Using extension cord to charge a new V60 T8
 

Hi All,

Just bought a new V60 T8. In one of the places where I might need to charge it, I can only park the car some 15 meters from the first electricity socket inside the house.

Is it ok if I charge it using a 10 meters extension cord (2,5mm) + a portable charger, and charge only at 10A?

Thanks!

The advice is no

What’s the amp rating of the extension lead

You need to buy a specific extension lead (type 2 to type 2 connectors) that connects between the car and the charging lead which is then plugged in to the 13amp socket. NEVER EVER use a domestic extension lead when charging a PHEV! I have a 5.0m extension so i can connect to my external socket at home.

The fact that you are charging a car changes nothing, it's an electrical load, and normal physics applies. Hence if you are charging at 10 amps (mains power, assuming 220v local supply in Portugal) a cable of 1.5mm would be adequate - so you will be fine with 2.5mm. This assumes you are using a charger/car lead that terminates with a domestic electrical plug.

The one thing you must do is if the extension lead is longer than you need - you must fully unwind it from the reel.

We will have to agree to disagree. Using a domestic extension lead is specifically NOT advised by Volvo. I understand and agree with the technical aspect regarding cable sizing and unwinding the reel (not an uncommon cause of fires).

As you can see. The official advice you will find in the manual and generally will be not to use an extension lead. Mostly because of considerations like whether that cable is suitable for outdoors. Whether the extension lead has sufficient capacity for the load. Unwinding the extension cable etc. But many do nonetheless without issue.

I’ve just had this week my sparky fit an outdoor 3 pin socket for my PHEV so no need for an extension cable. Didn’t cost much either.

Did he wire it direct to the mains fuse box on its own dedicated line ? that must be the case for a car charger supply .. was it safety checked and approved by a certified installer ?

Many thanks!

@ Tannaton: Yes, 220v local supply in Portugal and terminating with a domestic electric plug. And I would fully unwind the extension, for sure!

@ Adrian888: Tbh, I didn't know those extensions existed, beginner mistake. It would have been a more confortable solution and costing only slightly more than the portable charger + 2.5mm extension lead.

Anyway, this solution will be used for only a few charges, good weather and I will be nearby.

Yes all done right

Indeed , it is not the lead it's self necessarily but its an extra Joint in line which will be a point of higher resistance and could melt and cause a fire and reduce the charge going into the car.