How to choose and what you need to know about EV cables?
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If you're planning to buy an electric vehicle (EV) or have just done so, you should know that one of the most important things you’ll need to do regularly is charge it. And charging an EV isn’t possible without specialized charging cables.
You’ll need a charging cable to connect your vehicle to most public charging points and for use at home. This short guide will help you choose the right charging cable.
Quick Facts About Charging Cables
• Your EV will have either a Type 1 or Type 2 AC socket, so make sure the cable you select matches this connection.
• A charging cable will allow you to charge your EV at home, work, or public charging points, most of which require you to bring your cable.
• Fast chargers (and some public AC chargers) have tethered cables, so no additional cable is needed.
• Cables vary in length, current capacity (usually 16A or 32A), and can handle either single-phase or three-phase power.When Will You Need a Separate Charging Cable?
If you want to charge at a point that doesn’t have a tethered cable, you’ll need to use your own. This is common for AC charging points in public networks or home chargers with standard sockets.
While you’ll often need your own cable, some charging points come with attached cables, just like gas stations have built-in nozzles ready for use.
Your EV will almost certainly include a charging cable. However, some manufacturers only provide cables compatible with standard home sockets. Typically, a Type 2 cable is required.
If your EV doesn’t include a cable or you want a backup, you can purchase one at Evlaidai.lt.
How to Choose a Charging Cable?
Charging cables connect to the charging point socket on one side and the vehicle socket on the other.
If you need a charging cable, you’ll want one with a Type 2 connector, the European standard. Follow these steps to choose the right cable:• Select the correct vehicle connector – Check your car’s user manual to determine if it uses a Type 1 or Type 2 connection. On the other end, ensure the cable has a universal Type 2 plug for the charging station.
• Choose the appropriate cable length – A 7-9 meter cable offers a good balance of usability and storage, but you can opt for shorter (easier to store) or longer (greater reach) cables.
• Match the cable to your maximum charging capacity and speed (16A = ~3.6kW, 32A = ~7kW single-phase). Choosing a cable that supports higher power ensures readiness for future EV upgrades.
• Refer to your vehicle’s manual to determine the maximum charging speed. If your vehicle supports three-phase charging, consider investing in a three-phase cable for flexibility and faster charging at compatible points.Examples of Charging Cable Selection
Vehicle: 2018 Jaguar I-PACE
• Vehicle socket: Type 2
• Recommended cable length: Longer
• Maximum current: 32A
• Phases: Three-phaseSuggested cable specifications:
• Type2-Type2
• 7.5m
• 32A
• 22kWVehicle: 2015 Nissan LEAF
• Vehicle socket: Type 1
• Recommended cable length: As long as possible
• Maximum current: 32A
• Phases: Single-phaseSuggested cable specifications:
• Type1-Type2
• 10m
• 32A
• 7kWLife would be simpler if there were only one type of connector, but currently, several exist. Thankfully, as the EV market expands, countries and businesses are adopting standards, so most EVs use one of four connector types, with fewer variations expected in the future.
Type 1 is common in American vehicles, featuring a single-phase plug supporting up to 7.4kW. Type 2, the European and Asian standard since 2018, supports three-phase charging at up to 43kW.
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