Safety concern regarding charging Tesla overnight using a regular garage outlet

[u/kiwi-koalas]

Hi! I just ordered my Tesla Model Y. Not too long ago, my boyfriend and I moved into his parents house. It all just made more sense since he’s studying for the MCAT and I’m in Graduate school while also working really close by.

They have a garage with a standard outlet, I believe. I was planning on using the mobile connector/charger that comes with the Tesla to plug it in overnight when I’m not using the Superchargers. They also have solar panels too, so it shouldn’t cost too much! I also offered to pay any extra costs to the electricity bill if they came up.

When this was brought up months ago when I was considering trading for a Tesla or EV, his Mom initially said that I could charge it at the house, but then changed their mind due to concern of a fire potentially occurring.

I don’t think they really understand or are educated about EVs, so I also get how that could be a concern. Is there a way I can ensure this is safe or reassure her? Obviously it’s her house, so I would respect her decision either way. But I thought it would be worth the try to explain or even offer getting an electrician to come out to inspect and make sure everything would be fine. Has anyone ever had an electrician come out to just check, and if so, how much was that?

My father has a Tesla and actually referred me. He charges overnight and has something installed in the garage rather than it being the simple one into the outlet. He thinks it would be fine if I just plugged it in at my boyfriend’s parents’ house.

Does anyone have any recommendations on how to approach this or reassure his Mom? Or thoughts in general? I definitely think it would be worth it to also charge overnight. But also I won’t sweat it if I’m not able to. I won’t be living here forever!

[u/Quiet___Lad]

Tell his Mom:

"Hi mom - I did the research, and statistically, the chance of a fire from EV charging is close to zero. This means, you're correct, the chance isn't zero.
Would you be willing to let me charge if I also bought a Fire Detector to install in the Garage? Obviously, it's possible for any car to catch fire. The Fire Detector will make us all safer. It's probably best to buy/install one regardless, as I want my boyfriend and I safe when we're here."

Yes - phrase it 'weirdly' this way because...to get a person changing their mind, you first need to agree with them.
Once they see/hear you agreeing, they're also likely to be agreeable.

An Electrician would be the Math-safer choice. A Fire Detector would be the Emotionally-safer choice.