[jt electric]

The bZ4X manual is insistent that one not use an extension cord for level 1 charging. To follow this advice would keep me from using my bZ4X when I will be traveling to a state park in Virginia, not at all close to any level 3 chargers and more than sixty miles away from only one level 2 charger. That is because the cabin where I will be staying is too far away from the car to plug my standard charging cable directly into a 110 v outlet.

Why does Toyota believe it would harm my car if I used a 12 gauge 110 volt extension wire between the cabin and the car? My daughter and son-in-law use a 14 gauge extension cord for their Tesla. Advice welcome.

 

[FelineFreddie]

It’s not so much as you can’t use an extension cord, but more of a liability statement from the manufacturer.

Lots of folks are absolute idiots, and someone, somewhere would eventually find a 18 Gauge 100 foot long cord and try to use it to charge their car. Houses burn each year because some of these idiots try to run multiple electric space heaters on lightweight extension cords.

As long as the cord meets electrical standards/ratings for a 120 V 15 Amp continuous current, you will be fine. The goal is to minimize the cord length as much as possible. From what I have seen, the maximum amperage the vehicle will draw on level one charging is 12 amps.

If you touch the extension cord end/connector and find it warm-to-hot while in use, then you need a higher current-rated cord.

Common sense rules in this situation…

 

[jt electric]

Thanks. Really appreciate your advice.

Jim T

 

[jt electric]

I think I may have answered my own question. This post from EVolution Australia gives a host of reasons why it is risky and inadvisable to charge your car using an extension cord. See Can I charge my electric vehicle with an extension cord?.

Ugh.

 

[B.Wilkins_85]

I believe that Consumer Reports wrote an article on this not too long ago...you could probably find it online. The gist of it, if I recall correctly, is that using an extension cord is OK.