Charging connector installed outside - how to keep your power secure?

[R2D2TOO]

You are solving a simple problem with a complicated solution. Just get a Tesla charger and put it in a secure box. There you go, saved you hours of time of hundreds of dollars.

A simple solution would be an app that allows me to control what the connector does.
A connector inside an ugly locked box is not simple or attractive. Not gonna do that.
I want a software solution.

This is the best solution yet for OP

Don’t like that option.

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[Thebandit]

Unifi Home Charger has ability to have access permissions.

If their EVSE is anything like their gateways, it will randomly tell you that it charged 11,575 kWh overnight, and the next automatic firmware update will make it only work with Powe Wheels.

 

[TheMac]

If their EVSE is anything like their gateways, it will randomly tell you that it charged 11,575 kWh overnight, and the next automatic firmware update will make it only work with Powe Wheels.

I don’t have their EVSE, so can’t speak for it through experience but my Unifi network system has been rock solid for several years.

 

[captainjp]

Tesla wall connector and charging schedule seem like the best option

 

[Zoidz]

OpenEVSE allows you to turn charging on and off from the app. I've been using my OpenEVSE for 3 years with zero issues. It just works. Buy it as a kit and assemble it yourself, or buy it assembled.

https://www.openevse.com/

 

[windblowlc]

Just put a sign that says unauthorized users will be electrocuted

 

[SenatorSteak]

Just bought a 2026 R1T with Native NACS and have two Tesla wall connectors. No issue charging.

1/You can’t restrict non-Tesla vehicles
2/You can schedule when the car can charge (this is independent of the vehicle)
3/You can start/stop the charging anytime
4/You can setup the Wall Connector to be a commercial charger and charge others using it (unfortunately you too I think - never tried this one)

Screens from the app here.

 

[pointless]

Was just about to post the same screenshot but @SenatorSteak beat me to it.

Tesla App and Universal Wall Charger already have this capability but only for Teslas. Probably same reason plug and charge works differently at Tesla DCFCs for Teslas and non-Teslas. Guessing different handshake protocol.

 

[R2D2TOO]

Tesla wall connector and charging schedule seem like the best option

i *think* so too. As I understand it, if you implement scheduled charging time, that restricts the wall charger operation to those times, yes? Then you can override that by saying “charge now” in the app? Maybe?
Unclear. Maybe someone can confirm if it works that way…
Another option is Emporia’s invite2charge feature, although that is really intended for multiple users.

 

[dduffey]

I had my exterior home charger on plugshare, afaik everyone has texted me before use.

I had a neighbor that had a lighting and asked me to use it, and I said yes. He then had a friend visit with a Tesla model 3 who used it for a week even though there are superchargers everywhere in every direction. Just being a cheapskate.

After a couple months of overnight charges I told him it's about time he gets his own and I removed it from plugshare. He ended up getting rid of it "because of the hassle of charging."

It wasn't about the cost as the headache of having another vehicle in your driveway.

 

[R2D2TOO]

Just bought a 2026 R1T with Native NACS and have two Tesla wall connectors. No issue charging.

1/You can’t restrict non-Tesla vehicles
2/You can schedule when the car can charge (this is independent of the vehicle)
3/You can start/stop the charging anytime
4/You can setup the Wall Connector to be a commercial charger and charge others using it (unfortunately you too I think - never tried this one)

Screens from the app here.

Thanks for the screenshots!

 

[Dasoss]

I was pretty much sold on the Tesla connector for the outside of my garage - BUT - then I read where it is always on. It cannot be restricted by VIN for NON-Tesla vehicles. While I think it unlikely that anyone would pull into my drievway for a charge while I am away, crazier things have happened.
So, my questions are;
Am I right about the Tesla connector? (I'd like to use that one because I have Tesla power at home, and have the app already)
If so, are there any L2 connectors that provide some sort of power security?
Any insights are appreciated!

There are lockable enclosures available for the wall charger. Some even have space to store the cable and connector. Some require a key; others have a combination lock. A box provides a clean looksystem. Is also additiona weather protection.You can fit a sensor for your home security systemic, if you like. Of course, a locked inclosure is going to be inconvenient for you
Most have limited room for the charger and the cable. ICoiling up the cable could and securing the box cold get to. be a nuisance. Most of the ones that i looked at don't address ventilation very well.. if your charger is 98% efficient, there is more than 200 W to get out of the box. I think that this solution is worse than the problem.

 

[Mos Eisley]

I had my exterior home charger on plugshare, afaik everyone has texted me before use.

I had a neighbor that had a lighting and asked me to use it, and I said yes. He then had a friend visit with a Tesla model 3 who used it for a week even though there are superchargers everywhere in every direction. Just being a cheapskate.

After a couple months of overnight charges I told him it's about time he gets his own and I removed it from plugshare. He ended up getting rid of it "because of the hassle of charging."

It wasn't about the cost as the headache of having another vehicle in your driveway.

Wow- that's like the guy that borrows your mower, hedge trimmer, golf clubs and wife, and never returns them.

 

[therealcmj]

If their EVSE is anything like their gateways, it will randomly tell you that it charged 11,575 kWh overnight, and the next automatic firmware update will make it only work with Powe Wheels.

I love my Unifi setup but this is hysterical. And absolutely based on a kernel of truth.

 

[SwampNut]

A lot of the cheap chargers on eBay have NFC car locks. I always wondered who they were for. I guess it’s cheaper than therapy.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4045734210...IgaSNnTVQh6q0VxqmOvKnYDmdQ==|tkp:BFBMwp6U19xn

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