- A brand new extension cable that additionally doubles as a charging adapter is now accessible to pre-order.
- The second-generation Hansshow NACS to CCS1 extension cable appears to repair all of its predecessor’s issues.
- There’s an 8-foot model, making it straightforward for Rivian, Ford and GM EV house owners to make use of Tesla Superchargers with out taking over two bays.
There’s no denying that getting access to over 25,000 Tesla Superchargers is nice for non-Tesla EV house owners. Gaining entry to what’s broadly thought-about the biggest and most dependable DC quick charging operator in North America is usually a lifesaver, however it’s not precisely the revolution some have been anticipating.
Superchargers are just about in every single place, however they have been primarily designed for Tesla EVs, all of which have the charging port on the rear left of the automotive. That’s an issue for house owners of different EVs, together with these made by Ford, Rivian and Normal Motors. Most Supercharger stalls have fairly quick cables which might be the proper size for Teslas, however they power some non-Tesla EV house owners to take up two bays. That’s not ideally suited.
There’s additionally the problem of charging adapters, which are actually a part of an EV proprietor’s life, whether or not they need them or not. However there’s an organization on the market that guarantees to repair each these points with one product.
Hanssshow’s NACS to CCS1 extension cable is strictly what it says on the field. It may well prolong the Supercharger’s cable whereas additionally offering a CCS1 connector that plugs into the car.
The corporate has now come out with the second era of this product, and InsideEVs contributor and State of Cost host Tom Moloughney is the primary individual to get his palms on a pre-production model of the second-generation extension cable.
The primary era was the primary product of its form to succeed in the market, however it had a harmful design flaw that prompted Tom to advise in opposition to buying it. The NACS to CCS1 extension cable had a security swap on the CCS1 aspect, which instantly stopped the charging session when pressed. On the NACS aspect, although, there was a easy bodily swap that wanted to be pressed to detach the extension from the Supercharger cable, however it might not cease the circulate of electrical energy. This might lead to an enormous electrical ark, which could be extraordinarily harmful.
Now, although, Hansshow fastened that concern and even went additional by implementing extra enhancements. The second-generation extension cable is now accessible in 5- and 8-foot lengths (the primary one was 5-foot solely), and the cable itself is now rated for 1,000 volts and 350 amps steady, whereas the preliminary product might deal with 1,000V and 250A. What’s extra, the corporate stated it did intensive testing at 500A, and the extension cable didn’t overheat.
There’s additionally an vital point out concerning the security certification. Hansshow stated that every one the elements utilized in its new extension cable are UL-certified, however the product as an entire will not be but UL-certified.
However how does this new two-in-one EV accent work in the true world? As Tom Moloughney discovered, superb certainly. With the primary era, he couldn’t recharge his Rivian R1S, and utilizing it with a Ford F-150 Lightning resulted in a barely longer session.
Now, although, the second model confirmed no noticeable distinction from utilizing a easy NACS to CCS1 adapter, which is sweet information. In Tom’s opinion, it’s significantly better than the first-generation system. It has correct lively launch switches on either side, it’s longer, and it’s rated for the next amperage. This specific unit is a pre-production model, however the firm stated it’s now taking pre-orders for it, with the primary buyer deliveries scheduled for mid-January. The 5-foot model is $629, whereas the 8-foot model is $729.
It may be helpful when your EV must take up two Supercharger spots, however that’s a reasonably steep worth to contemplate, and the truth that the product Tom examined will not be the ultimate model, so maintain that in thoughts in case you’re contemplating this extension cable.
What’s extra, Tesla and different automakers suggest in opposition to utilizing charging adapters that haven’t been authorised by them. So if something have been to go flawed throughout a charging session, the automotive’s guarantee could be voided through the use of such an extension cable.
