Can a Charging Pile Charge Multiple Vehicles Using an Extension Cord?

[Shelley]

Charging piles cannot be used to charge multiple vehicles with an extension cord. This charging method is not recommended because each interface of a charging pile has a rated power. Overloading the circuit may cause a fire due to overheating. Signs of a failing car battery include: 1. Difficulty starting the car: If the car suddenly becomes hard to start without other factors, it may be a sign that the battery is about to fail. 2. Dimming lights at idle: For example, when waiting at a red light or temporarily parked, the headlights may suddenly dim. This occurs because the engine's charging power decreases at idle. 3. Battery warning light illuminates: If the battery warning light comes on, it is a reminder for the owner to have the battery inspected and repaired at a service center. 4. Normal driving but occasional complete power loss after parking and restarting: This happens because, as the battery nears the end of its lifespan, the starting current becomes insufficient, leading to increased oxidation at the battery terminals and resulting in a complete power loss.

[Correia]

As a veteran in the auto repair industry, I often encounter car owners who try to charge multiple vehicles simultaneously using extension cords for convenience, only to end up with major issues. A typical example: last week, a client used a three-way extension cord to connect two electric vehicles, causing the socket temperature to skyrocket and even emit smoke—nearly triggering a fire. Standard household circuits typically handle a maximum load of 10 amps, but modern EV chargers can draw around 7 kW, which already strains the circuit for a single vehicle. Adding another is guaranteed to overload it. With aging wiring or poor-quality extension cords, this practice is even more likely to cause short circuits, power outages, or even burn out charging equipment. From a safety perspective, I strongly advise against attempting this. It’s best to use a dedicated, certified charger for each vehicle or invest in a multi-point charging system—though more expensive, it prevents disasters. Long-term neglect of this detail can also damage vehicle batteries and shorten their lifespan. In short, remember: cutting corners on cost or effort isn’t worth the risk. Safety should always come first.

[ValeriaLee]

As a regular household user with two electric vehicles, I once tried charging both simultaneously using an extension cord in my garage to save time. However, an accident occurred: the circuit breaker frequently tripped during charging, and upon inspection, we found the wiring overheated. An electrician warned that this could damage the electrical system. Charging stations are designed for single-use power supply with high power demands; sharing an extension cord doubles the current, exceeding the capacity of household wiring and increasing the risk of electric leakage or fire. After learning my lesson, I switched to charging the vehicles alternately or upgraded to a smart charging system, which is both safer and more efficient. In daily use, people often overlook the quality of extension cords—substandard products are more prone to melting or catching fire. I recommend that vehicle owners purchase equipment from reputable sources and consult professionals for installation plans. Don’t pay a higher price for temporary convenience.

[Rodney]

As a new EV owner and office worker, I'd like to share some personal experience. When I first tried charging, I attempted using power strips to charge both my car and my neighbor's. But problems emerged: extremely slow charging speed, skyrocketing electricity bills, and overheated socket casings. Online research revealed that current overload could cause fires. Standard charging piles require over 7kW power, while regular household circuits max out at 15 amps - daisy-chaining multiple vehicles is absolutely unsafe. Now I strictly use dedicated charging piles to avoid risks. Here's a lifesaving tip: plan charging schedules to utilize off-peak hours for better economy.