Have you recently taken the plunge to buy an electric vehicle (EV) to cut down on fuel costs? Or are you considering switching to avoid the 2030 sale ban on new petrol/diesel-powered vehicles? Whatever your reasons for swapping over to the EV side, you must consider the best way to charge your new wheels. Here we’ve put together the ultimate guide to EV charging cables to help you decide on the best option to suit your lifestyle, budget, and vehicle model.
To check EV-specific data, perform a car check that includes a detailed history of any electric vehicle by entering the registration plate.
Why will I need to buy an EV charging cable?
If you’re new to Team EV, you may well be wondering why you need to buy a charging cable in the first place when they come with the car. Unfortunately, things aren’t always that straightforward, and EVs don’t always have the chargers they need, so you may need to purchase one to plug into public charging stations. If you’re thinking of installing a charging wall box, you’ll also need a cable to power up your vehicle at home. Just like a phone needs a charger to work properly, your EV needs a high-quality charging cable to have enough power to hit the road and get you where you want to go.
What sort of connector does your EV charger need to have?
Any ultimate guide to EV charging cables will tell you that they have two connectors: one that plugs into your vehicle and one that plugs into the charging unit. You’ll need a Type 2 connector if you live in the UK. If you live in the US, Japan,or Asia, you must opt for a Type 1 connector. The connector you choose will also depend on your power source. A Type 2 to Type 2 cable, for example, will enable you to charge your electric wheels from a public charging station or home charging point, providing a faster charge speed.
There is also the option of choosing a Type 2 to 3-pincharging cable that is designed to plug into a standard UK domestic socket. While this will take longer to power up your vehicle, it can be a handy backup option as you won’t need to head to a charging station when your EV battery is running low.
What power source will you be using to charge your EV?
Power supply has two different classifications: single phase and three phase. A single-phase supply is where the power flows through a single conductor and provides a slower charging rate (3.6 – 7.2kW. Three-phase is where the power flows through three conductors, which will charge your EV quicker because it delivers more electrical current (11 – 22kW).
If you’re thinking of installing a charging point, your decision to choose a single or three-phase power supply will be influenced by the wiring of your home and the specification of your electric wheels. You’ll find that most cables on the market are designed to give you the flexibility to power up your wheels at home and when you’re out and about. But you’ll need to know what type of power you’re plugging into so you know how fast your EV will charge.
What make and model of EV do you have?
Choosing the correct EV charging cable for your vehicle is very important to get the most out of its charging ability. There’s very little point in switching from a petrol or diesel-powered vehicle if your charging cable isn’t compatible with the spec. You may find, for example, that an EV charging cable that efficiently charges up an Audi doesn’t perform as well on a Volvo. Not only can this be extremely frustrating if you need your wheels powered up in a hurry, but it can also damage your EV’s battery and shorten its lifespan.
While this might sound a bit daunting, Expeed EV Charging Cables group their chargers together by vehicle make, makingchoosing the correct one much easier. It’s a big decision to make the switch to an EV, and taking care of it properly begins by selecting a cable that will boost its performance.
What safety standards must you look for when choosing an EV charging cable?
We all know that electricity is a dangerous business, so it’s essential that your EV charging cable meets the correct safety standards. Always check, for example, that the cable is waterproof so it can be used outside. EVs don’t just need powering up when the weather is dry, so your charging cable needs to be used safely in all weathers. You’ll also need to ensure the cable is CE-compliant and TUV certified to know it’s a high-quality product.
Finally, before purchasing, take the time to see how many charging cycles you’re expected to get. If the advertising is correct and the cables are part of an honest marketing campaign, then you should see which ones are best for you. Before choosing your EV cable remember to check the reviews as they are so important when looking for products like this. EV charging cables are a long-term investment, which is why ours come with a guarantee of at least 10,000 charge cycles and a 12-month warranty.
What length of EV charging cable will you need?
EV charging cables don’t come in one standard length, so it’s essential that the measurement you choose is suitable. Factors you need to consider include the position of your EV’s charging port, the size of the car, and how much space you have at home. You won’t want to stretch your cable when you connect it to your EV, so it must be long enough to charge up securely.
Before investing in a charging cable, it’s a good idea to measure the distance from your charging point to where your EV will be parked and add on a bit extra. This will ensureyour cable can reach your EV and charge it properly. You wouldn’t connect your phone to a charger that wasn’t long enough, and the same theory applies when you want to boost the battery power of your EV.
Ultimately, the best EV charging cable for you will be the one that suits your personal needs.
