In the daily use of electric vehicles, the EV charging cable is an essential accessory. Whether it’s home charging or public charging, a suitable charging cable can ensure a smooth charging process. It can also protect vehicle performance and deal with various special situations. This will improve the convenience and safety of charging.
1. Why Buy a Separate Charging Cable?
1.1 To Meet the Needs of Public Charging Stations
Public charging stations, such as those near supermarkets, gyms, and office buildings, usually require a charging cable to charge an electric vehicle. If you don’t prepare a charging cable by yourself, you won’t be able to charge.
1.2 To Meet the Connection Needs of Home Chargers
Both portable and fixed home EV chargers need a cable to connect to the electric vehicle. Most charging piles do not come with a connecting cable. So you must buy one separately.
1.3 To Ensure Charging Safety and Vehicle Performance
A proper charging cable can ensure charging speed, safety, and convenience. If you choose the wrong one, the charging speed may slow down. The battery may overheat or even get damaged. This will affect the vehicle’s performance and service life.
1.4 To Deal with Special Situations
Some electric vehicles may not come with a charging cable. Or the original cable may have problems like faults or damage. Buying a separate charging cable can serve as a spare. This ensures you can still charge normally in these unexpected cases. You won’t have to worry about not being able to use your vehicle due to charging cable issues.
2. Main Criteria for Choosing a Cable
2.1 Cable Length
The length of an electric vehicle charging cable is usually between 4 and 10 meters. A longer cable is more flexible. But it is heavier, bulkier, and more expensive. A shorter cable is enough in most cases, unless you have a clear need for a long-distance charge. You should also consider that you might change your vehicle in the future. The charging port position of the new vehicle may be different. Leaving some extra length can avoid trouble later.
2.2 Cable Quality
High-quality cables are more durable. They are made of good materials and can withstand daily pulling and extreme conditions. They remain flexible in low temperatures. This makes them easy to operate and store. Some cable terminals are prone to water and dust accumulation. This can lead to corrosion and poor connections. Choosing a cable with a cover can effectively avoid this problem. High-end cables also focus on ergonomic design. They feel better to hold, which improves the convenience of daily use.
2.3 Environmental and Recyclability
Even durable charging cables will eventually need to be replaced. Their components should be fully recyclable. Some charging cable plugs are potted. This makes them hard to separate and recycle. However, some cables do not need potting and are made of reusable materials. These cables can be fully recycled after use. They are more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
2.4 Accessories Selection
Choosing the right accessories for your charging cable is important. These include holders, straps, or storage bags. At home, you can roll up the cable and hang it up. This keeps it out of the way and protects it from water and dust. In a car, you can use a storage bag to fix the cable in the trunk. This prevents it from moving around during driving.
Also, considering that charging cables are expensive and easy to steal, you should choose a suitable location when installing a charging pile. Avoid dark and secluded areas. You can also equip a lockable storage device to protect the charging cable.
2.5 Vehicle Charging Socket Type
You need to know the type of charging socket your vehicle has. Most new electric vehicles have Type 2 sockets. But some models, like the Mitsubishi Outlander and the first-generation Nissan Leaf, have Type 1 sockets. Type 1 sockets are smaller and have fewer pins. Type 2 charging cables can be used with 7.4kW and 22kW chargers, whereas Type 1 cables are only suitable for 7.4kW devices. You should choose a cable that matches the socket type of your vehicle.
2.6 Charging Power Requirements
Consider your needs in terms of amperes, kilowatts, and phases. Find the right amperage and kilowatt numbers and decide whether you need a single-phase or three-phase cable. The capacity of your vehicle’s inverter is key. Choose a cable with a kilowatt capacity that is at least equal to or greater than the capacity of your vehicle’s onboard charger. If your home charging pile has limited power, consider this to avoid wasting money on a high-power cable you won’t fully use.
2.7 Charging Habits and Future Planning
Consider your charging habits. If you mainly use single-phase charging devices at home, a single-phase cable is enough. But if you often charge at public or workplace three-phase charging stations, a three-phase cable is more flexible and efficient. Also, a three-phase cable can be used with a single-phase charging pile, making it adaptable to different charging locations and avoiding trouble with future upgrades.
3. Summary
Choosing the right electric vehicle charging cable requires considering many factors. From cable length and quality to environmental friendliness, from accessory selection to vehicle socket type and charging power requirements, every factor affects charging efficiency and vehicle safety. At the same time, by combining your charging habits and plans, you can pick the most suitable charging cable. This will make the use of your electric vehicle more convenient, efficient, and sustainable.
Common Questions
1. How to Clean and Store an Electric Vehicle Cable?
When cleaning an electric vehicle charging cable, use a damp cloth or mild surface cleaner to wipe the outer shell. Regularly check the plug and charging port. Use a cotton swab to clean around the connector. But never let water or cleaner directly touch the connector. This can damage electronic components.
When storing, put the cable in a dedicated storage bag to keep it dry. Roll it up in its natural direction to avoid twisting and stress. If storing outdoors, use a wall-mounted holder with a dummy socket. This can protect the connector from direct sunlight, corrosion, and debris.
2. Which is Better: Spiral Cable or Straight Cable?
Spiral cables can stretch to connect the electric vehicle and the charging pile. But they are long, heavy, hard to carry, and expensive. Straight cables can be easily rolled up to save space. When using it, you can just plug it into the charging port. When buying, choose the right length.
Overall, if your charging situation changes a lot and you need to move the cable frequently, a straight cable is better. If your charging location is fixed and you don’t have strict length requirements for the cable, you can also consider a spiral cable.
