Can you extend an EV charging cable?

Are you wondering if extending your EV charging cable is possible? The answer to this question is a bit complicated. Technically, it is possible. The question is: should you extend your EV charging cable? Because of safety issues it is not advisable, nor is is permitted by European regulations. 

Extending EV charging cables

While it may seem like a practical solution to simply extend your EV charging cable to reach your vehicle more conveniently, this approach raises serious concerns. Using standard extension cords, even heavy-duty ones, introduces the risk of overheating, voltage drops, and potential fire hazards—especially when dealing with the high current loads required for EV charging. European safety regulations explicitly prohibit the use of non-standard extension cables for this purpose. These rules are in place not just to protect your vehicle and home, but also to ensure broader public safety and prevent grid instability caused by poorly managed charging setups. EV charging stations and cables are designed as integrated systems, tested and certified to meet strict performance and safety criteria.

If you find that your existing cable doesn’t reach your vehicle comfortably, the proper and safe solution is to invest in a longer, type-approved charging cable that matches your connector type (Type 1 or Type 2) and meets all relevant electrical standards. Alternatively, repositioning your charging station or installing a wallbox with a longer tethered cable may be a better long-term option. At Voldt, we offer certified EV charging cables in various lengths—including extra-long options up to 40 meters—giving you the flexibility you need without compromising on safety or compliance. These cables are fully tested to handle the required power levels safely and meet all European regulations, making them the ideal solution for those hard-to-reach charging scenarios. Ultimately, the risks of extending an EV charging cable with unofficial solutions outweigh any short-term convenience, making regulation-compliant alternatives the only responsible choice.

Check out our products

    So which charging solutions can you extend?

    Mobile charging cables to 220-230V outlet (schuko), and mobile charging cables to power CEE outlets you can extend just fine. However, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind:

    • Make sure the extension cable is grounded.
    • Make sure the extension cable is waterproof. Chances are that the plugs will be outside, so make sure the extension cable has a good IP rating.
    • Make sure to use a well-veined extension cable with sufficient thickness to avoid extreme heat generation and fire hazards. A charging cable up to 16A requires a thickness of 2.5mm²  and a charging cable up to 32A requires conductors of 6mm².
    • Make sure you have a well-insulated cable that is sturdy and flexible to properly protect the wires in the cable.

    Still, it is advisable to avoid extending an EV charging cable as much as possible and also connect a mobile charging cable directly to the wall socket. At Voldt® you can find mobile charging cables up to as much as 20 meters!

    Conclusion

    With the growth of the electric vehicle market, the need for an efficient and safe charging method has become increasingly important. For safety reasons, it is not recommended to extend a charging cable. With a type 1, type 2 or type 3 charging cable, it is not even possible. If you do need more length, purchase a longer charging cable of up to 40 meters. A mobile charging cable to normal socket or power current (CEE) is certainly possible. However, this is not without risk and it is recommended to use only cables of the highest quality. But even with mobile charging cables, we recommend connecting directly to the wall outlet if at all possible.

    Check out our products

    • Travelling with Voldt® in the UK

      Travelling with Voldt® in the UK

      EV travel tips in the United Kingdom The United Kingdom offers a large and rapidly expanding charging network, making electric vehicle travel increasingly accessible across the country. Charging availability is...

      Travelling with Voldt® in the UK

      EV travel tips in the United Kingdom The United Kingdom offers a large and rapidly expanding charging network, making electric vehicle travel increasingly accessible across the country. Charging availability is...

    • The Engineering Behind IP Ratings: What Makes a Cable Truly Weatherproof

      The Engineering Behind IP Ratings: What Makes a...

      Electric vehicle charging often happens outdoors. Your cable and charger might sit in the rain, in frost, in road grit, or even in standing water. This is why weatherproofing is...

      The Engineering Behind IP Ratings: What Makes a...

      Electric vehicle charging often happens outdoors. Your cable and charger might sit in the rain, in frost, in road grit, or even in standing water. This is why weatherproofing is...

    • How to Reduce Degradation of Your EV’s Battery?

      How to Reduce Degradation of Your EV’s Battery?

      1. What Causes EV Battery Degradation Electric vehicle batteries degrade through two confirmed mechanisms. Calendar aging happens naturally over time as the internal chemistry of the cells changes. Cycle aging...

      How to Reduce Degradation of Your EV’s Battery?

      1. What Causes EV Battery Degradation Electric vehicle batteries degrade through two confirmed mechanisms. Calendar aging happens naturally over time as the internal chemistry of the cells changes. Cycle aging...

    • Type 1 vs. Type 2: What is the real difference?

      Type 1 vs. Type 2: What is the real difference?

      What Type 1 and Type 2 connectors are Type 1 and Type 2 charging cables utilize the two most common AC charging connectors for electric vehicles in Europe. They were...

      Type 1 vs. Type 2: What is the real difference?

      What Type 1 and Type 2 connectors are Type 1 and Type 2 charging cables utilize the two most common AC charging connectors for electric vehicles in Europe. They were...

    1 of 4

    Want to know more about extending your charging reach?