EV charging cables are the lifeline to your electric vehicle. A fundamental part in charging your EV. They move the electric current from the charging point to your electric car, or vehicle. But there are a few different cable types. Depending on the vehicle you own, the power output and onboard battery the power needed will vary. In the future hopefully there will be a one charger fits all solution, for now let&#;s take a look at some of the different cable types and their uses.

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EV Charging cable types for electric cars

EV Charging cable type 1 plug

The type 1 plug is a single-phase plug which allows for charging power levels of up to 7.4 kW (230 V, 32 A). The standard is mainly used in car models from the Asian region, and is rare in Europe, which is why there are not many public type 1 charging stations.

EV Charging cable type 2 plug

The triple-phase plug is mainly used in Europe. In private areas, charging power levels of up to 22 kW are common, while charging power levels of up to 43 kW (400 V, 63 A, AC) can be used only at public EVcharging stations. Most public charging stations are equipped with a type 2 socket. All mode 3 charging cables can be used with this, and electric cars can be charged with both type 1 and type 2 plugs. All mode 3 cables on the sides of charging stations have so-called Mennekes plugs (type 2).

Combination Plugs (Combined Charging System, or CCS)

The CCS plug is an enhanced version of the type 2 plug, with two additional power contacts for the purposes of quick charging, and supports AC and DC charging power levels (alternating and direct current charging power levels) of up to 170 kW. In practice, the value is usually around 50 kW.

CHAdeMO Plug

This quick charging system was developed in Japan, and allows for charging capacities up to 50 kW at the appropriate public charging stations. The following manufacturers offer electric cars which are compatible with the CHAdeMO plug: BD Otomotive, Citroën, Honda, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Subaru, Tesla (with adaptor) and Toyota.

 

Tesla Supercharger

For its supercharger, Tesla uses a modified version of the type 2 Mennekes plug. This allows for the Model S to recharge to 80% within 30 minutes. Tesla offers charging to its customers for free. To date it has not been possible for other makes of car to be charged with Tesla superchargers.

Charging cable modes for electric cars:

Mode 2 EV Charging Cables with control box

The Mode 2 EV charging cable with control box is available in different versions. Most of the times Mode 2 charging cable is supplied by the car manufacturer and has a connection to an ordinary domestic socket. The communication between car and charging port is set up via a box connected between the vehicle plug and connector plug (ICCB In-Cable Control Box).

Mode 3 EV Charging Cables

The mode 3 charging cable is a connector cable between the EV charging station and the electric vehicle. Type 2 plug is set up as the standard in EU. To allow electric cars to be charged using type 1 and type 2 plugs, charging stations are usually equipped with a type 2 socket. To charge your electric car, you require either a mode 3 charging cable from type 2 to type 2 (e.g. for the Renault ZOE) or a mode 3 charging cable from type 2 to type 1 (e.g. for the Nissan Leaf).

There are 3 standard charging levels for EV. All electric vehicles can be charged on Level 1 and Level 2 EV stations. Level 3 (also known as a DCFC or fast charger) can be used only with cars which got fast charging capability.

Level 1 EV charging station

The Level 1 is the standard wall outlet. It has the slowest charging level. Charge duration can take from 10 to 12 hours to charge a vehicle.

Level 2 EV charging station

The Level 2 EV charging station is the typical EV plug. Usually it is installed in your home garage as well many public charging stations are using Level 2 charging stations. The charge duration is from 2 to 6 hours.

Level 3 EV charging station

The Level 3, mainly is called the DCFC or DC Fast Charge. These charging stations are the quickest way to recharge a EV vehicle. Charge duration: 15 min to 1 hour.

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Which EV charging cable do I need?

Choosing the right charging cable can be challenging. There is a diverse range of charging cables available for electric cars, and they differ in many ways. What are the differences between mode 1, 2, 3, and 4? Do you need 16 or 32 amperes, single-phase or three-phase, type 1 charging cable or type 2 charging cable? A Mennekes charging cable or a Yakazi charging cable? It can be confusing and overwhelming. In this blog, we will explain everything you need to know before choosing a charging cable for your car. First, we will discuss the types of charging cables available, then we will provide an explanation of the different types of charging cables, followed by an explanation of single-phase or three-phase charging and the ampere level. Finally, we will tell you about the charging cables we offer and where you can purchase them.

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Mode 1

Mode 1 is not safe for electric cars. Mode 1 means that you connect your electric car to a household socket with a normal plug. As a result there is no communication between the electric car and the charging point, which is dangerous. For example, you could blow your fuses or the cables could get too hot. You have to pay very close attention, otherwise you risk a fire. Therefore, charging your electric car at home is only safe when you use a Mode 2 charging cable, because it has a safety integration in the cable.

Mode 2

Check our mode 2 charging cable

With a Mode 2 cable you can charge your electric car at home in a household socket. You connect one side of the cable to the electric car and the regular plug on the other side to the household socket In the middle you&#;ll find an IC-CPD, which stands for: &#;In-Cable Control and Protection Device&#;. This device ensures that charging is completely safe. But keep in mind; the Mode 2 cable is mainly used as an emergency solution, since charging your electric car to your wall outlet takes a long time

Mode 3

Check our mode 3 charging cables

Mode 3 charging cables are the most commonly used charging cables. This charging cable connects your electric car to charging stations that you find along the road at your office, in garages and at homes. Just like the Mode 2 cable these chargers come with an integrated IC-CPD (In-Cable Control and Protection Device), making sure that charging is done safely and reliably. Mode 3 charging cables come in two different types Type 1 (Yakazi) and Type 2 (Mennekes). The differences between these types will be explained in the next chapter.

Mode 4

The Mode 4 system is used at road side fast chargers. It is integrated in the charging station. Mode 4 cables cannot be purchased separately.

In short; Mode 2 and 3 cables are the only choices you have when it comes to choosing a charging cable. Mode 3 is the BEST CHOICE for standard use, Mode 2 as emergency cable.

MODE 3: SHOULD I BUY A TYPE 1 OR TYPE 2 CABLE?

When we talk about types in charging cables, we are talking about the design of the plugs/connectors on the vehicle side. There are two types of connectors:

Mode 3 charging cables come in two different types:

Type 1 to 2 charging cable

The type 1 charging cable, also known as the Yakazi charger, was mainly developed for Japan, China and America, which is why this connection can sometimes be seen on models from these countries. Type 1 to 2 charging cable has a 5-pin version on the charging side of the car and a 7-pin version on the contact side

5-pin design on the vehicle side

7 pin design on the contact side.

7 pin design on the vehicle side.

7 pin design on the contact side.

Type 2 to 2 charging cable

This is the most common charging cable, especially in Europe where it has become the standard. The type 2 charging cable, also known as the Mennekes cable, is suitable for 1-phase and 3-phase charging. 3-phase charging is much faster, but car compatibility depends on the model.

Type 2 plug has a 7-pin version on the charging side of the car and on the contact side.

Type 2 to 2 charging cable

This is the most common charging cable, especially in Europe where it has become the standard. The type 2 charging cable, also known as the Mennekes cable, is suitable for 1-phase and 3-phase charging. 3-phase charging is much faster, but car compatibility depends on the model.

Type 2 plug has a 7-pin version on the charging side of the car and on the contact side.

7 pin design on the contact side.

7 pin design on the contact side.

DO I NEED 16 OR 32 AMPERE?

You can choose between a 16 amp and 32 amp charging cable. The higher the amp, the faster your car charges. It is important to know the maximum charging capacity of the car and the charging station. If you do not know the maximum charging capacity of your electric car, consult the car manual of your electric car or ask your dealer. Every electric car can charge with a 16 amp charging cable. However, if your car can also be charged with a 32 amp charging cable, you do not use the maximum charging capacity. The main advantage of a 32 amp charger compared to a 16 amp charger is that a car can be charged much faster with a 32 amp charger.

SHOULD I BUY A SINGLE PHASE OF A 3-PHASE CABLE??

Both sockets and charging stations work with alternating current, but the battery of an electric car works with direct current. Therefore, electric cars are built with an inverter (onboard charger). Your car may not be suitable for 3-phase charging. If you do charge with a 3-phase connection, your car will charge with a maximum of 1/3 of the charging capacity of the post. So it depends on which electrical system the electric car has.

OUR MODE 3 CHARGING CABLES

In total we offer 6 different charging cables, two different kinds of Type 1 cables and 4 different kinds of Type 2 cables.

Modus 3 &#; Type 1 to 2 (Yakazi)

The Yakazi charger is available in 16 amps (ECC-) and 32 amps (ECC-). To choose between these two cables, you only have to pay know to the maximum charging capacity of your car.

Our mode 3 type 1 to type 2 cables

CHARGING CABLE

Charging Cable Length [m]

Phases

Plug Type

Output [kW]

Max. charging current [A]

Rated Voltage [V]

Wire cross-section [mm2]

Charge mode

Protection Type (IP Code)

Temperature range (C)

Additional reading:
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ECC-

5

1

Type 1 to type 2

3.7

16

250

3×2.5 + 2×0.5

3

IP55

-30 to +50

ECC-

5

1

Type 1 to type 2

7.4

32

250

3×6 + 2×0.5

3

IP55

-30 to +50

Modus 3 &#; Type 2 to 2 (Mennekes).

The Mennekes cable is available in four types of cables. Two kinds of cables for a single phase connection (16 and 32 amps) and a 3-phase connect ion (16 and 32 amps). In addition to knowing the maximum charging capacity of the car, it is also important to know whether you can use 1-phase charging or 3-phase charging. Based on this information you can choose between different cables:

1. Choose ECC- if you have to use single phase charging and can charge up to 16 amps;

2. Choose ECC- if you need to use single phase and can charge to more than 16 amps.

3. Choose ECC- if you have to use 3-phase charging and can charge up to 16 amps;

4. Choose ECC- if you need to use 3-phase charging and can charge to more than 16 amps.

Our mode 3 type 2 to type 2 cables

CHARGING CABLE

Charging Cable Length [m]

Phases

Plug Type

Output [kW]

Max. charging current [A]

Rated Voltage [V]

Wire cross-section [mm2]

Charge mode

Protection Type (IP Code)

Temperature range (C)

ECC-

5

1

Type 2 to type 2

3.7

16

250

3×2.5 + 2×0.5

3

IP55

30 to +50

ECC-

5

1

Type 2 to type 2

7.4

32

250

3×6 + 2×0.5

3

IP55

30 to +50

ECC-

5

3

Type 2 to type 2

11

16

480

5×2.5 + 2×0.5

3

IP55

30 to +50

ECC-

5

3

Type 2 to type 2

22

32

480

5×6 + 2×0.5

3

IP55

30 to +50

Contact us to discuss your requirements of electric vehicle charging cable. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.