FYI: Tesla Cybertruck’s lead engineer cautions against using aftermarket NACS-to-NACS extension cords, emphasizing safety concerns as Tesla works on first-party solutions.
Please Avoid NACS Extension Cords at Tesla Superchargers
Surprisingly, some EV drivers are showing up at Tesla’s Supercharger stations with aftermarket NACS-to-NACS extension cords. While it may seem like a convenient solution for reaching the charger port, Tesla’s lead engineer for the Cybertruck, Wes Morrill, strongly advises against using them due to significant safety concerns.
Hazards of Extension Cords at High-Output Chargers
Extension cords for high-output DC Fast Chargers are causing unnecessary risks. Pushing 250 kilowatts (or more) through copper cables generates intense heat, even over short distances. Tesla’s Superchargers manage this heat with liquid-cooled cables, but aftermarket extensions lack this capability, leading to potential overheating or worse.
Morrill states, "There’s a temperature measurement in the handle, and the supercharger derates based on that temperature." By using an extension cable, this safety measure is bypassed, increasing the risk of shorts and other issues.
Reconsidering “Efficiency” Solutions
Although the idea seems efficient, extending cables can introduce more resistance, resulting in increased heat and compromised charging speed. Tesla has started addressing this by developing its own NACS-to-NACS extension cable.
The Need for Extended Reach
With Tesla opening its Superchargers to non-Tesla vehicles, including General Motors, the inconsistency of charge port placements among various automakers means some might resort to double-parking to charge. An extension cable appears to be a useful solution, but the risks outweigh the benefits.
Safety and Efficiency Concerns
Introducing aftermarket extension cords not only poses overheating risks but also affects overall charging efficiency. Slower charging times impact everyone waiting for their turn, and any derating caused by overheating cables makes the process more cumbersome.
Tesla’s Proactive Measures
Tesla is already preparing to address this issue. Apart from developing a first-party extension cable, Tesla is rolling out V4 charging stalls with longer cables at new Supercharging sites across North America. These updates aim to accommodate the diverse charge port locations of various EV models.
Conclusion: Keep the Charging Process Simple and Safe
The lesson here is that simplicity and safety should be paramount in EV charging. Overcomplicating the process with aftermarket solutions may lead to reliability issues. Trust the built-in engineering of Tesla Superchargers and avoid unnecessary risks with extension cords.
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Author: William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
