FAQ
Quick jump: Power & Operation · Compatibility · Setup & Safety · Orders & Shipping · Returns & Warranty · Support
Power & Operation
How much power does it provide?
The current RoamEnergy Tesla EV Discharger outputs up to 3,500W of continuous power at 120V AC (North America). Each outlet is 120V and supports up to 15A, so one outlet gives you about 1,800W, and the whole unit can provide up to 3,500W total when used within its rated range.
In real life, that means you can run multiple essentials at the same time as long as the total load stays within the rated output and you respect starting surges for motors and compressors. For detailed specs, see Specs.
In real life, that means you can run multiple essentials at the same time as long as the total load stays within the rated output and you respect starting surges for motors and compressors. For detailed specs, see Specs.
What can I run?
Typical loads include:
- Home essentials: refrigerator, lights, Wi-Fi router, laptops, security cameras, small electronics
- Outdoor & camping: portable fridges, induction cookers, coffee makers, projectors, lighting, camera/film gear
- Jobsite tools: suitable power tools within the rated output and surge capability
How long will it run?
Runtime depends on:
One Tesla ≈ one day of essential backup power, as long as you keep the load reasonable and monitor your remaining range.
- Your Tesla’s battery size and state of charge (SoC)
- Your total load (how many watts you are drawing)
- Ambient temperature and vehicle overhead
- Many Teslas have about 60–80 kWh of usable battery energy.
- A typical home battery (e.g., Powerwall) is about 13.5 kWh, so one Tesla holds roughly the equivalent of 4–6 home batteries.
- If you run only essentials (fridge, lights, Wi-Fi, laptops, small electronics), one Tesla can often cover around a full day of backup power from a single charge.
- At light loads you may see 20–30 hours; at heavier loads it may be more like 6–12 hours.
One Tesla ≈ one day of essential backup power, as long as you keep the load reasonable and monitor your remaining range.
Are you working on a higher-power Pro version?
Yes. We are developing a next-generation Pro version for customers who need more power and 240V support. The current concept includes:
- Total output up to around 7,000–7,500W
- A dedicated 240V NEMA 14-50 outlet on the rear
- Upgraded 120V outlets (higher wattage per outlet)
- Bluetooth app control and a larger smart front display
- Optional vehicle-to-vehicle charging capability
Compatibility
Which Tesla models are supported?
The Discharger is designed for Tesla Model 3 / Y / S / X that have CCS fast-charging support enabled. There are no permanent vehicle modifications and no wiring changes required when used as directed.
How do I know if my Tesla is compatible? Do older Teslas need a CCS upgrade?
Many Teslas built between 2012–2020 already support CCS, and some left the factory with CCS enabled. The easiest way to check is from inside your car:
If it shows “Not Enabled”, you will need to visit a Tesla Service Center to add the official CCS upgrade. Once Tesla enables CCS, your car works like newer models.
We do not modify the vehicle or bypass Tesla’s systems. We simply use Tesla’s standard CCS pathway, so all of Tesla’s built-in protections remain active.
- Open your Tesla touchscreen.
- Go to Software → Additional Vehicle Information.
- Look for the line: “CCS Adapter Support”.
If it shows “Not Enabled”, you will need to visit a Tesla Service Center to add the official CCS upgrade. Once Tesla enables CCS, your car works like newer models.
We do not modify the vehicle or bypass Tesla’s systems. We simply use Tesla’s standard CCS pathway, so all of Tesla’s built-in protections remain active.
Does it require vehicle modifications?
No. The system is plug-and-play. It uses the official Tesla charge port and follows Tesla’s normal communication and safety protocol. There is no need to open the vehicle, change wiring, or install any third-party modules inside the car.
Setup & Safety
How do I set it up?
Basic steps:
- Park your Tesla safely with adequate ventilation around the vehicle.
- Connect the RoamEnergy Discharger to the Tesla charge port (and adapter if used).
- Wait for the handshake and “ready” state.
- Connect your loads and keep the total within 3,500W at 120V.
- Power on your devices and monitor the display and your Tesla battery level.
Can I backfeed my home?
No. Do not backfeed a home electrical panel or any part of your building wiring unless you are using a properly installed transfer switch or inlet that has been set up by a licensed electrician.
The safest way to use the Discharger for outages is to power devices directly: lights, Wi-Fi, refrigerator, laptops, small appliances, and other essential loads plugged into appropriate outlets. For home backup ideas, see Home Backup.
The safest way to use the Discharger for outages is to power devices directly: lights, Wi-Fi, refrigerator, laptops, small appliances, and other essential loads plugged into appropriate outlets. For home backup ideas, see Home Backup.
Is it safe to power part of my home this way?
Yes, when used correctly and within its rated limits. This system is designed with multiple layers of protection:
For any connection to branch circuits or a transfer switch, always follow local electrical codes and work with a licensed electrician.
- On the Tesla side: the vehicle constantly monitors voltage, current, and temperature. If anything moves outside of its safe range, the car will reduce or stop power immediately.
- On the Discharger side: the unit also monitors load, temperature, and stability. If the load is too high, too hot, or unstable, it will shut down.
For any connection to branch circuits or a transfer switch, always follow local electrical codes and work with a licensed electrician.
Is it safe to use in rain?
Use the unit in dry, ventilated areas. Keep the Discharger, plugs, and outlets away from rain, standing water, and snow. Use only properly rated outdoor extension cords and avoid overloading them.
Always follow the detailed safety instructions in the user manual, and avoid placing the unit where it could be exposed to direct water spray or flooding.
Always follow the detailed safety instructions in the user manual, and avoid placing the unit where it could be exposed to direct water spray or flooding.
Does using this device affect my Tesla warranty?
When used as directed, the RoamEnergy Discharger is intended to be treated as a portable, off-grid power device, not a fixed, grid-tied home energy system. It:
As with any accessory, customers should follow the user manual, avoid prohibited uses (such as unsafe backfeeding), and comply with Tesla’s general safety guidance.
- Plugs into the official Tesla charge port
- Does not hard-wire into your home’s main electrical panel
- Does not push power back into the grid (no backfeed)
- Does not require any internal modification of the vehicle
As with any accessory, customers should follow the user manual, avoid prohibited uses (such as unsafe backfeeding), and comply with Tesla’s general safety guidance.
Why is it UL Tested instead of UL Certified?
RoamEnergy uses an accredited UL standards laboratory to perform UL safety tests on the product hardware, following the relevant UL requirements for inverters, outlets, and associated components. We describe this as “UL Tested”.
At this time:
At this time:
- The North American V2L/V2X category is still evolving, and there is not yet a single, dedicated UL listing category built specifically around Tesla-based off-board AC power.
- Full UL Certified listing involves not only passing tests, but also entering an ongoing listing and factory-inspection program that significantly increases cost and complexity.
- Ensure the product is tested to the relevant UL safety standards, and
- Keep pricing accessible so more owners can benefit from using their EV as a safe power source.
Why does Tesla log a “charging session”? Does skipping preheating affect battery safety?
When the Discharger connects through Tesla’s official CCS pathway, the car uses its standard high-power handshake. Today, Tesla’s system only has one category for this kind of session, so it is always labeled as a “charging” event in the log—even if power is effectively flowing out of the battery to your loads. The car is not being “tricked”; it simply doesn’t have a separate “discharge session” label.
On battery preheating:
On battery preheating:
- Battery preheat is part of Tesla’s built-in safety logic for very cold conditions.
- In our newer firmware, we allow the handshake to complete without forced preheating when the battery is already in a safe temperature range, so you do not waste energy unnecessarily.
- If the battery is actually too cold, Tesla will still preheat on its own, and we do not override that behavior.
Orders & Shipping
Where do you ship from and how long does it take?
We ship from our U.S. warehouse. Typical timelines depend on the carrier and your destination. You will receive a tracking email as soon as your order ships.
Can I track my order?
Yes. Please use the tracking link in your shipping confirmation email. If you need help, contact us via Contact Us and include your order number.
Returns & Warranty
What’s your return policy?
Please review our Returns & Warranty page for eligibility, timelines, and instructions before sending anything back. This page explains how to request a return, restocking rules (if any), and how refunds are processed.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes. Warranty coverage details, duration, and claim steps are listed on the Returns & Warranty page. If you ever need support, please contact us with your order number, Tesla model, and a brief description of the issue.
Support
Where can I get the manual and quick start guide?
You can download the latest User Manual, safety guide, and quick start materials as PDFs at User Manual & Downloads.
How do I contact support?
Please reach out via Contact Us. For the fastest resolution, include:
- Your order number (if available)
- Your Tesla model and year
- A brief description of your setup (loads, cables, any adapters)
- Photos or short videos if you are troubleshooting an issue
Why did RoamEnergy build this product?
Honestly, it started with a simple idea: every EV carries a large, high-quality battery, and using it only for driving feels like a waste. That same battery can safely power many parts of everyday life—home essentials during an outage, camping trips, filming, tools, and more—if you have the right bridge between the car and your devices.
For years, there was no solution designed specifically to do this in a way that respects the vehicle’s protections and delivers stable, AC power owners can trust. RoamEnergy was created to fill that gap: focusing on safety engineering, stable output, and real-world durability.
Our long-term vision is simple: when EV owners think about using their car as a power source—not just transportation—we want them to think of RoamEnergy as the trusted way to unlock the energy they already own.
For years, there was no solution designed specifically to do this in a way that respects the vehicle’s protections and delivers stable, AC power owners can trust. RoamEnergy was created to fill that gap: focusing on safety engineering, stable output, and real-world durability.
Our long-term vision is simple: when EV owners think about using their car as a power source—not just transportation—we want them to think of RoamEnergy as the trusted way to unlock the energy they already own.