Charging an electric vehicle at home often seems as straightforward as plugging in a smartphone. For most users, it offers convenience. However, electric vehicles draw significantly more power continuously over several hours. Bypassing safety protocols or using substandard equipment can lead to costly consequences. A Rivian owner in the United States recently learned this lesson the hard way due to such an oversight.

The Rivian R1S electric SUV caught fire and spread to the garage. *Reddit*

Images shared on Reddit show the front end of the Rivian R1S completely incinerated and severely deformed. The adjacent home also sustained significant damage as the fire spread from the garage. The user who posted the images stated that he discovered the incident while out for a walk and was told by nearby residents that the fire erupted while the vehicle was charging via an extension cord.

However, this account remains unconfirmed. There is no official report from fire authorities yet to confirm the exact cause, nor has the specific type of extension cord, outlet, or charger used by the owner been identified. Nevertheless, automakers like Rivian consistently issue strict warnings against this practice.

The vehicle's front end was almost entirely burned. *Reddit*

In its owner's manual, Rivian advises users against plugging portable chargers into extension cords, power adapters, power strips, or any intermediate connectors. The manufacturer also cautions against using damaged, loose, or excessively old outlets.

When connected to a 240 V power source, Rivian's standard J1772 portable charger can handle a 32A load and deliver 7,6 kW of power. Even if not always operating at maximum capacity, the device still transmits a substantial amount of electricity through its wiring system for extended periods.

The Reddit post sparked considerable debate about whether an extension cord was indeed the primary cause. Many commenters suggested that properly rated heavy-duty cords can safely transmit high currents. Others pointed to risks arising from undersized wires, damaged connection points, coiled cords causing heat buildup, or overheating plugs. One user even observed that the scene photos indicated the owner used a specialized NEMA 14-50 extension cord, typically for RVs, rather than a cheap household type.

The outlet and extension cord remained at the front of the burned vehicle. *Reddit*

The market currently offers a wide variety of extension cords of varying quality. Nevertheless, Rivian's recommendation is absolute: do not use any type of extension cord. In this instance, had the manufacturer's guidelines been followed, the R1S might have avoided the incident.

Fortunately, according to nearby residents, the owner was not harmed. The incident serves as a costly lesson for the electric vehicle community regarding adherence to fire safety regulations.

My Anh (according to Carscoops)