Cybertruck lead engineer warns against using NACS extension cords at Superchargers

[Tecyber1]

Well they need to make cables longer then. I’m always having trouble hooking up my CT at the superchargers. Either hurry up with the app summon so I can back up the truck with the app, or allow us more room to back up in to the parking spot

Having used multiple superchargers across multiple locations may I ask why you are experiencing issues? I have backed into every SC and had zero problems reaching the charge port.

Sponsored

 

[rudedawg78]

Having used multiple superchargers across multiple locations may I ask why you are experiencing issues? I have backed into every SC and had zero problems reaching the charge port.

Also, I noticed yesterday at a SC that when I backed up to it, a red light turned on the SC when I was far enough back. I stopped when I seen the light and the charger cord fit perfectly without having to backup further.

I never seen a SC light up like that before, maybe they all do that and I have never noticed.

 

[Tecyber1]

Also, I noticed yesterday at a SC that when I backed up to it, a red light turned on the SC when I was far enough back. I stopped when I seen the light and the charger cord fit perfectly without having to backup further.

I never seen a SC light up like that before, maybe they all do that and I have never noticed.

I don't recall ever seeing a light or anything, I use the back bumper as my guide and its perfect. I turned off park assist chimes and don't pay attention to anything but the black bumper line for gauging distance.

I have yet to use an L4, they have all been L3's btw....

 

[TickTock]

Per Wes Morrill:

"Would recommend AGAINST using an extension cord on a supercharger (or any DC charging station with a liquid cooled cable). Have seen multiple instances of the cable overheated and shorting DC +/-

There's a temperature measurement in the handle and the supercharger derates based on that temperature. With the extension cable that safety goes away. On top of adding an additional junction which generates heat making matters worse."

Just wrap a wet towel around it and it''ll be fine. ;-)

 

[REM]

Just to confirm, I’ve been using a heavy duty 15 amp 3 pronged extension cord for level 1 charging when traveling. Is this a better or safer option than that? This extension would also allow me to reach more dryer outlets for faster changing when traveling.

This cable extension would probably work fine, but I'm not familiar with this company at all so it's on you to evaluate their worthiness.

Absolutely no DC fast charging on it though; so to me its not worth the risk of forgetting or someone else assuming it can be used and you end up with a destroyed car (or worse).

 

[pricedm]

I am assuming that is this NACS extension cord is intended for people with boats and trailers, since otherwise you can just back up to the charger cable.

The bigger issues is Ford, Chevy, Rivian vehicles (plus others as they gain access to Superchargers) with the charge port in a location (front/driver side) not ideal for Tesla Supercharger location.

One easy solution is--as some Superchargers parking lines are configured--Supercharger is in the middle of the parking spot. Example: https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...9-ft-2-3-meters-coming-soon.33007/post-617176

And from a problem standpoint, look at the blocked Superchargers:
https://electrek.co/2024/09/18/gm-r...-adapter-givingaccess-tesla-charging-network/

The solution is GM, Ford, Rivian, etc. assist with funding Supercharger V4 rollout. Plus Supercharger lane marking as pictured above. And industry standardization around driver/rear or passenger/front charge port location. This horse been beaten enuf already!

 

[dralkim86]

Shut up, nerd.

 

[Speednet]

I got this extension cord, and can confirm it works great for L2 charging. (But obv not for supercharging.)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1K6Q11B

 

[mongo]

I like that he explains the reasoning behind it.

I bet they could update the Supercharger to detect this at some point, just testing the resistance of the wire, and it its to great, limit charging or disable completely.

To test resistance would require sense lines running all the way the the vehicle, including the extension, and separate pins to connect them.
Alternativly, it can be calculated based on currentif there are accurate voltage measurements reported by the vehicle.

However, that would only indicate total power loss and wouldn't indicate localized heating nor temperature rise. For example, V4 cables can have higher loss and still stay cool due to immersion in coolant.

 

[igs]

1. Temperature Monitoring and Power Management:
NACS DC chargers and electric vehicles (EVs) employ a precise temperature monitoring system to ensure safety during charging. This system continually monitors the temperature of the DC pins, responding promptly to any temperature increases. When elevated temperatures are detected, both the power provided by the NACS DC chargers and the power requested by the vehicle are reduced accordingly. This dynamic power adjustment effectively mitigates the risk of overheating and minimizes the potential for fire hazards.

3. Temperature Sensor Switches - An Additional Safety Layer:
Within the extension cord connector, we have implemented temperature sensor switches, commonly known as "kill switches." These switches serve as an extra layer of protection. In the event of unexpected temperature spikes, these switches trigger an immediate disconnection of power. This redundancy adds an extra level of security, reinforcing the safety of the charging process.

https://a2zevshop.com/collections/u...ucts/dc-nacs-extension-cord-6-9-ft-2-3-meters

 

[shellac]

Well they need to make cables longer then. I’m always having trouble hooking up my CT at the superchargers. Either hurry up with the app summon so I can back up the truck with the app, or allow us more room to back up in to the parking spot

I always found it crazy that the CT doesn’t even have dumb summon. I mean that doesn’t require FSD or anything in any other Tesla.

 

[Tedacules]

Per Wes Morrill:

"Would recommend AGAINST using an extension cord on a supercharger (or any DC charging station with a liquid cooled cable). Have seen multiple instances of the cable overheated and shorting DC +/-

There's a temperature measurement in the handle and the supercharger derates based on that temperature. With the extension cable that safety goes away. On top of adding an additional junction which generates heat making matters worse."

Good advice from Wes.

 

[Tecyber1]

The bigger issues is Ford, Chevy, Rivian vehicles (plus others as they gain access to Superchargers) with the charge port in a location (front/driver side) not ideal for Tesla Supercharger location.

One easy solution is--as some Superchargers parking lines are configured--Supercharger is in the middle of the parking spot. Example: https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...9-ft-2-3-meters-coming-soon.33007/post-617176

And from a problem standpoint, look at the blocked Superchargers:
https://electrek.co/2024/09/18/gm-r...-adapter-givingaccess-tesla-charging-network/

The solution is GM, Ford, Rivian, etc. assist with funding Supercharger V4 rollout. Plus Supercharger lane marking as pictured above. And industry standardization around driver/rear or passenger/front charge port location. This horse been beaten enuf already!

I still don't like Tesla opening up to the other EV's! Booooooo!

 

[Crissa]

I like that he explains the reasoning behind it.

I bet they could update the Supercharger to detect this at some point, just testing the resistance of the wire, and it its to great, limit charging or disable completely.

Capacitence, I think, would be a better test, but resistance they're probably already doing.

-Crissa

 

[Crissa]

Just to confirm, I’ve been using a heavy duty 15 amp 3 pronged extension cord for level 1 charging when traveling. Is this a better or safer option than that? This extension would also allow me to reach more dryer outlets for faster changing when traveling.

As long as you're using the cable for 80% less than it's rated load, and the cable is freely draped so it can breathe, you'll be fine.

The mobile charger handles most of that sort of thing.

-Crissa

Sponsored