EV Charging Safety Under Scrutiny: Viral Video Highlights Risks of Power Strip Use
Key Insights
A viral video shows a Tesla charging via a power strip on a sidewalk, raising significant safety concerns among observers and experts.
Industry experts and safety outlets strongly advise against using extension cords or power strips for EV charging due to high power demands and fire risks.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenge of inadequate public and residential EV charging infrastructure, particularly for apartment dwellers.
This practice highlights the critical need for robust, safe charging solutions to support widespread electric vehicle adoption.
A recent viral video depicting a Tesla being charged via a power strip on a public sidewalk has ignited widespread discussion and concern among electric vehicle (EV) owners and industry experts regarding charging safety and infrastructure limitations. The clip, posted by TikTok user Ashley Lauren (@smash1ftw), showed a Level 1 Tesla charger connected to a power strip, extended precariously across a sidewalk, prompting Lauren to comment on the “1.4kW of anxiety” it generated.
This incident highlights a critical challenge facing EV adoption: the lack of ubiquitous, safe, and dedicated charging infrastructure, especially for residents in apartments or townhomes without private charging access. While creative solutions are often sought, industry authorities strongly caution against using standard power strips or extension cords for EV charging due to significant safety risks.
Electric vehicles, even when utilizing a Level 1 (120-volt) charger, draw a substantial and continuous electrical load over extended periods. Most consumer-grade power strips are designed for lower-power appliances (typically up to 1800-2400 watts) and are not engineered to safely handle the prolonged, high-current demand of an EV. According to safety experts like Bob Vila, appliances that consume significant energy or cycle on and off frequently become dangerous fire hazards when plugged into power strips. Kelley Blue Book explicitly advises against using extension cords for EV charging, stating that the high electricity demand can cause cords to overheat, leading to short circuits, electric shock, or even fire. Automakers universally echo this warning, emphasizing that even if a vehicle’s standard charging cable is too short, extension cords should not be used.
The precarious setup observed in the viral video—a power strip exposed to elements and pedestrian traffic—exacerbates these inherent risks. Overheating, electrical faults, and physical damage to the charging equipment or power strip could lead to serious incidents, including property damage or personal injury. Such occurrences could undermine public trust in EV technology and its safety.
While innovative solutions, such as integrated curb-side charging terminals, are being explored globally, their widespread deployment remains limited. This forces many EV owners to devise makeshift charging arrangements, often without proper consultation with electricians or city authorities regarding public property use and electrical safety codes. The ongoing expansion of public charging networks and the development of robust residential charging solutions, including those for multi-unit dwellings, are imperative to mitigate these risks and ensure the safe, scalable transition to electric mobility.