Can a Tesla Charge Another EV or Even Your House?

Bidirectional charging is the one thing that would make Teslas even more appealing to people who want to buy them. Most of the time, Tesla has kept quiet about this feature, which makes me think that they might be doing something special. But we'll never really know. So, can Tesla's charge cars in both directions?

Tesla's can't charge each other because they don't have the technology to do so. Tesla cares more about keeping the batteries in good shape, so it can't keep or control the best range of battery charge if it allows bidirectional charging.

Why Tesla cars can't charge each other

It's not easy to use a battery from one electric vehicle to charge another battery or send power back into the grid. It's not as easy as plugging a compatible adapter into a wall outlet or receptacle and letting the voltage differences between the terminals and the power supply do the work.

I don't want to sound like Musk or Nikola Tesla right now. Still, I should explain the basic idea so that the rest of the reasons make sense. Electrons don't flow naturally between two sets of terminals or potentials that have the same voltage, also called electromotive force.

Adapters, special circuits, or other technologies are the only ways to make it easier for electrons to move from one place to another and for current to flow. This brings me to the most important thing a Tesla must have to be able to charge another battery: bidirectional charging.

Tesla Doesn’t Support Bidirectional Charging

The word "bidirectional charging" means exactly what it sounds like. You can help current flow in either direction by using the same circuit or path, including ports. The Ford F-150 Lightning Truck is a good example of something new and useful.

This pickup truck can be charged in both directions. The brand calls this feature "Ford Intelligent Backup Power." So, you can use the battery of this all-electric truck to charge another Ford F-150 Lightning or send power to your home, the grid, or other places.

This is how two-way charging works:

Did you already know? Mick Tesla, who goes by the handle @TezlaMick on Twitter, wanted to know if a Tesla Cybertruck could power a small mobile home. Elon Musk said, "Yes," which was a short and clear answer. If a Cybertruck really does allow charging in both directions, it should be able to charge a Tesla.

Tesla doesn't yet support charging in both directions. Since a few years ago, there has been a lot of buzz in the business world about the possibility of getting power from cars to the grid. But Elon Musk is still not sure how useful and important it will be in the real world. But Musk hasn't closed the door.

Here’s why:

Tesla Prioritizes Main Battery Pack Upkeep

Tesla takes pride in making the best batteries for all-electric vehicles, which is not a secret. Tesla batteries are known for their long range and durability, even though there have been problems with preconditioning and charging in very cold or hot weather.

It seems that Tesla cares so much about the maintenance of its main battery pack that there is a lot of official information about keeping the best charge, best practices, and even driving patterns. The last thing Tesla wants is for its batteries to get worse, which is what will happen when they can be charged in both directions.

If Tesla allows bidirectional charging, it can't keep the best range of battery charge or control it. Tesla is so careful with its main pack that if it loses a lot of power, even the 12 V battery on board stops charging.

If you've ever had a dead 12 V battery that wouldn't let you open the door while the main pack was sleeping in its low-energy mode, you'd know about this problem. So, even if a Tesla battery is fully charged, it can't power another car. But you are probably thinking about the 12 V battery right now.

Tesla’s 12 V Battery Is a Futile Charging Source

I assume you know that in addition to the main pack, your Tesla has a 12 V battery. This 12 V battery runs the electronics that can't be powered by the main high-voltage pack. Lead-acid batteries are used for extra functions in older Tesla's. The extra battery in newer Tesla's is made of lithium-ion.

Neither this lead-acid battery nor this lithium-ion battery is a good way to charge a Tesla. First of all, 12 V isn't enough to charge an electric car. Second, the power or amp capacity of these 12 V batteries is useless if you only want to get a few miles out of them.

How Many Different Ways Are There to Charge a Tesla?

You may power up a Tesla in any location that has a power outlet that is compatible with the adapters you have by using either a wall charger or a mobile connection. You have the option of using either Superchargers or charging station while you are on the move.

Are Fires Caused by Lithium-Ion Batteries Hazardous?

Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are hazardous because they require a significantly greater volume of water to extinguish than other types of flames and have the potential to reignite. Because lithium is so extremely reactive, it cannot be extinguished by chemicals or buffers.

What Steps Should I Take in the Event That My Tesla Explodes?

If your Tesla were to explode, you would need to apply a substantial amount of water directly to the battery in order to lower its temperature and put an end to the fire's progress. You should only proceed in this manner if it is safe to do so. Always call the emergency services if you need help.