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Choosing the Right EV Cable
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 accessory for keeping you on the move. Portable EV cables are usually provided when buying new electric cars, with most brands. If type 2 cables are provided with your electric vehicle, the issue is the charging cable provided, is not long enough for a lot of public charging scenarios. Provided cables may be long enough if you have a home charging station.
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 after you buy your electric car, ensuring you have all equipment needed 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 don’t have access to garages, driveways, and home charging stations. One easy 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 faster charging. EV 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 of charging cable is type 2. Type 1 cables are available only in single-phase, however with type 2 cables you can choose either single-phase or three-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 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 length, which is easier to store. Longer cables can reach up to 20m, 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, 32A charger will charge at about 22 kW 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 have been 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, 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. You can start from wall to vehicle and add 5 meters for extra 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, a great solution enabling you to change the connector type. Adapters are small, and easy to store and perfect for when you are travelling. No need to change charge point, simply plug your existing cable into the adapter, and start your charge.
Spiral or Straight
EV cables come with both straight and coil leads. 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 your 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. Portable chargers are commonly used as a backup charging aid. These chargers have a significantly slower charging time than other types of cables. However, they can be very useful in some situations, for example, getting a top up charge while you pop over to your friend’s house, when you have run out of charge and there is no charging station 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 of your cable, will result in the cable not working. If this happens, you can place your cable in a warm, and dry place for 24 hours. Avoid leaving your cable outside where the sun, wind, dust and rain can cause damage. Dust and dirt will result in the cable not charging, for longevity, ensure that your cable is not twisted or excessively bent during storage.
You can stay up to date with the latest electric vehicle news by following us on our social media, below:
Spy photographers in China have spotted the upcoming Volkswagen ID.6 (ID. ROOMZZ) in camouflage. With the increasing demand on electric cars, we see new EVs coming to the market very fast. The VW ID.6 SUV was spotted on the streets wearing camouflage. The upcoming ID.6 looks like the largest of the models in the VW …
Alfa Romeo is getting ready to enter the electric world with their first fully electric vehicle for 2022. Alfa Romeo Electric SUV The Italian premium brand will complete it’s four-strong line-up using PSA platform and powertrain. This upcoming electric compact SUV, will be similar in size to the Audi Q2. Currently, Alfa Romeo doesn’t offer …
The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, will seek to boost the UK’s clean energy credentials after a tricky UN climate crisis conference. He announced that charging points for electric vehicles will be legally required in new buildings in England from next year. Hence, from the upcoming year, developers on sites such as supermarkets and office blocks …
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Choosing the Right EV Cable
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 accessory for keeping you on the move. Portable EV cables are usually provided when buying new electric cars, with most brands. If type 2 cables are provided with your electric vehicle, the issue is the charging cable provided, is not long enough for a lot of public charging scenarios. Provided cables may be long enough if you have a home charging station.
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 after you buy your electric car, ensuring you have all equipment needed 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 don’t have access to garages, driveways, and home charging stations. One easy 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 faster charging. EV 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 of charging cable is type 2. Type 1 cables are available only in single-phase, however with type 2 cables you can choose either single-phase or three-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 electricity.
Choosing your Public EV cable
TIP: Your EV cables for public charging, should only be used at a public charging point if they have been 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, 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
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, a great solution enabling you to change the connector type. Adapters are small, and easy to store and perfect for when you are travelling. No need to change charge point, simply plug your existing cable into the adapter, and start your charge.
Spiral or Straight
EV cables come with both straight and coil leads. 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 your 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. Portable chargers are commonly used as a backup charging aid. These chargers have a significantly slower charging time than other types of cables. However, they can be very useful in some situations, for example, getting a top up charge while you pop over to your friend’s house, when you have run out of charge and there is no charging station 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 of your cable, will result in the cable not working. If this happens, you can place your cable in a warm, and dry place for 24 hours. Avoid leaving your cable outside where the sun, wind, dust and rain can cause damage. Dust and dirt will result in the cable not charging, for longevity, ensure that your cable is not twisted or excessively bent during storage.
You can stay up to date with the latest electric vehicle news by following us on our social media, below:
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Spy photographers in China have spotted the upcoming Volkswagen ID.6 (ID. ROOMZZ) in camouflage. With the increasing demand on electric cars, we see new EVs coming to the market very fast. The VW ID.6 SUV was spotted on the streets wearing camouflage. The upcoming ID.6 looks like the largest of the models in the VW …
Alfa Romeo Plans Electric SUV for 2022
Alfa Romeo is getting ready to enter the electric world with their first fully electric vehicle for 2022. Alfa Romeo Electric SUV The Italian premium brand will complete it’s four-strong line-up using PSA platform and powertrain. This upcoming electric compact SUV, will be similar in size to the Audi Q2. Currently, Alfa Romeo doesn’t offer …
EV chargers will be required in new buildings in the UK
The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, will seek to boost the UK’s clean energy credentials after a tricky UN climate crisis conference. He announced that charging points for electric vehicles will be legally required in new buildings in England from next year. Hence, from the upcoming year, developers on sites such as supermarkets and office blocks …