It Turns Out You Can Purchase an Extension Cord for Your EV Charger.

      Joel Feder

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      America, we have a size dilemma. Vehicles are bigger than ever, and it seems that the power source doesn’t really matter. Case in point: the Chevrolet Silverado EV.

      Recently, I had the opportunity to experience the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV TrailBoss. The truck measures 19.4 feet in length. For reference, no full-size truck currently sold in the U.S. can fit in my garage, which isn’t exceptionally small. Our home was built in 1997. With a gasoline truck, it’s not a major issue since it can just be parked outside and become dirty, which admittedly frustrates me a little every day. However, with an electric truck, this creates a new challenge. As it turns out, there are extension cords designed specifically for EV chargers to address this issue.

      The Level 2 240-volt 48-amp EV charger installed in our garage is positioned at the front. This was intentional, ensuring that regardless of the EV I’m testing that week, I wouldn’t run into a problem. If the charge port is on the front fender or at the front, I can pull in. If it’s on the rear fender, I can back in. Simple enough. But if the truck doesn’t fit in the garage? That’s problematic.

      Companies such as A2ZEV, EVDance, Vevor, and SKYSHALO EV manufacture extension cables for EV chargers in both J1772 and Tesla-style NACS formats. According to A2ZEV, communicated through a mutual connection known to The Drive, and Kyle Conner, who runs Out of Spec, it was revealed that a full-size electric truck couldn’t fit in my garage. Soon after, a package arrived from A2ZEV containing a J1772 extension cord.

      I tested it last week, and to my surprise, the straightforward device worked effectively. It resolved what is essentially a rather silly issue.

      A standard extension cord should ideally not be used with any EV charger, especially not a Level 2 240-volt charger, as this can create its own set of challenges.

      Technically, you can use a regular extension cord with a Level 1 120-volt EV charger in an emergency, but it’s not advisable, as it isn’t considered safe, and it really needs to be a thicker, well-insulated cord to handle the continuous flow of energy and heat. From experience, I’ve noticed that the cord can get warm, which is concerning in its own right.

      These Level 2 extension cords from various manufacturers vary in price, length, and even amp ratings and outputs. The cord from A2ZEV is 16 feet long, rated for 48 amps, includes an over-temperature sensor switch, and holds FCC (EMI) certification, CE certification on the connector, and UL certification as well. It’s priced at $179.

      Other options may cost less or more, based on their specifications and your requirements. For example, EVdance’s cord is rated at 50 amps and stretches 40 feet, but it costs $339.95. Meanwhile, the SKYSHALO EV cord is rated for 32 amps, 21 feet in length, and available at Home Depot for $87.78. Vevor offers a cord with similar specs to the SKYSHALO EV cord for $100.

      Most Level 2 EV home chargers come with cords that measure between 18 to 25 feet long. If a vehicle is too large for the garage, like a pickup truck, and your EV charger is located in the garage, it turns out extension cords are available to remedy the situation.

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