Electric vehicles aren’t going anywhere. Rising fuel prices and the need to be more environmentally friendly mean that EVs are coming to prominence more than they ever have been before. This is a great thing, as they can save you cash, run brilliantly, and are also much better for the environment
Of course, if you take the plunge and purchase an EV, there will be a bit of a learning process that you have to undergo when it comes to your new vehicle. One area that you will need to brush up on will be about electric car charging cable. This is one topic that many find confusing, given the different options available.
What Is an Electric Car Charging Cable?
A cable is necessary for you to charge your electric vehicle. It connects your EV to the charger – where electric currents travel.
Simply put, without a charging cable, you will not be able to plug your EV into a power source and charge it up for your next use.
You need to have your own cable to plug into an untethered charger. Most public charging stations in Ireland, as well as workplace chargers, have no attached cable. This is why it is imperative that you have your own charging cable, even if you own a tethered home charger.
What to Consider When Buying an Electric Car Charging Cable
You will need a cable that meets your vehicle’s requirements, e.g., connector and current rating. As obvious as this seems, you would be surprised how many people order online from an overseas retailer and make this exact mistake.
To choose the right one for your vehicle, here are a few things you should know:
Type 1 & Type 2 EV Charging Cables
Before buying a cable, you need to check if your electric car’s charging port has a Type 1 or Type 2 socket.
Both type 1 and type 2 have different plugs at the end. A Type 1 plug has a 5-pin design, while a Type 2 plug has a 7-pin design.
In Type 1, a latch secures the plug and prevents it from getting dislodged from the charger socket. On the other hand, Type 2 has a locking pin that keeps the plug in place and only the EV owner can disconnect it.
Type 1 cables are common across the USA and Asia, while type 2 cables are pretty much standard across Europe. Essentially, in Ireland, you will probably be looking for a type 2 charger plug connecter.
Another noteworthy difference between the two is that Type 1 is a single-phase charging cable while Type 2 is capable of both single-phase and three-phase charging. Charging is three times faster with a three-phase cable because of the presence of two additional wires.
Cable Length
EV charging cables come in different lengths. When choosing a cable, it is essential that you select the length that allows you to charge with ease. A 7.5-metre charging cable is often a good choice.
You can get a longer one if you want more flexibility but consider your storage space and budget. Remember, the longer the cable, the more expensive it is.
Current Rating
It is imperative that you choose a cable that matches your vehicle’s maximum AC charge rate. But you can look ahead and get a cable with a higher rate as the shift to higher currents for EV charging is already on the horizon.
Invest in Quality Electric Car Charging Cables
It can be tempting to choose a cheap, low-quality cable to cut down on your EV-related expenses. However, this is not a smart decision as you might end up spending more later. Keep in mind, your EV is a valuable purchase, so it is worth having quality charging leads and accessories.
The best way to ensure that you are getting excellent products is to buy from reputable companies like ePower. These trusted sellers only offer superior-quality cables and other EV charging accessories that passed performance and safety tests. Hence, you can be sure that you get a product that works and lasts long.
Are you looking for an electric car charging cable? Click here to view our products or call us today on 1800 99 88 77, and we’ll be happy to assist you in picking the right EV charging cable.
