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Tesla's Universal Wall Connector To Be Installed at Over 2,000 Hilton Hotels

Tesla's Universal Wall Connector at Hilton 10 photos
Photo: Hilton / autoevolution edit
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Tesla is making sure its grip on the EV market remains strong. After the most important automakers announced they would switch to the North American Charging Standard (NACS), it's now time for the Level 2 charger to shine. Here's how this recently launched product will make a big impact starting next year.
It hasn't even been a month since Tesla released the 11.5-kW charger that can be hooked to both CCS Combo 1- and NACS-equipped electric vehicles. But things are looking more and more promising for the world's most valuable automaker. It just scored a major deal with Hilton.

Tesla is going to sell and install approximately 20,000 Universal Wall Connectors at Hilton hotels in the US, Canada, and Mexico. The charger costs $595, and the first orders are expected to start shipping next month. But given the sheer size of this order, it's unlikely that Hilton will pay that figure.

Even so, it's worth noting that this is a very competitive price. Other brands like Ford or Rivian offer similar products for $200 more.

Presumably, Tesla gave Hilton executives a preview of what this charging solution can do, and they liked it so much that it's going to be implemented at most of the hospitality brand's locations. Every hotel will have at least six chargers available for EV owners.

The Supercharger Magic Dock inspired Tesla's Universal Wall Connector. It uses a similar mechanism to replenish the energy storage units of all EVs, apart from those still sporting the old CHAdeMO inlet.

Press the button on the connector, and the cord releases from its holding place with the J1772 (the top part of the CCS Combo 1 plug). Don't do it, and you'll see the NACS power pins. It's that easy.

The Universal Wall Connector is safe to use inside and outside, making it ideal for home and commercial use. It dispenses energy at a maximum rate of 11.5 kW. That translates into approximately 40 miles of range added per hour. It's also connected to the internet via Wi-Fi. That feature allows users and property managers to control or diagnose the chargers. They can also set the preferred amperage and consult more useful data like the state of charge.

It's not yet clear how Hilton will make sure people won't overstay and treat these charging spots as parking bays. The brand also didn't specify if it will be a free perk for guests or if they'll have to pay.

Finally, it's worth noting that the installations will begin in early 2024. If you want to plan a lengthy trip and avoid costly DC fast chargers, make sure to check beforehand for hotels or other types of accommodations that offer some kind of free charging.


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About the author: Florin Amariei
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Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one.
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