Distance from Charger to Car

Kevin Harney · Mar 30, 2009

Is there a limitation on this?

Reason I ask is that I am in a Townhouse and the distance from my nearest plug to my parking space is about 40 feet. I am hoping that I will not have to install a plug closer to the car.

efusco · Mar 30, 2009

I believe the charge is built into the car, so the question is more how long can the cord be. IIRC it requires a certain guage cable, which may be pricy, but the distance should be fairly unlimited given a large enough cord.

Palpatine · Mar 30, 2009

I saw that DaveD has a heavy gauge extension cord for his 110 MC. I don't know about 220 volt MC extension cords.

donauker · Mar 30, 2009

Extension Cords for the NEMA 14-50 are readily available but are quite heavy. Just google "50 amp RV extension cord".

TEG · Mar 30, 2009

efusco said:
I believe the charge is built into the car...

Yes, all Tesla models have the charger built into the car.
But they have special connectors so you can't just use "any old cable". You need an extension cord connected to one of their special cables.

Kevin Harney · Mar 31, 2009

OK I did know that the actual charger was in the car. What I am wondering is if there is a maximum distance that you can run an extention cord to the car ? I thought I heard something like 20-25 feet for the Roadster. Also, it would have to be something that is rated for OUTDOOR use.

donauker · Mar 31, 2009

A high quality 12/3 extension cord of 25' or probably even 50' would be fine. The issue will be that the MC120 plug-in head and also the charging cable connector to the car are likely not weather proof.

EVnut · Mar 31, 2009

For one data point... I charge the Rav4EV on the end of 70' of 10/3 regularly. The charger draws 28A (220V). Certainly there is some voltage drop over that length, and the cord does get very mildly warm - and I've never had a problem after doing it for six years.

bevguy · Mar 25, 2017

I regularly charge using a short extension cord to a NEMA 1430
.The key is adequate copper wire diameter. Online sources are available to calculate wire diameter for length. The problem is voltage drop which can be checked. Amazon has a some good 1450 cords

tga · Mar 26, 2017

I regularly charge at 24A with a 40' 8/3 extension cord. The car is happily oblivious to it.

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Distance from Charger to Car

Kevin Harney

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efusco

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Palpatine

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donauker

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TEG

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