Electric Vehicle Charging Cable Selection Guide

In the market, some new electric vehicle charging stations are no longer equipped with fixed EV charging cables like traditional charging stations, but rely on electric vehicle owners to bring their own exclusive cables. So the question is, what kind of charging cable does your electric car need? Well, it depends on what kind of car you're driving. A quick look at the charging ports will tell you which EV charging cable to choose. Before that, let's take a look at the characteristics of various cables to help you make a better choice.

Introduction to Electric Vehicle Charging Cable

An electric car charging cable consists of three parts: a plug that connects the car, a piece of wire, and a plug that connects the power supply. There are four main types of electric vehicle charging cables on the market.

Mode 1 Charging Cable

Mode 1 is as simple as plugging an electric car into a regular wall outlet (220 volts, up to 10A) without any complicated controls or safety checks. While it's not great for charging electric cars, it's great for electric bikes or small electric scooters.

Mode 2 Charging Cable

The Mode 2 cable is smarter, it comes with an ICCB (in-cable control box) that limits current and has built-in safety features. This cable is often included with the purchase of an electric car. In mode 2, you can charge the car through a home outlet with a maximum power of 2.3kW.

Mode 3 Charging Cable

When charging an electric car with a Mode 3 cable, you need to prepare a connection point specifically for it. You can choose between single or three phase charging. If you want faster three-phase charging, you may need to upgrade your home's electrical system. Mode 3 charging is AC charging, and global standard Mode 3 charging stations offer power ranges from 3.6 kW to 22 kW.

Mode 4 Charging Cable

The Mode 4 cable provides direct current (DC) directly, also known as DC Fast charging (DCFC). Fast chargers aim to charge electric vehicles to 80 percent capacity, with the remaining 20 percent filled at a slower rate. The power of the DC fast charging station is at least 50 kW and up to 350 kW.

Tethered Charging Station and Non-tethered Charging Station

Tethered charging stations come with their own cables and are easy to use, but only for compatible vehicles. Non-tethered charging stations are suitable for a wider range of models, and users can bring their own adaptive cables to meet the needs of different vehicles. The data shows that tethered charging stations are more popular in private homes, while non-tethered charging stations are more used in public and commercial Settings.

Electric Vehicle Charging Plug Type

When charging an electric car, choosing the right charging plug is very important, and the plug of the charging station must be compatible with the charging port of your car. At present, there are six main charging plug types on the market, suitable for AC (AC) and DC (DC) charging. Among them, the Type 1 plug is widely used in the United States and Asia, suitable for single-phase power, maximum power of 7.4 kilowatts, commonly found in Nissan Leaf and other models. The Type 2 plug is the European standard, supports single - and three-phase power up to 22 kW, and is suitable for most European electric vehicles, including the BMW i3. In terms of DC charging plugs, CHAdeMO is the standard in Japan, with the initial version supporting 62.5 kW of charging power, and subsequent versions up to 400 kW, suitable for models such as the Nissan Leaf. Tesla Superchargers use dedicated plugs, and the latest V3 chargers support up to 250 kW of charging power for all Tesla models.

The Difference Between AC and DC Charging

There are significant differences between AC and DC charging in the charging process of electric vehicles. Ac charging is mainly done at home or in the workplace, the charging speed is slower, suitable for overnight charging, and the power is usually between 2 and 7 kilowatts. In contrast, DC charging stations can quickly recharge the vehicle, usually in the power range of 50 kW to 350 kW, which is suitable for situations where fast charging is required, such as highway service areas. This makes DC charging very convenient on long trips, but it also puts more wear and tear on the battery.

Safety Precautions for Electric Vehicle Charging Cables

Finally, electric vehicle charging cables are an important part of the connection between the charging station and the vehicle, and ensuring their safe use is crucial. Choosing cables that meet international standards, such as UL 2251 or IEC 62752, ensures durability and safety. In addition, check the cable regularly for signs of wear or damage to ensure that there will be no safety hazards during use. When handling cables, wear insulated gloves and avoid exposing cables to water to reduce the risk of electric shock. Properly store cables to avoid direct sunlight and mechanical damage, thereby extending their service life.

Sum up

With the popularity of electric vehicles, choosing the right charging solution can not only improve charging efficiency, but also ensure driving safety and the long-term health of the battery. When charging, whether you choose convenient AC charging or fast DC charging, ensuring plug compatibility and cable security will guarantee your electric mobility. As the technology develops, we can expect smarter and more efficient charging networks, making green travel an option for more people.