A New Tesla Supercharger Extension Cable That Addresses All Previous Concerns
Imagine having a device that not only extends your charging capabilities but also resolves previous issues—this is precisely what the new extension cable from Hansshow offers, and it's now available for pre-order. This second-generation NACS to CCS1 extension cable appears to have rectified all the shortcomings of its predecessor.
For electric vehicle (EV) owners who are not driving a Tesla, having access to over 25,000 Tesla Superchargers is a major advantage. These Superchargers are often regarded as the most extensive and dependable DC fast-charging network in North America. While this access is undoubtedly beneficial, it hasn't completely revolutionized the EV charging experience as some enthusiasts had hoped.
Although Tesla Superchargers are conveniently located, they were primarily designed with Tesla vehicles in mind, which all feature their charging port on the rear left side. This design poses a challenge for owners of other brands such as Ford, Rivian, and General Motors. The cables at many Supercharger stations tend to be relatively short, perfectly suited for Teslas but often forcing non-Tesla drivers to occupy two parking spaces—an inefficient solution.
Additionally, the situation is complicated by the necessity of charging adapters for many EV owners. It's become an unavoidable aspect of owning an electric vehicle, but Hansshow has stepped in to address both of these challenges with a single innovative product.
The Hansshow NACS to CCS1 extension cable does exactly what its name suggests: it extends the reach of the Supercharger's cable while providing a CCS1 connector compatible with various vehicles. The company has launched the second generation of this product, and Tom Moloughney, a contributor for InsideEVs and host of State of Charge, was among the first to test a pre-production version of this new extension cable.
The original version of this extension cable was the first of its kind but suffered from a significant safety flaw. Tom had to advise against purchasing it due to a dangerous design element: the CCS1 side featured a safety switch that would immediately halt charging when pressed, but the NACS side only had a physical switch that disconnected the extension from the Supercharger without interrupting the electricity flow. This oversight could potentially lead to hazardous electrical arcing.
Fortunately, Hansshow has addressed this issue in the new version, along with several additional improvements. The second-generation extension cable comes in both 5-foot and 8-foot lengths—an upgrade from the initial model which was only 5 feet long. The cable is now rated for a maximum of 1,000 volts and 350 amps continuously, compared to the predecessor's 1,000 volts and 250 amps. Notably, the company conducted rigorous testing at 500 amps, and the new extension cable did not overheat.
It's also worth noting that while Hansshow claims all components of the new extension cable are UL-certified, the entire product has yet to receive UL certification.
So, how does this innovative two-in-one accessory perform in practical scenarios? According to Tom Moloughney's experience, it works remarkably well. With the first-generation cable, he encountered challenges while trying to charge his Rivian R1S, and charging his Ford F-150 Lightning took longer than expected. However, the second version proved to be just as efficient as using a standard NACS to CCS1 adapter, which is excellent news for users. Tom believes this new version significantly outperforms the earlier model, featuring active release switches on both ends, increased length, and higher amperage rating. Although the unit he tested was a pre-production model, Hansshow is currently accepting pre-orders, with initial customer deliveries anticipated by mid-January. The pricing stands at $629 for the 5-foot version and $729 for the 8-foot variant.
While this extension cable can be invaluable when an EV needs more space at a Supercharger, the price point is certainly something to consider carefully. It’s important to remember that the unit Tom evaluated was not the final production version, so potential buyers should keep that in mind.
Moreover, both Tesla and other automotive manufacturers typically advise against utilizing unapproved charging adapters. Using such an extension cable could void the warranty on your vehicle in case of any charging issues, raising further concerns for prospective buyers.
