they are for slow charging overnight at your accommodation. Pack the one or two adapters that match where you will stay, keep them dry, and never use an extension lead or a travel plug converter between the adapter and the socket.