Fire hazard in electric vehicles: What you must follow when charging...

There are critical points you must pay attention to when charging electric vehicles at home. The most important of these is the use of extension cords.

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The rapid increase in electric vehicle sales in recent years has made home charging safety an important agenda item. According to data from the Automotive Distributors and Mobility Association (ODMD), electric vehicle sales in Turkey in 2024 reached 99 thousand 489 units, showing a 51.7 percent increase compared to the previous year. The share of electric vehicles in total sales rose to 10.1 percent.

With the increase in electric vehicles, more people want to install charging stations in their homes. Different situations arise for home-type charging stations. The processes are listed as follows:

•  Easy Installation: For users whose parking space is indoors and close to the electrical panel, the installation process is easier and more economical.

•  Situations Requiring Additional Panels: If there is no electrical panel indoors, an additional panel installation cost may arise.

•  Wiring from a Distance: Even if the parking space is in a closed area, if there is no electrical connection nearby, wiring must be done from a distant point.

•  Outdoor Installation: For outdoor parking areas, providing electrical infrastructure from a distance or wall-mounting solutions can be evaluated.

•  Special Situations: An assessment by a professional team may be required for special requirements.

BE CAREFUL WITH EXTENSION CORDS! 

Murat Timur, Board Member of Estasyon, which offers reliable electric vehicle charging solutions under Bor Holding, draws attention to the fire hazard with these words: “Extension cords are not designed to meet the high power requirements that electric vehicles need. When such cables are continuously exposed to high current, they can overheat, melt, and cause fires. Furthermore, the quality, cross-sectional area, and length of the extension cord can lead to power loss and voltage drops, causing serious damage to both the vehicle's charging system and the home's electrical installation.”