Are you choosing an EV cable to go along with your shiny new electric car? Arguably as important as the car itself, charging cables are a vital tool for keeping you on the move! Portable EV cables are usually provided when buying new and pretty pricey electric cars, with most brands. If type 2 cables are provided with your electric vehicle, the only issue is the charging cable is not usually long enough. Especially for those without a home charging station garage set up.
When buying an EV in today’s market, other than the competitive sourcing and heavy research involved pre purchase. It’s essential to prepare yourself for after you buy your electric car, ensuring you have all equipment for a swift and easy electric journey. One of the main factors holding some drivers back from going electric, is the lack of charging infrastructure. Especially in cities, where most folk live in apartments and do not have access to garages or driveways to install home charging stations. One solution? A charging cable long enough to reach in sticky parking situations.
EV Cables for Public and Home use
Electric vehicle cables come in different lengths, current ratings (16 – 32 Amperes), and can carry single or three phase electricity. Most charging stations use 32 amperes since it allows a faster charge. Cables either have a Type 1 or Type 2 socket for slow/fast charging and CHAdeMO or CCS for DC rapid charging. The most common type charging cable is a type 2. Type 1 cables are available only in single phase, however with type 2 cables you can choose either single phase or 3-phase.
Some public charging points as well as rapid charging points (and a few public AC chargers) have ‘tethered’, permanently connected cables. However for those untethered work or public charging points you will need your own electric car cable to connect your car to the good stuff- electricity!
Choosing your Public EV cable
- Search for your connector type EV cable. Is your EV connector type 1 (5-pin design) or type 2 (7-pin design) Type 1 cables are common across USA and Asia, whereas type 2 cables are standard across Europe.
- Pick the appropriate length of your cable. 7.5m is a good average cable length. You can also pick 5m which is easier to store. Longer cables can reach up to 20m, more range for reach- but can weigh quite a bit and may not fit easily in a protective storage bag.
- Check your car’s onboard charging power. According to this you can see what speed your car will be able to charge at. 3-Phase 32amp charger will charge at about 22kW per hour for a fast charge. But this is only if your vehicle onboard battery allows this current.
TIP: Your EV cables for public charging should only be used at a public charging point if they are approved, otherwise they could pose a serious safety risk.
For home charging stations you can choose whether to have a tethered cable or a untethered. One of the main downfalls with tethered cables at your home charging station, (as silly as it sounds) is new EV users forgetting they are plugged in for the charge, and driving off with the cable attached. So in some cases, for new EV users it might be safer to install an untethered cable to their home charging station.
Choosing your Home EV cable
- Search for your electric car connector type. Type 1 or Type 2.
- Choose your cable length. If you’re buying a cable based on home charging the easiest way to choose the optimal cable length is to measure the distance from your charging station outlet, from wall to placement of vehicle and add 5 meters for slack.
- Pick a suitable current rating. It is essential to find a cable with a rating equal to or higher than your EV charger.
TIP: Different EV’s have different port positions. You won’t want to re install your home charger if you purchase a new EV. So make sure you own a cable with a maximum length. Be ready to fit to charge in any position you park.
Cable Length
The length of your cable does affect the speed your battery charges at. In general the shorter the cable, the faster the charging speed.
Slightly longer charging cables are needed than those provided with your electric car. The average cable length given with electric car purchase, if at all is 5m. But a length of 7.5m is recommended for easy storage and ease of use. Cable lengths can reach as high as 20m. Sounds extreme? But in a lot of cases a longer charging cable length is necessary when for whatever reason the owner is unable to park as close as needed to charging station.
Types of Cables
Extenders
There are EV Cable extenders available. These can extend your cable reach up to 5m, these are available for type 1 or type 2 charging ports. EV Cable extenders are safe when you use the relevant equipment and ensure your cable is IP protected. These can be used for both home and public charging.
Adapters
Many different adapters for cables are also available to purchase, they provide a great solution you to change the connector type with these small adapters which are easy to store and perfect for travelling. No need to change charge point, simply plug your exisiting cable to the adapter and start your charge.
Spiral or Straight
EV cables come in both straight and coil. The spiral cables are slightly more difficult to store than straight cables. Storing and protecting your EV cable is an essential step in taking care of vital parts to ensure you will not damage your EV’s charging port. You should store you EV cable in a dry place away from moisture, dust or too much heat.
Portable Cables
Portable chargers or 3 pin plugs, can be used to charge your EV from your household sockets. These are commonly used as a backup charging aid. These chargers have a significantly slower charging time than other cables. However can be very essential in some situations, for example grabbing a top up charge while you pop over to your friend’s house, where no charging station is close by.
Storage
Charging cables are the lifeline of your electric vehicle, it’s important to keep them protected. Store your cable in a dry place preferably a storage bag. Moisture in the contacts will result in the cable not working. If this happens, place the cable in a warm and dry place for 24 hours. Avoid leaving your cable outside where the sun, wind, dust and rain can get to it. Dust and dirt will result in the cable not charging. For longevity, ensure that your cable is not twisted or excessively bent during storage.
6th October 2022