If you’re an electric vehicle (EV) owner, then you know that charging your car is a bit different than fueling up a gas-powered vehicle. Instead of heading to the pump, you need to connect your EV to a charger. And, in order to do that, you need the right EV charging cable.
There are a few different types of EV charging cables, but the most common is the Level 2 charging cable. This type of cable has a standard plug on one end that connects to your EV, and a special connector on the other end that plugs into a charger.
What is an EV Charging Cable?
An EV charging cable is a cord that connects an electric vehicle to an EV charging station. This cord is used to transfer electricity from the charger to the battery of the electric vehicle. The charging cable has two ends: one end that plugs into the charger, and one end that plugs into the vehicle.
Whether you want to charge your vehicle from home or from public charging stations, you need an EV charging cable. It is important to note that there are different types of EV charging cables.
The choice of the cable will determine the success of your EV charging process. In this guide, we will look at different aspects of the bestselling EV cables and help you learn how to choose the right cable for public and home charging points.
Why Do I Need an EV Charging Cable?
An EV charging cable is an essential part of electric vehicle ownership. Without a charging cable, you would be unable to charge your electric vehicle. The charging cable is what transfers electricity from the charger to the battery of your car.
There are different types of EV charging cables, and the type of cable you need depends on the type of charger you are using. Some chargers have a standard plug that will work with any type of tethered cable, while others require a specific type of cable.
Types of EV Cables for Your Electric Vehicle
When it comes to the choice of the EV cable, there are three types of cables to choose from. Here are the main types of EV charging cables:
Mode 2 Charging Cable
This is the most common type of cable, and it is the standard cable that comes with most electric cars. The mode 2 charging cable has a standard plug on one end and a special connector on the other end. This type of cable is used to connect your EV to a Mode 2 charger.
Mode 3 Charging Cable:
The mode 3 charging cable is less common than the mode 2 cable. This type of cable has a standard plug on one end and a special connector on the other end. The mode 3 charging cable is used to connect your EV to a Mode 3 charger.
Mode 4 Charging Cable:
The mode 4 charging cable is the least common type. This DC cable has a special connector on both ends. The mode 4 cable is used to connect your EV to a Mode 4 charger.
Type 1 Charging Cable:
Type one is a single-phase connector, which makes it uncommon in the UK. It is commonly used in Asian countries and enables up to a 7.4kW power rating.
Type 2 Charging Cable:
The Type 2 connector is the most popular charging cable. It allows for a three-phase connection and up to 43kW power rating.
CHAdeMO Charging Cable:
The CHAdeMO connector is used for rapid DC charging. It has a maximum power rating of 50kW and can charge an electric vehicle up to 80% in 30 minutes.
How to Choose the Right EV Charging Cable?
There are a few things you need to consider when choosing an EV cable. The type of EV charging cable you need depends on the type of charger you are using. Here are some key considerations to bear in mind when choosing an electric car charging cable.
Cable Length
The length of the cable is an important consideration, as you need to make sure that the cable is long enough to reach from your EV to the charger. The length of the cable will also determine how easy it is to use the cable. If the cable is too short, you may have difficulty connecting your EV to the charger.
Cable Gauge
The cable gauge is another important consideration. The cable gauge determines the thickness of the wire. A thicker wire will be able to carry more electricity and will be less likely to overheat.
Number of Conductors
The number of conductors in the cable determines how much electricity can flow through the cable. Electric car charging cables with more conductors can carry more electricity and is ideal for high-powered chargers.
Electric Car Connector Type
The connector type is another important consideration. Some chargers have a standard plug that will work with any type of EV cable, while others require a specific type of cable.
Max Current Rating
The max current rating is the maximum amount of current that the cable can carry. This is important to consider if you are using a high-powered charger. The max current rating should be greater than the rated output of the charger.
Price
Price is also a consideration when choosing an EV charging cable. The more features and functions a cable has, the more expensive it will be. It is important to select a cable that meets your needs and budget and one offered at the most competitive prices.
In order to choose the right EV charging cable, you need to consider the type of charger you are using, the length of the cable, the gauge of the wire, the number of conductors in the cable, and the connector type among other things.
Conclusion
There are different types of electric vehicle charging cables, and the type of cable you need depends on the type of charging point you are using. It is important to select the right charging cable in order to avoid any problems while charging your electric vehicle.
Remember that the choice of the electric car connector is the most important decision that has to be made when it comes to charging infrastructure. The CHAdeMO connector is currently the best option for DC fast charging, while the Type 2 connector is the most popular option for Level 2 chargers.
Thank you for reading this guide on EV charging cables. We hope you found it helpful.
