Perplexed about EV charging cables? The availability of electric vehicle charging cables in the market makes it all the more confusing when selecting the right cable.
You have just entered the common problem: getting ready to use your electric vehicle, but the question of how to charge an electric car at home is confusing most people. Well, don't worry! The present article is dedicated to helping you out with the nuances of choosing the right EV home charging cable.
Whether you want to know the best length of cable for where you park your car or just save a few quid with a Type 2 to Type 2 cable, we have the answers. So, get yourself prepared for the best.
How to Choose an EV Home Charging Cable?
Well, before we tell you whether you will need type 2 EV cables or not, it is better to know how you can pick out the perfect EV home charging cable that would cater to your needs.
This decision will affect your EV's charging experience dramatically, including its charging speed and also the user's convenience in plugging in at home.
Here are a few to consider:
· Connector Types
In the first place, you should know about the types of connectors that are there. The type of connector needed for your EV differs from one car make to the other.
For instance, although other standards like Type 1 are also in existence, especially in older models or in other regions, most modern electric cars will use a Type 2 connector in Europe. Compatibility between your car and the charging cable is very crucial.
· Cable Length
Another aspect to consider is the length of the charging cable. It should be long enough to reach the EV from the charging port without the cable being taut.
Think of where the EV will be parked relative to the charging station. A longer cable gives more flexibility, but can be more awkward to store.
· Charging Speed
Charging speed will be dictated by the capability of the cable and the charging capacity of your EV. Look for a cable that matches or betters the maximum charge rate of your vehicle.
That said, a cable with a larger capacity won't damage your car either, as the EV just draws the power it needs. But it should be the correct spec cable so you do not overpay for a cable you could get cheaper elsewhere. Have in mind that most vehicles can charge with up to 11 kW.
· Weather Resistance
Use a good quality cable that can endure the vagaries of weather if the charging station is planned for the outdoors. Ensure that it has outdoor ratings and good insulation and that it is also resistant to weather. This will make the entire charging setup long-lasting and secure through thick and thin.
If you went by these factors, you would be in a position to choose the right EV charge cables that make the EV experience even better.
What is the Best Length EV Charging Cable for Home Charging?
Choosing the best length for an EV charging cable at home is key to balancing convenience and safety. It should be long enough to reach from your EV charger to your car's charging port, without causing tangles or hazards.
Here's a simplified guide:
- Measure the Distance: See how far your parking spot is from the charger, including any charger and port heights.
- Parking Flexibility: If the parking is done slightly differently at times, perhaps slightly more length is more flexible.
- Charging Port Position: The port's location on your EV affects the needed cable length. Front ports generally require shorter cables than rear ports.
- Safety and Convenience: Avoid overly long cables to prevent management issues and safety risks.
Best Lengths:
- A 5 to 7 meters (16 to 23 feet) cable suits most home setups, offering enough reach for various parking styles without being unwieldy.
- For unique situations like distant chargers or inconvenient port positions, up to 10 meters (about 33 feet) may be necessary.
Selecting the appropriate cable length for electric vehicle chargers for home ensures efficient charging and maintains a tidy, hazard-free charging area.
How Can I Save Money By Getting A Type 2 To Type 2 Cable?
A Type 2 to Type 2 cable refers to a category of electric vehicle (EV) charging cable, ideally meant for use in connecting an EV with a Type 2 charging port to a Type 2 charging station.
So, it can be appreciated that this is the type of cable widely used in electric car charging in Europe, and with increasing adaption in other regions because of its compatibility with a large number of EVs and charging infrastructure.
Your Type 2 to Type 2 EV charging cable could be among the best investments an EV driver could make for several reasons—especially if you are already taking advantage of the growing number of public and semi-public charging stations.
Many of these chargers, especially the AC ones, come without an attached cable, which is a window for discounts.
Here's how a Type 2 to Type 2 cable brings savings to the bill:
- Access to Free Charging: There are even some public AC charging stations that offer free charging, subject to the user being in possession of his cable. Carrying along a Type 2 to Type 2 cable allows a user to use such stations without any additional cost.
- Flexibility: You would be able to charge at various places with your own cable instead of depending on your home charger and probably your electricity bill.
- Avoid Rental Fees: Some charge a fee for cable rental. Ownership gets you around this.
- Resale Value: With a cable, this might improve your vehicle's resale value, since the next owner wouldn't need to purchase one on their own.
- Future-Proof: If your next EV is also compatible with Type 2, you won't have to buy another cable.
In short, though it might involve an upfront cost, yet the benefits of free charge point access, no rental fees, and ensuring wide compatibility are what that would establish a Type 2 to Type 2 cable as an economic investment for the EV owner.
Are All EV Cables The Same?
No, not all EV charging cables are the same. Various kinds of charging cables are involved in charging electric vehicles.
And it's important to know about these differences to make sure you can charge your car properly and quickly.
Here's what makes them different:
- Connectors: The ends of charging cables have connectors that must fit the charging station and your car's charging spot. Some cars use a Type 1 connector while other newer models use Type 2.
- Charging speeds: Some cables can charge faster than others. The usual one you do at home or public spots is AC and is slow. DC fast charging is way faster for the occasion when you need a quick top-up.
So you have to learn these differences in order to be able to make the right choice of a cable, and, as a result, to charge it securely and as fast as needed.