4 Different Types of EV Charging Cables

4 Different Types of EV Charging Cables

Buying an electric vehicle is the best thing one can do in the present scenario where the world is striving and struggling to reduce the impacts of depleting natural resources. With a substantial rise in environmental consciousness, we can expect a 25% hike in the number of vehicles with electric engines by the year 2050. An electric vehicle requires electricity to run, and thus emerges the need for an EV charging cable and an adapter.

The cable that links your vehicle to the charging station must have the correct plugs. Since electric vehicles do not yet have a standardised connector, charging stations, charging cables, and plugs of shapes and sizes. They differ on where you are in the world and what vehicle you drive. Read ahead to learn more about EV charging cables.

Electric vehicle charging cables are available in four different types or modes. Each of these modes is designed for a particular type of charging. It is to be noted that the modes do not always correspond to the charging level. EV safety should be the topmost factor to consider while choosing a charging cable.

Mode 1

Using an extension cord and a regular plug, one can connect the EV to a standard AC socket-outlet with the Mode 1 connection. There are no specific safety features or shock protection because there is no contact between the car and the charging outlet. This charging method is suitable for light electric vehicles such as e-bikes and scooters, but it is unsafe for electric cars and is forbidden in many countries.

Mode 2

A Mode 2 charging cable is standard on most electric vehicles. These cables have one end plugged into the electric vehicle and the other end into a typical residential outlet. An In-Cable Control and Protection Device, or IC-CPD, is included in the cable and is responsible for controlling and communicating with the standard wall plug and protecting the EV. While this way of charging is unquestionably convenient, because most residential outlets only offer up to 2.3 kW of power, it can take a long time to charge. When done incorrectly, it could potentially be dangerous. As a result, this charging cord should only be used in a pinch.

Types and Specifications of EV Charging Cables Used in Electric Cars

Mode 3

Mode 3 cables are the most popular means to charge an electric vehicle. A dedicated EV charging station, such as those found in offices, residential settings, and commercial and public parking lots, is connected to the electric car via a Mode 3 charging connection. These cables are in charge of charging process control, communication, and protection, and they can easily get linked to Type 1 or Type 2 charging ports.

Mode 4

Modes 1, 2, and 3 provide AC power to the vehicle, converted to DC using an onboard AC/DC converter. Mode 4 charging cables, on the other hand, are designed expressly for DC charging, and the electricity is converted before being supplied to the vehicle. Because charging an EV using DC can drastically reduce charging times, it is commonly referred to as fast charging or ultra-quick charging. The wires must be permanently linked to the charging station while using this mode. These cables are often liquid-cooled to handle the heat due to the more excellent power transmission to the battery of an EV.

Choosing the most suitable charging for your EV can be difficult with various available. The price of an EV charging cable is determined by the overall quality and performance of the wires. It is highly advised that you only invest in high-quality, dependable EV charging cables to avoid placing your car and home at risk.