The Model S is a well-equipped and capable car, but there are a few commonly purchased accessories and extras that many owners have found will further improve the overall experience. None is essential, but all are useful.
Tesla Universal Mobile Connector / Mobile EVSE Charger Cable
The Model S is supplied with a Tesla UMC (Universal Mobile Connector) which, with the right adaptors, will allow you to plug into any “standard” electrical sockets, such as an everyday UK 3-pin outlet. The Tesla UMC is limited to a maximum of 11kW, dependent on the socket and power source being connected to. In the UK the UMC is supplied as standard with two adaptors:
- UK 3-pin (BS1363) 13A plug – Model S will charge at 10A (approximately 2.3kW) equating to 6-7 miles per hour.
- Blue (single phase) 32A ‘commando’ (IEC 60309) plug – Model S will charge at 32A (approximately 7.4kW) equating to about 22 miles per hour.
- NB. This plug is not compatible with the smaller Blue 16A ‘commando’ sockets frequently found at British campsites.
Tesla also sell additional adaptors for the UMC:
- Red (3-phase) 16A ‘commando’ (IEC 60309) plug – Model S will charge at 3 x 16A (approximately 11kW) equating to about 33 miles per hour.
- European Schuko (Type F, CEE 7/4) plug – Model S will charge at 13A (approximately 3kW) equating to about 9 miles per hour.
- French Schuko (Type E, CEE 7/6) plug – Model S will charge at 13A (approximately 3kW) equating to about 9 miles per hour.
Tesla CHAdeMO Adaptor
The Tesla CHAdeMO adaptor allows the car to charge from DC rapid charge points equipped with CHAdeMO plugs which will, in general, charge the car at up to 40kW.
In the UK the Ecotricity Electric Highway has installed CHAdeMO chargers at most motorway service areas, as well as branches of IKEA, locations on trunk roads, and other sites. Rapid chargers are also being installed in major cities, at supermarkets and retail parks.
Contact your delivery specialist if you think CHAdeMO access will be useful.
Type 2 Cable
In the UK, Tesla sell a Type 2 cable (manufactured by Mennekes) which is 7m long, 3 phase. This is a big, heavy, cumbersome, but capable cable. This can be useful at some sites, however since the release of the Tesla CHAdeMO adaptor, it is less useful since it will charge at a significantly lower rate.
If you have an untethered (i.e. with a socket rather than a cable attached) Type 2 charging point at home or work, where you regularly charge the car, then it is worthwhile purchasing a Type 2 cable to leave permanently connected there. This is much less hassle than uncoiling and recoiling your Tesla cable every day, and stowing it in the boot or ‘frunk’. Also, if your home charge point is only single phase then you can buy a single phase Type 2 cable which will be lighter, more flexible, and easier to use.
Compact USB Stick
The Model S can play common audio filetypes from a USB device connected to either of the USB ports located in the front of the centre armrest.
For most users, an ultra-compact USB flashdrive (left permanently installed in the car) is the most effective way to make all your media accessible.
Plastic film to protect Tread Plates
The front doors of the Model S both have aluminium tread plate inserts which are extremely easy to scratch. If you are having your car detailed or having a paint protection film applied after delivery then you should consider getting these protected too.
Otherwise, you can easily buy a scrap of the material and do it yourself – get an offcut from a local detailer, or sources such as eBay.
Lighting for Frunk and Boot
The interior lighting in the frunk and boot is not great. Some owners have invested significant time and money in retro-fitting additional LED units to add more light, but a simple solution is to fit battery powered motion sensing LED lights that are mounted magnetically so can be easily removed and reinstalled as required.
Tyre sealant/inflater
The Model S does not have a spare wheel. Tesla will sell you a tyre sealant and re-inflation system which can help you travel a short distance if you get a puncture.
Locking Wheel Nuts
The car does not come with locking wheel nuts as standard. Tesla will sell you these if you ask. Contact your delivery specialist.
Seatbelt Extenders for kids’ car seats
If you need to fit children’s car seats or booster cushions in the second row you will find that the recessed nature of the seatbelt sockets in the Model S makes it extremely difficult for kids to latch and release their own seatbelts.
Simply buy some seatbelt extenders (you need Type A for the Model S).
Alloy Gators
The Model S is a wide car and it’s wider at the back than the front, which makes it very easy to misjudge where the edges of the car are and scuff the wheels. The turbine wheels in particular have ultra-low profile tyres which provide almost no rubber “cushion” if you should rub against a kerb.
Many owners fit their cars with Alloy Gators which provide protection for the wheel edge without significantly impacting the looks of the wheel. It’s worth having them professionally fitted (NB if you need to have your tyres replaced or repaired you will need to re-fit the gators afterwards) but in particular for the large wheels they will most likely save you money and keep your wheels looking immaculate.
Coat Hooks
As part of their drive to create a minimalist, streamlined, interior, Tesla chose not to fit features that are near-universal among ICE cars, such as grab handles and coat hooks. For owners who wish to be able to hang a coat or jacket in the rear of the car, third party hooks are available (though note that these are only compatible with cars with the Pano Roof.
The cheapest source of these is Evannex though if you are in Europe you may find it simpler to order from a supplier based in the EU, such as Tesla&More.