With the expansion of the EV user base, public charging networks are also gradually developing and improving. For users who do not have fixed parking spaces or are unable to install EV charging stations at home, public charging stations are their daily source of EV energy.
An EV charge cable is an important charging component that connects charging stations and vehicle charging ports. Most public charging stations do not come with cables. Thus, each driver needs to prepare one to cope with emergency situations.
This guide will evaluate EV charging modes, EV charging cable types, technical factors to review, optimal EV cable attributes, etc., helping you find the optimal EV charge cables.
How to Choose the Optimal EV Charge Cables?
Having high-quality EV cables that suit individual charging needs helps maximize convenience and efficiency. Here are the key points for choosing the best EV charge cables:
1. EV Charging Modes: Overview
Electric vehicles support different charging modes using various standardized connectors and EV charge cables. Understanding these EV charging cable types is key to choosing the right one.
Mode 1 Charging Cable
Mode 1 charging utilizes a standard power cable that plugs directly into a home wall outlet, providing the slowest charge. There is no communication or protection between the vehicle and the charger, which can easily pose electrical safety risks. This type of EV charger cable is now outdated and no longer in use.
Mode 2 Charging Cable
Mode 2 charging cable is similar to Mode 1, using a portable charging cable but with an added In Cable Control Box (ICCB) that can provide overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, overtemperature, leakage power protection, etc.
Due to its low charging power, it is not suitable for quick daily energy replenishment and is more suitable as a supplement in emergency situations.
Mode 3 Charging Cable
Compared to the first two modes, the Mode 3 charging cable increases the charging current, thereby improving the charging speed. Its protection standards for charging safety are also higher. It is the standard for electric vehicle charging and can be used at public charging stations.
They are compatible with the widest range of commercial charging points across North America and Europe. This universal application makes them a reliable daily option.
Mode 4 Charging Cable
Supporting the fastest DC charging, mode 4 EV charge cables can power long-range EVs from 0-80% in less than an hour. They either use CCS or CHAdeMO interfaces. However, the mode 4 car charger cable is only restricted to highway DC fast charging facilities and isn’t sold separately.
Overall, for reliable daily and occasional public charging, it’s recommended to choose mode 3 EV charge cables. This is because they are compatible with any public charging point and allow for faster AC charging over Modes 1 or 2 car chargers with cable.
2. Consider Current, Power, and Phase Version
When selecting EV charge cables, it’s important to understand the specifications of your electric vehicle and charging station. This will ensure the car charger with cable is compatible and can provide optimal performance.
Some key technical specifications include the cable’s current, power, and phase version. Three-phase cables can also be used for single-phase charging, but not the opposite.
| Max Car Current | Phase | Cable Choice |
|---|---|---|
| 16A | Single phase | 3.6kW |
| 32A | Single phase | 7.4kW |
| 32A | Three phase | 22kW |
It is recommended to choose cables that match the car’s specifications. If electric vehicles can only support 3.6kW charging, then using a 22kW cable is meaningless.
3. Choose a Suitable Length
Electric vehicle charging cable length is an important consideration. The recommended cable length ranges from 5 to 10 meters.
Carefully measure the distance between your normal vehicle parking area and the electric outlet. Then, purchase a car charger with cable whose length adequately reaches your vehicle. This will facilitate convenient charging while avoiding excess bulk that could pose safety issues.
4. Quality and Safety
Prioritizing safety should be paramount in your electric vehicle charging cable investment. Always select EV charge cables that meet appropriate industry certifications with necessary protections. These include internal overload protection, short circuit protection, and sealed casings to prevent water and dust intrusion.
Also, the cable should be designed to maintain flexibility under long-term high and low temperatures without the problem of cracking after a period of use.
5. Consider Cable Accessories
Additional accessories provide security and storage, enhancing your cable ownership experience. EV charger cable locks, protective carrying bags, and wall-mounted reels are recommended.
They help to store charging cables neatly and safely, effectively preventing them from water, dust, accidental crushing, and theft. They are particularly suitable for frequent users requiring portability or charging across multiple locations.
Benefits of Purchasing EV Charging Cables
Owning high-quality EV charging cables as opposed to depending only on those provided with vehicles brings several advantages. These include:
1. Enhance Charging Flexibility
Owning EV charge cables maximizes your flexibility to charge from home or various public charging points. It allows powering up whether at home, at the workplace, or on longer trips by easily adapting to different chargers available.
Using your own charging cable can also help you avoid anxiety when going out due to not being able to find a suitable charging station and also avoid waiting in line at public charging stations.
2. Improve Charging Efficiency
Mode 3 charging cables support higher currents and voltages than standard Mode 1 and 2 cables, providing faster charging speeds. This is particularly important for car owners who need to quickly replenish their batteries in a short period of time.
Using high-quality electric car charging cables can also reduce energy loss during transmission, save electricity, and lower charging costs.
3. Elevate Charging Safety
Investing in certified and well-manufactured EV charge cables protects against potential electrical dangers. This is especially valuable compared to temporary solutions with improper configuration.
The EV charge cables, designed with durable outer skin and connectors, can also withstand harsh weather and environmental conditions, ensuring long-term stability and safe use.
EVB Charger’s Charging Stations with Sockets or Cables
Many public and household EV charging stations tend to choose EV chargers with sockets, as they provide higher flexibility, convenience, and aesthetics, reduce cable mess and damage, and are a future-proof choice.
EVB Charger offers chargers with cables and sockets, meeting the different needs for residential and commercial installations. We design our charging stations and cables to the highest safety, performance, and usability standards to optimize the EV charging experience.
Here are two typical charging options:
This wall-mounted charging station with cable delivers safe and reliable level 2 charging at speeds up to 22 kW. Key features include:
- OCPP 1.6J remote management for convenient control and monitoring.
- IP55/IP65 protection from water and dust.
- Stop charging if opened up to help prevent electrical hazards.
- Charge status notifications via cellular network or Wi-Fi.
- Dynamic load balance function for regulating the EV charging station’s output between 6-32 amps.
- 24/7 support from dedicated EV charging experts.
This powerful dual-socket charger enables charging two EVs simultaneously at 22 kW each. Its top characteristics include:
- LED screen displays key data clearly.
- Utilizes backup power to unlock the EV charger cable.
- Human induction lights the screen when people are near for easy visibility.
- Smart and dynamic load balancing function optimizes power distribution between vehicles.
- Weatherproof construction for indoor or outdoor placements.
- Remote firmware updates to enable new features over time.
Conclusion
Choosing the right EV charge cables requires understanding key factors like charging modes, technical specifications, safety, and flexibility. A Mode 3 electric car charging cable offers universal compatibility while considering your vehicle’s and charger’s power levels.
At EVB Charger, we leverage extensive experience developing AC and DC solutions for residential, commercial, and high-powered applications. Visit our website to learn more about reliable options for your home or business.
