A2Z, a leading EV charging equipment supplier, is set to launch a groundbreaking solution for non-Tesla electric vehicle owners who have faced challenges when charging at Tesla Superchargers. The company will be introducing an extension cable this summer that aims to address the inconvenience caused by the short cables at Tesla Superchargers, which are primarily designed for Tesla vehicles.
With the increasing number of electric vehicle owners from brands such as General Motors, Ford, Polestar, Honda, and others gaining access to Tesla Superchargers through the NACS-to-CCS adapter, the limitations of the existing infrastructure have become apparent. The V3 Tesla Supercharger cables, optimized for vehicles with a rear-left charging port like Teslas, pose difficulties for EVs with charging ports in different locations. This often requires owners to park creatively or even take up multiple spots at Supercharger stations. A2Z’s new Supercharger extension cable aims to provide a seamless charging experience for all EV owners.
Renowned EV enthusiast and host of the YouTube channel “State of Charge,” Tom Moloughney, recently had the opportunity to test the Supercharger extension cable on his Rivian R1S using both a Level 2 home charger and a Tesla Supercharger. The prototype cable he tested was 16 feet long and over 21 pounds, but the final version is expected to be shorter (five feet) and lighter (seven pounds). Despite a slightly lower amperage rating of 350 amps compared to traditional NACS-to-CCS adapters, the cable is designed for ease of use without compromising charging speeds.
The extension cable features NACS pins on both ends, requiring a NACS-to-CCS adapter to connect to non-Tesla EVs. Charging with the extension cord proved to be seamless during Moloughney’s tests, delivering speeds similar to direct charging without the use of an extension cord. This eliminates the need for owners to struggle with short cables or occupy additional spots at Supercharger stations.
In terms of safety, A2Z has incorporated four thermal sensors into the extension cord to monitor temperature levels and adjust charging speeds accordingly. In the event of overheating, the sensors can cut off charging to prevent any potential risks. The IP-67 rated enclosures ensure durability in various weather conditions, providing peace of mind for EV owners.
Engineer Robert Powell, formerly of Tesla, highlighted the versatility of the extension cable by testing it on a range of EV models, including the Chevy Equinox EV, Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevy Bolt EV, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and more. The cable’s compatibility with various vehicles underscores its potential to revolutionize the charging experience for non-Tesla EV owners.
As major automakers commit to adopting the Tesla connector for future EV models and upgrades to Supercharger stations, the introduction of the A2Z Supercharger extension cable marks a significant step towards a more inclusive and efficient charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Tesla currently has an extensive network of over 2,500 charging stations in the U.S. alone, equipped with nearly 30,000 ports. However, the process of upgrading all of these stations could take years. In the interim, a new solution has emerged in the form of an extension cord that could provide relief to both Tesla and non-Tesla EV owners, making better use of the available space at Supercharger stations.
A2Z, a company led by CEO Amine Zitore, has announced plans to launch a testing program for a select number of EV drivers in February, with a market launch expected this summer. Preorders for the extension cord will open a month before the official launch date, which is yet to be confirmed. The product is currently listed for $285 in the U.S., with potential tariffs on Canadian-made products still uncertain. Zitore emphasized that safety is a top priority, and the extension cord will only be released once it has obtained proper UL or equivalent safety certification.
Zitore explained, “We announced the product a year ago and then postponed the release date for safety reasons. We want to ensure that we are delivering a safe product to prevent any injuries, damage, or potential recalls.”
For Tesla and non-Tesla EV owners alike, the extension cord could prove to be a game-changer, providing a temporary solution to the challenges posed by the current charging infrastructure. As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, innovative solutions like the extension cord from A2Z could play a crucial role in supporting the widespread adoption of EVs.
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