Tesla Supercharger extension cord provider seeks to work with EV maker

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An EV accessory maker has reached out to Tesla as part of its efforts to ensure that its Supercharger extension cords are up to par with the electric vehicle maker’s safety standards. The company’s efforts came on the heels of a Tesla engineer’s comments warning EV owners about the potential risks of using extension cords in Supercharger stations. 

Earlier this week, Tesla Cybertruck lead engineer Wes Morrill posted a warning in response to an EV owner who was asking about A2Z EV/EVSE’s upcoming NACS DC extension cord. As per the Tesla engineer, using aftermarket extension cords on Superchargers could be risky, and he has seen multiple instances of cables overheating and shorting. 

“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,” Morrill wrote in a post on X. 

In response to the Tesla Cybertruck lead engineer’s post, A2Z EV/EVSE noted that they would love to work with Tesla to make sure the electric vehicle maker’s safety concerns are fully addressed with their products. The EV accessories maker also highlighted that its DC extension cord already features a number of safety systems, and that its products will not be released to consumers until safety tests are completed. 

“We are open to a collaboration with Tesla,” the EV accessory maker wrote. Morrill, for his part, responded by asking the accessory maker to send him a direct message so they could discuss his safety concerns. 

Tesla has worked with aftermarket accessory makers in the past. Earlier this year alone, Tesla came to an agreement with EVject, whose popular “Escape Connector” initially incited a lawsuit from the electric vehicle maker. After comments from the EV community about the matter, as well as Elon Musk stating that he would look into the matter, Tesla and EVject came to an agreement.

In a post on its official Tesla Charging account on X, the electric vehicle maker noted that it is open to working with OEMs to develop safe accessories for its customers. “Tesla and OEMs will keep working with the industry to provide safe adapters and develop common sense regulatory standards,” Tesla Charging wrote in a post. 

Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads up.

Tesla Supercharger extension cord provider seeks to work with EV maker





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Elon Musk details advantages of Tesla Semi over diesel trucks

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On the heels of the Tesla Semi making major waves at the IAA Transport Conference in Germany this week, CEO Elon Musk detailed some ways the all-electric truck is more advantageous over traditional diesel vehicles that have been used for logistics.

Tesla has flexed the low cost of ownership, improved safety, better range, and performance, which are just a few ways the Semi is arguably the best commercial vehicle available.

Although it is still going through its pilot program stages, we have learned more about the Semi than ever before with presentations from the Engineering Head for the Semi program, Dan Priestley.

So far, we have learned:

  • The Semi will ramp to 50,000 units of annual production at the new production facility near Gigafactory Nevada
  • Tesla plans to develop new configurations of the Semi so they can be used for different applications and be available at different prices
  • Efficiency is working at 100 kWh per 100 kilometers traveled

PepsiCo., which has been the Semi’s main contributor during the pilot program, also talked about the various things they have recognized since using around 90 units over the past year and a half.

Tesla Semi fleet real-world observations shared by PepsiCo

Many PepsiCo. drivers who have been able to use the Tesla Semi do not believe it is worth going back to a traditional diesel vehicle.

Musk commented on the advantages of the Semi over its diesel counterparts:

The Semi has the potential to be the most disruptive and potentially groundbreaking product, other than the Robotaxi, in Tesla’s entire lineup.

The company has already managed to completely disrupt the passenger vehicle sector, but transforming the commercial industry would be groundbreaking considering the safety, efficiency, and emissions improvements that come from the use of a vehicle without tailpipes over the lifespan of the truck.

Typically, a semi truck lasts around 750,000 miles. Traveling around 45,000 miles per year on average, most lifespans last around 15 years, according to Rechtien International.

I’d love to hear from you! If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please email me at joey@teslarati.com. You can also reach me on Twitter @KlenderJoey, or if you have news tips, you can email us at tips@teslarati.com.

Elon Musk details advantages of Tesla Semi over diesel trucks





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Tesla Cybertruck lead engineer warns against use of Supercharger extension cords

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Tesla Cybertruck lead engineer Wes Morrill has shared a warning about the use of extension cords for Supercharger stalls. As per the Tesla lead engineer, using North American Charging Standard (NACS) extension cords could present safety issues. 

Morrill’s comment came as a response to an electric vehicle enthusiast who discussing an aftermarket NACS DC extension cord. By using a NACS extension cord, non-Tesla vehicles like Rivian’s R1T and R1S could avoid using up two charging spaces when they use the Supercharger Network. 

As per the Cybertruck lead engineer, however, using an extension cord on a Supercharger or any other DC charging station is not preferable at all. Morrill noted that he has seen several instances of cable overheating with the use of such items. 

“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,” Morrill wrote in his post on X. 

While the use of extension cords for Tesla Superchargers may seem convenient, drivers should keep in mind that each aspect of a Supercharger is built by design. This includes the cable length of existing Superchargers, which is likely optimized for reliability and safety. Effectively modifying the length of a Supercharger cable through an extension cord may then present some safety risks. 

Tesla is known for prioritizing safety in both its vehicles and its charging infrastructure. This is one of the reasons why the company has issued warnings against some popular charging practices in the past, such as the use of a wet towel on a NACS handle to push more power into a vehicle. As per Tesla back in July, using a wet cloth on a Supercharger cable creates a risk of overheating. 

Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads up.

Tesla Cybertruck lead engineer warns against use of Supercharger extension cords





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