Let’s simply get this one out of the way in which up high: no matter you do, please do not present as much as a Tesla Supercharger with an NACS “extension twine.”
Yup, you learn that proper. There’s an extension twine on the market now that can lengthen the size of a NACS-terminated charging cable, and apparently, some individuals suppose that utilizing them at a high-output DC Quick Charger is a good concept. Tesla’s lead engineer for the Cybertruck has one piece of recommendation for these people: do not.
Wes Morrill took the chance to shortly denounce the thought of utilizing an extension twine on Tesla’s Superchargers or any DC Quick Charging station.
It might sound apparent, however pushing 250 kilowatts (or extra) via copper generates some critical warmth, even over brief distances. DCFCs compensate for this warmth by liquid-cooling their cables—and that is one thing that these extension cords do not assist. As Morrill factors out, that would lead to an overheated cable shorting out, opening a unique bag of points.
“There is a temperature measurement within the deal with and the supercharger derates primarily based on that temperature,” stated Morrill. “With the extension cable that security goes away.”
What Morrill is describing is the other of the “moist towel trick” the place drivers place a chilly, damp towel on a Supercharging deal with to trick the temperature sensor into sustaining an elevated cost charge. When InsideEVs reported on this trick in Might—calling it out to be a security threat—the automaker publicly said that the moist towel trick had no impact on charging pace. Nonetheless, Morrill’s response signifies that the deal with’s temperature sensor does, in reality, derate charging primarily based on the deal with temperature.
The vendor of the extension cable, A2Z EV, posted a video of the extension cable on X earlier this month, and it does look reasonably beefy. The OEM additionally says that it is dedicated to security and does carry out temperature checks on its merchandise. Maybe that is why the corporate replied to Morrill asking to debate additional to higher perceive his argument in opposition to utilizing the product. If I needed to guess, they’ll get a really related earful from the engineer.
Reaching For Effectivity
I will admit this: an extension cable is a brilliant transfer. I imply, even Tesla thinks so, as a result of they’re constructing their very own NACS-to-NACS extension cable.
Tesla has been opening up its Superchargers to non-Tesla autos over the previous 12 months (together with Basic Motors, as of at this time). The issue is that the situation of a cost port is not standardized, so automakers are simply sort of putting it at no matter nook of the car they really feel is the most effective match. Which means that GM, Ford, Rivian, and the opposite automakers that can ultimately have entry to Tesla’s chargers might want to double-park in an effort to juice up.
Once more, it is sensible for an extension cable to exist. To simply be capable of plug in an extended cable looks like an incredible concept, and whilst you might do it, you should not.
Extension cables introduce resistance to the combination. The longer electrical energy must run throughout a cable, the extra resistance it encounters. This implies extra warmth. And if the charger would not derate, properly, let’s simply say that you do not wish to be the individual recognized for melting an extension cable to their automotive (or, worse, to a Supercharger).
Hazard apart, these cables additionally pose an effectivity downside. DCFCs are supposed to be quick. Plug in, cost up, and depart. If the charger is limiting itself due to an overheated cable, meaning slowing down each individual ready in line for his or her flip on the charger. However then once more, so does double-parking, so decide your poison.
The Backside Line: Preserve It Easy
If there’s one factor we have discovered with the transfer in direction of EVs, it is that simplicity is usually key. Over-complicating results in unreliability ( you, fee processors), and Tesla’s Superchargers are already a marvel of engineering constructed to take the guesswork out of charging. Once you introduce variables like extension cables, you might mess up an in any other case slippery easy expertise.
Talking of which, Tesla is already engaged on addressing the issue. First-party extension cable apart, it has additionally begun putting in V4 charging stalls at new Supercharging websites in North America this 12 months, albeit with older V3 cupboards to provide the facility. Presumably, that is to accommodate all the new autos that can want a bit of additional attain within the cable, as V4 stalls have an extended attain than V3, which have been solely designed for Tesla’s charger placement port.
So let’s take it from the man who, fairly actually, constructed the Cybertruck. Whereas it might appear engaging to purchase one in every of these cables for below $300, the issues it dangers introducing aren’t well worth the threat. Your automotive—and different drivers ready behind you on the Supercharger—will thanks.