Best Extension Cord For EV Charging
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Best NEMA 14-50
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Best 10 Gauge
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Best J1772 Extension
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Best NACS Extension
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4.8
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4.8
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5.0
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4.7
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🏷️ Use Coupon Code EV-AMERICA For 10% Off 🏷️ |
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At EV America, we’ve seen many extension cords for electric car charging enter the market, with mixed success. To help buyers quickly find the best options, we regularly update this guide focusing on key safety features of extension cords.
Best NEMA 14-50 Extension Cords For EV Charging
While a J1772 extension cord is the better option for charging your EV, some good NEMA 14-50 extension cords are also available (these are great for Teslas too).
GearIT’s 50-Amp RV & EV Extension Cord is designed for exceptional power delivery and longevity. As a trusted industry leader since 2006, GearIT has provided high-quality technology accessories to millions of customers.
This extension cord is particularly suited for Tesla vehicles, providing smooth recharging capabilities. It supports various charging levels: NEMA 5-15 (Level 1) 120V and NEMA 14-50 (Level 2) 240V. The cord ensures your EV is always ready to go, whether you’re driving a Model 3, S, X, or Y.
It is robust, dependable and durable, making it ideal for diverse charging needs
Camco Extension Cord Heavy-Duty Outdoor 50-Amp Extension Cord
This product is rated top because CAMCO has been making these types of products for a good number of years now, and they understand the requirements for EV and outdoor extension cords, demonstrating that perfectly.
This is a 50 amp cable that is more than sufficient for 240V fast charging with a level 2 charger and also has a thick 6-gauge copper cable, while the casing is made from heavy-duty weatherproof PVC.
It also features a locking electrical adapter making plugging and unplugging easy. The carry straps allow for convenient transport and storage, and it is also certified for use in the USA and Canada and is available below:
Best NEMA 5-15 10-Gauge Extension Cords For EV Charging
The extension cord should be a thicker gauge cable for the higher current if you use a level 2 charger.
While a regular outlet is 110/120V, the level 2 chargers would be 240V and running up to 40 A or 50A, so a 10-gauge cable is preferable for this purpose.
We think the GearIT Heavy-Duty Extension Cord is the top pick for anyone needing reliable power over long distances, even in harsh weather conditions.
This extension cord is also for heavy-duty applications like powering RVs, larger heaters, power tools, and other appliances.
This extension cord is 100ft long, and with 10-gauge wiring, it is an ideal product to use where your EV has parked some distance from your charging outlet.
The vinyl jacket is a bright yellow and is resistant to oil, weather, scratches, and grease, but more importantly, it’s UL-certified and SJTW-rated.
This robust construction guarantees its usability year-round, regardless of challenging weather conditions, which is essential for EV owners.
Best J1772 Extension Cord
As a rule, the J1772 extension cords tend to have higher current performance ratings and greater protection against overheating, overcurrent, and overvoltage.
Therefore, this should be the first choice for using a J1772 over a NEMA 14-50.
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The A2Z J1772 Extension Cord is a top-tier option for EV charging. Having used it firsthand, I can vouch for its reliability, durability, and excellent performance.
This 16-foot cord is both sturdy and well-insulated, providing ample reach without compromising power delivery. It supports up to 48 amps, ensuring efficient charging with no drop in speed, even at a distance.
Safety features include heavy-duty connectors that lock securely and weather-resistant construction for indoor or outdoor use. Despite its rugged build, it remains flexible, easy to handle, and store.
Overall, the A2Z J1772 Extension Cord is an ideal choice for anyone needing extra reach and reliability in EV charging.
Best NACS Extension Cord
Many Tesla owners opt for the J1772 extension cords as they often offer several adapters to allow use with a wide variety of EVs.
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The A2Z Tesla NACS Extension Cord is a top choice for EV charging. After using it firsthand, I can attest to its impressive performance, reliability, and ease of use.
With a solid 16-foot build, it offers ample reach while remaining robust and well-insulated. Supporting up to 48 amps, it ensures fast, efficient charging without any drop in speed, even at full length.
Safety is prioritized with heavy-duty connectors and weather-resistant design, making it suitable for various environments. Despite its sturdiness, the cord is flexible, easy to handle, and convenient to store.
Overall, the A2Z Tesla NACS Extension Cord is a reliable and durable option for Tesla owners seeking extra reach without compromising performance.
Useful Adapters
In some cases, you may need the extension cord to connect to a NEMA 5-15 outlet. So you would also require an extension adapter to connect to the charging station.
CircleCord 50 Amp NEMA 5-15 (Male) To NEMA 14-50 (Female) Adapter Plug
Why Would You Need An Extension Cord For EV Charging?
The most common reason people look to utilize extension cords would be when the electric car is either not in a garage or driveway and has to be parked on the street.
This happens when people switch to an electric vehicle from a gas vehicle and are now faced with the challenge of charging it.
Fortunately, EV manufacturers have come to the party and created several extension cable options for EV owners – both Tesla and non-Tesla – to allow for charging at a distance.
Still, before you rush out and buy an extension cable, there are some facts you need to be aware of.
What Are The Charger Levels For EVs?
There are three levels of car chargers for EVs, and it’s important to understand the specific differences between them so you know the risks involved when considering an extension cord.
- Level 1 is the slowest’ trickle’ type charger and uses your home’s standard electrical outlet and 110/120V 10A supply.
- Level 2 uses a 240V 40A/50A supply that can also be hardwired.
- Level 3 is the 480V DC commercial supply which you would only find at commercial charging stations.
With each of these levels, the amperage changes, and this is where the type of extension cord you use makes a big difference to charging efficiency and safety.
🎓 Useful resources:
What is level 2 charging?
How much power does level 2 charging draw?
How fast do level 2 chargers work?
Not All EV Charging Extension Cords Are Equal
You need to think about electric current like water moving through a pipe. The narrower the line, the higher the water pressure and the lower the water volume, while wider pipes allow more water to flow through them at a higher rate with lower pressure.
The same applies to electric current moving through extension cords. Your typical home extension cord would use a 14 or 16-gauge cable, which is thin and designed to work with home appliances like hair dryers, washing machines, and kettles.
These appliances will draw a lower current level than the rated 10-amps, so the extension cord can safely carry the power supply to and from the appliance without overheating.
But, when you add an electric vehicle to this outlet using a standard extension cord, the current draw is much higher and can reach and stay at the 10 amp maximum level for hours on end.
This creates friction within the cable and heat, which lowers the electric flow, slows the charging rate, and increases the risk of meltdown, short circuit, and fire.
When you have an extension cord for EV charging specifically designed for this purpose, the gauge of the wire is much thicker, allowing for much faster EV charging.
These cords use 10 gauge cables and have added water and dust protection to prevent fire, short circuits, and overheating.
When looking for the best options on extension cords for EV charging, I recommend you only look for those specifically designed for this purpose so that your EV will charge quickly and safely.
J1772 Or NEMA 14-50 For EV Charging
In the USA, there are several different types of EV charging connectors, provided they are installed and used safely; both are equally efficient for charging your EV.
The NEMA 14-50 is a common extension plug wired for 240v 50 amps and is used to drive heavy appliances such as stoves and welders.
While rated at 50 amps, this socket will only continually draw a maximum of 40 amps on an EV charger.
NEMA has the 14-50 and 6-50 options available, and the 6-50 is growing in popularity as it is cheaper than the 14-50.
Remember that while these sockets and plugs were designed for conventional heavy-duty electrical appliances, NEMA 14-50 and 6-50 level 2 chargers are very efficient when charging an EV but not as solid as the J1772 configuration.
The J1772 connector is made from rugged and durable materials that can handle the additional levels of current that occur with EV charging.
Of course, it’s also about the cable quality, so a 10-gauge extension cord with a NEMA plug would be much better than a conventional NEMA extension cord.
Where possible, we recommend the J1772 configuration, and if you have a Tesla, most suppliers offer the J1772 Tesla adapter that clicks into the end of the socket so you can use it to charge your Tesla.
The table below shows the differences between the NEMA 14-50 and the J1772 for EV charging.
| Characteristics | J1772 Extension Cord | NEMA 14-50 Extension Cord |
| Safety | Overheating, Overcurrent, and Overvoltage protection | None |
| Maximum Rated Current | 80A | 50A |
| Plug Pins | 5 – Hot, ground, neutral + control pilot and proximity sensor | 4 – Neutral, ground, hot, hot |
| Wire Gauge Weight | 10 Gauge / heavier | 14/16 gauge lighter |
| Cost | More expensive | Cheaper |
| Usage application | EV Charging specifically | General electrical extension |
By comparing the two extension cord options, you can see that you will be better off with the J1772 extension cord if you use one.
Because these cables are designed specifically for EV charging, they incorporate more robust design and safety elements than NEMA cables.
While the 14-50 NEMA cords would work, rather invest a little more and get an extension cord that will perform properly on all fronts.
What Makes A Good NEMA 14-50 Extension Cord For EV Charging?
When looking for a NEMA 14-50 extension cord, some factors will influence which product you should buy.
Remember that when using high-current products with a risk of fire or electrocution, you need to consider sacrificing cost for safety.
When evaluating a NEMA 14-50 extension cable for your EV, you need to look at the following:
- Technical specs (wire gauge / current rating)
- Certification
- Length
- IP Rating
- Handle comfort
- Cable stiffness
- Brand
Technical Specs
When it comes to Level 2 EV charging, you must remember that the current carried in these cables is much higher than in your home circuits, and where you have a 240V outlet, that is double the standard 110V/120V domestic supply.
Most chargers use 32A/40A/ 48A or even 50A current, so you need to be sure that the cable thickness can safely handle this current for the charging time.
A thinner gauge cable means that the cable’s friction and heat will build up, which can reduce charging efficiency and risk melting, short circuits, and fire.
As a rule, you should have at least 10 gauge thick cable. Think about electric current like water- the wider pipe flows through, the more water can flow and the lower the pressure will be.
When you have thinner pipes with the same water volume, the pressure is higher, and if the pipe has any weak points, the water pressure will slowly erode that point until it breaks, and then it will leak through – the same principle applies to electric current.
Is The Extension Cable Certified?
It is always better to ensure that any electrical product you buy is safety certified.
Check the packaging and specs for the UL certification for extension cords for EV charging.
This means that your product has been quality tested for compliance and is safe to use.
Extension Cable Length
When it comes to the length, ensure you know how long the cord needs to be before you buy it.
You don’t want it to arrive and find you don’t have enough length on the cable to reach your EV, and you either have to return it for a longer one or add another extension cable.
Having two extension cables is not recommended as it increases the friction and is more at risk for fire or shorts and being accidentally pulled or tripped over.
So measure the distance you need from your charging outlet to your EV and make sure you buy the correct length.
If your EV is parked in the street and you need an extremely long extension cable, buy two of the same ones.
Or, if you are going to use a conventional extension, get one that has the same wire thickness as the EV charging cable and that both are weatherproof or have a high IP rating.
IP Rating
The IP rating is especially important if you use your extension cable outside. For outdoor lines, you need a rating of at least IP66 or IP67, as this offers the most protection against dust and water.
It is preferable to have the same IP rating for indoor cables too, so you have maximum protection and can use the cable outdoors without having to buy a separate one should you decide to charge your EV outside.
Handle Comfort And Cable Stiffness
This extension cord will require heavy-duty usage, so the holder has to be solidly built to handle the cable weight and general wear and tear.
Cable stiffness is another factor, and while thick gauge cables will be stiffer than thinner ones, you don’t want a cable that takes huge muscle power to roll it up or out, so test that cable before you buy and make sure it’s manageable.
Brand Quality Matters
Finally, buying a NEMA 14-50 cable made by a reputable brand is important.
Of course, doing your research first is important before buying, and while there are many products available, be picky with the brand you choose.
Many manufacturers recommend or endorse compatible, safe, and efficient brands with their EVs. Before committing to a purchase, you can always check product reviews, return policies, warranties, and technical specs.
Other FAQs
Can I Charge My EV Using An Extension Cord?
Yes, you can, but make sure the application rates the cord you use. Level 1 chargers can use a normal extension cord. So if you have a Level 2 charger, ensure that the extension cord you choose is rated for 240V and 40A.
Can You Plug Your EV Into Your Dryer Outlet?
Yes, you can use the dryer outlet, as this is a 240V supply. Depending on the type of outlet the dryer has, you may need an adapter, which would be a Level 2 charger. Hence, using the correct specification of an extension cord is essential for optimum charging and safety.
📝 Related article: Can I charge my Tesla with the dryer outlet?
Is It Better To Hardwire Or Plug In An EV Charger?
It is always better to hardwire an EV charger, but this will cost more upfront. With a dedicated circuit and GFCI breaker, this is the safest and fastest way to charge an EV.
Key Takeaways
There are essentially 3 combinations you have available when using extension cords for EV charging:
1️⃣ When you need to plug the extension into a 240v wall outlet and connect the charging station to the female receptacle – Use a NEMA 14-50 extension cord.
2️⃣ Plugging the extension cable into a regular 120v outlet will require an additional NEMA 14-50 adapter to make the connection to the charger complete – Use a NEMA 5-15 extension cord.
3️⃣ If the charging station is plugged in or hardwired at the 240v outlet, use an EV-specific J1772 extension cable to reach from the charger to your EV.
As you can see, the J1772 is the better option by far when it comes to using an extension cord for EV charging.
While they may be limited to lengths, they are still the best suited for the job in terms of safety and efficiency, and that’s really what you want from your EV extension cord!
Lectron J1772 EV Charger Extension Cable
- Reputable EV charging brand
- Available in 2 lengths
- Industry-standard J1772 plug
- Reliability issues reported
