Being a non-Tesla EV owner is becoming increasingly exciting, especially with the recent announcements from almost every EV manufacturer in the United States that they will soon have access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. Ford customers have even started receiving adapters, signifying the beginning of the gradual resolution to the challenges of EV charging. However, amidst these exciting developments, a significant concern persists for many non-Tesla EV owners: the location of the charge port.
For context, Tesla’s Supercharger stations were specifically designed with cable lengths tailored to reach the charge ports located on the driver’s rear side of Tesla vehicles. This design choice has introduced complications for Ford and Rivian owners who have begun utilizing the Supercharger network through adapters, as the Supercharger cables fall short of reaching their vehicles’ charge ports, which are located on the driver’s front side. This has never been an issue at CCS Fast Chargers, such as Electrify America, which are equipped with much longer cables for precisely this reason. So, how do non-Tesla vehicles manage to charge at Supercharger stations? The workaround involves occupying the parking space directly adjacent to the desired charger, allowing the cable to extend to their charge port. Unfortunately, this more often than not results in the vehicle occupying two Supercharger stalls, which could pose a problem when the station is near full capacity. At this time, if only one stall is available, only a Tesla could utilize it, given that most other EVs would require two parking spots to charge. Tesla has suggested that manufacturers consider relocating their charge ports in future vehicle designs, but this does not address the problem faced by current non-Tesla EV owners. Tesla has quietly announced that they are developing a sort of extension cord that would allow non-Tesla vehicles to use just one parking spot at a Supercharger, although details about this product are scarce.
On a brighter note, a potential solution appears to be on the horizon from a third-party company. A2Z, known for producing high-quality charging adapters and accessories for EVs, and as the seller of one of the most sought-after North American Charging Standard (NACS) to Combined Charging System (CCS) adapters, has announced an upcoming product. They’re introducing an NACS DC Extension Cord, identical to the solution Tesla hinted at, but with more information available about this product. Priced starting at $302, the extension cord will be available in lengths ranging from 6-9ft and is designed to operate across a voltage range of 100-1000V DC. A2Z emphasizes safety as a top priority, a claim backed by their reputable track record. The company assures that the extension cord includes multiple internal temperature sensors to maintain a safe operating temperature at all times.
However, it’s important to note Tesla’s stance, as stated on their website, against the use of third-party adapters at Supercharger stations, though enforcement of this policy seems impossible for the time being. While we cannot outright endorse a product that is in breach of Tesla’s guidelines, the enthusiasm surrounding A2Z’s high-quality charging solutions, which some argue surpasses the quality of Tesla’s official accessories, is noteworthy. For non-Tesla EV owners with access to the Supercharger network looking to create a more convenient charging experience for themselves and others, and to ensure they can always utilize a Supercharger even when nearing full capacity, the A2Z NACS DC Extension Cord is a very compelling solution. For those interested, we’ve included a link below.
A2Z- DC – Tesla (NACS) Supercharger Extension Cord | 6-9 FT (2-3 meters)
