EV Charging Cable Types information for electric mobility users. Here is what you need to know before you charge your electric vehicle.
EV Charging cable types for electric cars
EV Charging cable type 1 plug
The type 1 plug is a single-phase plug which allows for charging power levels of up to 7.4 kW (230 V, 32 A). The standard is mainly used in car models from the Asian region, and is rare in Europe, which is why there are not many public type 1 charging stations.
EV Charging cable type 2 plug
The triple-phase plug is mainly used in Europe. In private areas, charging power levels of up to 22 kW are common, while charging power levels of up to 43 kW (400 V, 63 A, AC) can be used only at public EVcharging stations. Most public charging stations are equipped with a type 2 socket. All mode 3 charging cables can be used with this, and electric cars can be charged with both type 1 and type 2 plugs. All mode 3 cables on the sides of charging stations have so-called Mennekes plugs (type 2).
Combination Plugs (Combined Charging System, or CCS)
The CCS plug is an enhanced version of the type 2 plug, with two additional power contacts for the purposes of quick charging, and supports AC and DC charging power levels (alternating and direct current charging power levels) of up to 170 kW. In practice, the value is usually around 50 kW.
CHAdeMO Plug
This quick charging system was developed in Japan, and allows for charging capacities up to 50 kW at the appropriate public charging stations. The following manufacturers offer electric cars which are compatible with the CHAdeMO plug: BD Otomotive, Citroën, Honda, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Subaru, Tesla (with adaptor) and Toyota.
Tesla Supercharger
For its supercharger, Tesla uses a modified version of the type 2 Mennekes plug. This allows for the Model S to recharge to 80% within 30 minutes. Tesla offers charging to its customers for free. To date it has not been possible for other makes of car to be charged with Tesla superchargers.
Charging cable modes for electric cars:
Mode 2 EV Charging Cables with control box
The Mode 2 EV charging cable with control box is available in different versions. Most of the times Mode 2 charging cable is supplied by the car manufacturer and has a connection to an ordinary domestic socket. The communication between car and charging port is set up via a box connected between the vehicle plug and connector plug (ICCB In-Cable Control Box).
Mode 3 EV Charging Cables
The mode 3 charging cable is a connector cable between the EV charging station and the electric vehicle. Type 2 plug is set up as the standard in EU. To allow electric cars to be charged using type 1 and type 2 plugs, charging stations are usually equipped with a type 2 socket. To charge your electric car, you require either a mode 3 charging cable from type 2 to type 2 (e.g. for the Renault ZOE) or a mode 3 charging cable from type 2 to type 1 (e.g. for the Nissan Leaf).
There are 3 standard charging levels for EV. All electric vehicles can be charged on Level 1 and Level 2 EV stations. Level 3 (also known as a DCFC or fast charger) can be used only with cars which got fast charging capability.
Level 1 EV charging station
The Level 1 is the standard wall outlet. It has the slowest charging level. Charge duration can take from 10 to 12 hours to charge a vehicle.
Level 2 EV charging station
The Level 2 is the typical EV plug. Usually it is installed in your home garage as well many public charging stations are using Level 2 charging stations. Charge duration from 2 to 6 hours.
Level 3 EV charging station
The Level 3, mainly is called the DCFC or DC Fast Charge. These charging stations are the quickest way to recharge a EV vehicle. Charge duration: 15 min to 1 hour.
We hope you have understood more about EV Charging Cable Types and charging stations differences.
EV Charging Stations for home, businesses or public places.
18th July 2018