A Guide To The Cables And Plugs Used To Charge EV

A Guide To The Cables And Plugs Used To Charge EV
5 min read
30 January 2023

Fueling will change significantly for drivers. Fueling a gas or diesel car is easy, but filling an electric car is harder. Like everything new, electric mobility demands learning new terms. This confuses many new EV drivers. Differences between AC and DC charging? Or the three EV charging levels. Industry leaders and entrants employ technology and phrases that fit them, creating many confusing terms.

EV drivers find charging wires and plug most confusing. Since EVs don't have a standard connector, charging stations, cables, plugs, and plugs come in several sizes. Your location, car, and charging station determine them. Many considerations can make picking a charging cable challenging. Let’s Learn about EV charging plugs and cables to charge anywhere.

What Is An Electric Vehicle Charging Cable?

Some charging stations include cables while others require you to bring your portable charger cable. But charging cables are an essential part of charging an EV. There are four types or modes of charging cables. Each is designed to charge a particular type of vehicle. It can get confusing since the "level" or mode of charging does not always correlate with the mode. We'll explain what the best charging type is and how they differ in this section. Types of cables for electric cars are as follows:

Mode 1 Charging Cables

Mode 1 cables allow you to simply connect an electric vehicle (EV) to a standard AC socket outlet by using an extension cable and standard plug. Because there is no communication between the vehicle's charging point and the vehicle, there isn't any special safety or shock protection. This charging method works well for scooters and light electric vehicles but it is not safe for cars.

Mode 2 Charging Cables

You will receive a Mode 2 cable when you buy an electric vehicle. These cables connect to your EV and a standard home socket on the opposite end. In-Cable Control and Protection Devices, or IC-CPD, are included with the cable. This device controls and protects the standard plug and the EV. Charging using this method can be time-consuming. This charging method can also prove to be dangerous if it is not done correctly. It is best to only use the charging cable in emergencies.

Mode 3 Charging Cables

Mode 3 cables have become the most common method of charging an EV. A Mode 3 cable connects your vehicle and an EV charging station. These stations can be found in workplaces, homes, and residential addresses as well as in commercial lots and public parking lot. These cables are responsible for controlling, communicating, as well as protecting the charging process. They typically connect to Type 1 and Type 2 chargers.

Mode 4 Charging Cables

They are separate from other Modes. The first three modes supply AC power to vehicles and this power is converted by an onboard AC/DC conversion. Mode 4 cables are designed for DC charging. This power is converted first before it's transferred into the vehicle. However, this charging method transfers more power directly onto the battery of the EV. This allows you to significantly speed up charging.

What Is An EV Charger Plug?

A charging plug refers to the connector that is inserted into an electric vehicle's charging socket. As with appliances, plugs vary according to where they are manufactured. Sockets and plugs for EVs will also differ depending on their brand, charge level, and country. Fortunately, most countries have adopted the below standards. Types for EV charging plugs are as follows:

Type 1 Charging Plug

Type 1 plugs, also known to be called SAE J1772, can be used with most vehicle models like kia ev6 australia. They are single-phase and can generate power of up 7.4 kW.

Type 2 Charging Plug

The official European Union plug standard is Type 2 plugs. Also known as "Mennekes", they are also called the German plug company that first designed them. These three-phase plugs have a greater power transfer potential than Type 1 ones, with a maximum of 22 kW in private charging and a maximum of 43 kW in public charging.

GB/T Charging Plug

China developed its charging technology, which is referred to by Guobiao national specifications as GB/T. There are 2 types of GB/T chargers. 1 for AC fast charging and 1 for DC charging. Single-phase AC charging with GB/T plugs can deliver up to 7.4 kW. Although the plug looks similar to the Type 2 one, the pins of the Type 2 plug are reversed.

In case you have found a mistake in the text, please send a message to the author by selecting the mistake and pressing Ctrl-Enter.
Anthony 51
Joined: 1 year ago
Comments (0)

    No comments yet

You must be logged in to comment.

Sign In / Sign Up