It is important to be a responsible owner of an electric car. This knowledge is crucial for your vehicle’s safety and maintenance. You should familiarize yourself with the charging cable, which is another accessory that you must know.
Every owner of an electric vehicle (EV) must have EV charger cables. It is not a good idea to drive around with one.
When plugging your vehicle into any public charging station, an EV charging cable is required. Most home and office chargers are the untethered type. It is worth carrying an additional cable with you in your EV.
There are many options for EV charging cables. If you don’t know much about these accessories, it can be hard to choose the right one. We have provided some useful information on EV charging cables to help you select the right one.
What Are Type 1 And Type 2 EV Charging Cables?
The type of plug on the end of the cables will determine whether it is Type 1 or Type 2. Type 1 cables are an older standard for charging that is more common in the US and Asian countries such as Japan and China.
Type-2 cables are still the standard in Europe. Type 2 sockets can be found in the Nissan Leaf and Jaguar I-Pace as well as Renault Zoe and Kia e-Niro.
What Is The Difference Between Type 1 &Type 2 EV Charging Cables?
There is one key difference between these types of EV cables: the locking pin. This security feature is only present in Type 2 cables. It is not available in Type 1 cables. The locking pin prevents the plug from falling out of the charging cables. The latch protects Type 1 cables against being removed.
The locking key also protects charging cables from being disconnected by unauthorized persons. Only car owners can disconnect the charging cables from their cars by unlocking them with the keys.
Type 1 is a single-phase charging cable whereas Type 2 has both single and three-phase charging capabilities. What does this all mean? A three-phase circuit contains two additional wires, L2 or L3, that allow the vehicle to be charged three times faster than a single-phase charger. A type 2 charging cable with L1 or the single-phase can deliver up to 32 Amps of current. This contrasts with the 16 Amps that a type 1 charging cord can provide.
The Type 2 standard has obvious benefits for the EV driver but some manufacturers keep stock with the Type 1 connector. Examples of EVs that have Type 1 sockets include the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. But this is about to end. A pan European directive has stipulated that all vehicles sold in Europe after 2020 must include a Type 2 socket to charge AC.
Which EV Charging Cable Should You Choose?
The type and brand of cable that you purchase will depend on your electric vehicle. You can check the charging port to see if there is a Type 1 socket or Type 2. There is type 1 to type 2 EV adapter cable also in the market.
The length of the cable is what you should be considered after you’ve chosen the right connector for your vehicle. As it is long enough to enable most users to charge easily, a 5-meter cable is a good choice. It’s also lightweight, so it can be stored in your car.
Finally, ensure that the cable you select matches the vehicle’s rating to meet your single or triple-phase demand. You can still use the cable for vehicles with higher rates if you can afford one. You can also prepare for the future by getting a cable that is higher-rated for EV charging.
