Tesla Might Soon Offer a Supercharger Extension Cable
For a long time, Tesla’s Superchargers only supported its vehicles, but the automaker has recently opened the network to outside brands. While some challenges, such as delays and crowded locations, were expected, there have been a few issues relating to the fact that some automakers don’t install their vehicles’ charging ports in places where they can be reached by a Supercharger cable. To remedy that issue, Tesla is working on an extension cable that would allow non-Tesla EVs to charge without hassle.
Tesla vehicles all have charging ports on the left rear, so shorter Supercharger cables have no trouble reaching them. Other EVs might have a charging port on the other side, or it might be hidden in the grille, which would make the cables too short. Tesla’s statement acknowledges that difficulty: “Most Supercharger cables at NACS Supercharger sites should be able to reach your EV charge port, however, in some cases, you might have to park over the line in order to charge comfortably. Avoid parking diagonally to reach the cable, and try to obstruct as few charge posts as possible. Charge port locations vary by EV model, which requires cable sharing between adjacent stalls at many sites.”
While the cable will help, it won’t fix the sometimes baffling behavior EV owners – both new and experienced – exhibit when it comes to charging. People already park sideways and in ways that block others’ access to chargers. The cable also won’t solve charging etiquette, which is an infuriating mix of ignorance of other people’s needs and a complete disregard for them. Tesla might win some points with all EV owners if it included a short how-to brochure with the extended charging cables.
[Image: Tesla]
Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.
Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
More by Chris Teague
Comments
Join the conversation
I’m really glad I can charge in my garage at home. I’ve used the superchargers a few times. They’re helpful. But unless Tesla starts building more of them, their convenience factor is going to wane as the user base grows exponentially in the coming years. (Though at least in my area, you rarely encounter someone who doesn’t understand the various etiquettes.)
Dear Tesla, If you need any helpful advice, ask these guys. (They have been doing it for over a hundred years; it will be easy for them.)