A Buyer's Guide for EV Charging Cables

A Buyer's Guide for EV Charging Cables

If you're new to electric vehicles, choosing the right charging cable can be a bit overwhelming.

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You are probably wondering if you should buy a cable at all and if so, which one is the right one.

In this article, we will guide you through this decision-making process and help you get familiar with the EV charging modes and types of plugs. Knowing what they mean will make you feel much more confident when buying a cable.

So, let's get started!

Understanding EV Charging Cables

Choosing the right EV charging cable is simpler than it seems. By conducting a bit of research, you can ensure the best possible charging speed, maximum durability, and utmost ease of use.

What You Need to Know

To achieve the fastest possible charging at home or at any public station, consider the following:

• Opt for a Mode 3 charging cable
• Determine whether you need a Type 1 or Type 2 plug
• Understand the charging speed for your electric vehicle at home

Mode 3 charging cables are the default for EVs and fit most public and residential charging setups. While Mode 1 cables are usually not provided by car manufacturers, Mode 2 cables serve as emergency options supplied with some electric vehicles, featuring a standard plug combined with either a Type 1 or Type 2 connector and an In-Cable Control Box (ICCB). Mode 2 cables shouldn't be used for everyday charging.

Mode 3 cables, on the other hand, are designed for regular home and public station use, operating on alternating current (AC). Fast chargers using Mode 4 work on direct current (DC) and come with a fixed cable.
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Choosing the Appropriate Connector Type

EV connectors come in two types: Type 1 and Type 2, correlating with the car's socket design. Type 1 connectors are typically found on older Asian car models like the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander. Type 2 connectors are now the standard for newer models across all manufacturers. To determine which connector type you need, verify your vehicle's socket.

Analyzing Amps, Kilowatts, and Phases

New EV owners often find it challenging to figure out the correct amps and kilowatts and whether to select a single-phase or three-phase cable. To make the right decision, consider your EV's inverter capacity. Electric vehicles can either support single-phase or three-phase charging, so choose a cable with a kilowatt (kW) capacity that matches or exceeds your onboard charger.

Here’s a quick calculation:

230 volts x 16 amps = 3,680 W = 3.7 kW (single-phase). With a three-phase system, it amounts to 11 kW (3.7 kW x 3).

Three-phase cables can be used on single-phase systems, but not vice versa. If you're primarily charging at home, the kW capacity of your home charging post also matters. For example, a 3.7 kW single-phase home charger wouldn’t need a high-capacity cable unless you plan for future upgrades.

Selecting the Right Cable Length

EV charging cables come in lengths ranging from 4 to 10 meters. A longer cable offers more flexibility but is heavier and more expensive. Consider your current and future needs to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Investing in Helpful Accessories

Accessories such as holders, bags, or cable sockets are useful for managing your EV charging cable. A holder can keep the cable neatly rolled up and protected at home, while a bag can secure the cable in your car's trunk without risk of it shifting during transit.

Given their value, EV charging cables can also be attractive to thieves. Position your charging station in a secure, well-lit area to mitigate this risk.
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