Revolutionary Extension Cable Promises Seamless Tesla Supercharging for All EVs
Hansshow’s updated NACS to CCS1 cable offers greater length and enhanced safety, but at a premium price.
Access to Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network is a significant boon for electric vehicle (EV) owners beyond the Tesla brand. While this network is widely lauded as the most reliable in North America, its design, optimized for Tesla vehicles, can present challenges for others. The primary issue? Short charging cables that often force non-Tesla EVs, particularly those with charging ports on different sides like many Ford, Rivian, and General Motors models, to occupy two parking spaces. This is where a new accessory from Hansshow enters the picture.
Hansshow has unveiled its second-generation NACS to CCS1 extension cable, a device designed to tackle both the reach limitation and the need for an adapter. This innovative cable extends the reach of Tesla’s Supercharger connector while providing a direct CCS1 plug for compatible EVs, aiming to simplify the charging experience.
The first iteration of Hansshow’s extension cable, while groundbreaking, had a critical safety flaw. As noted by Tom Moloughney, host of State Of Charge, the original design featured a safety switch on the CCS1 side but lacked a similar mechanism on the NACS end. This meant detaching the cable from the Supercharger could still allow electricity to flow, posing a significant risk of dangerous electrical arcs. Fortunately, the company has addressed this critical issue in its latest offering.
The second-generation cable boasts several key improvements. It’s now available in both 5-foot and 8-foot lengths, offering more flexibility than the original 5-foot model. Furthermore, the cable’s electrical capacity has been significantly upgraded, rated for 1,000 volts and 350 amps continuous, a substantial leap from the previous 250-amp rating. Hansshow reports extensive testing at 500 amps without overheating, indicating robust performance.
Regarding safety certifications, Hansshow states that all individual components within the new extension cable are UL-certified. However, the complete product as a whole is still awaiting its own UL certification.
In real-world testing by Tom Moloughney, the second-generation cable performed admirably. Unlike his experience with the first version, which hindered charging for his Rivian R1S and caused minor issues with a Ford F-150 Lightning, the new cable facilitated charging with no discernible difference compared to using a standard NACS to CCS1 adapter. Moloughney praised the updated design, highlighting the addition of proper active release switches on both ends, increased length, and higher amperage rating.
Pre-orders for the second-generation cable are now open, with the 5-foot version priced at $629 and the 8-foot version at $729. Customer deliveries are expected to begin in mid-January. While the extended reach can be a significant convenience, especially in situations where a charger’s position necessitates occupying two spots, the substantial cost is a factor to consider. It’s also important to note that the unit tested was a pre-production model.
Moreover, both Tesla and other automotive manufacturers typically advise against using unapproved charging accessories. Owners should be aware that utilizing such an extension cable could potentially void their vehicle’s warranty if any issues arise during a charging session.