Car battery charger cables. How to choose them?

Cables used for charging electric cars are technologically advanced products. When chosen properly, they guarantee an effective and safe charging process. Choosing wrong cables means the parameters will not match the electrical system of your vehicle and may even be completely incompatible with it. Learn more about the key parameters you should bear in mind while choosing car battery charger cables!

In this article you will find out:

• what types of sockets you can find in electric cars,
• what is the difference between type 1 and type 2 cable,
• what cable type to choose.

Types of sockets in electric cars

In electric cars you can have two types of sockets: type 1 and type 2. The latter is definitely more popular in Europe. Not only is it more frequently used, but also better in regards to its technical parameters.

First and foremost, type 2 connector can come in a single- or triple-phase variant. This is reflected in a greater charging power – up to 22 kW, while type 1 provides only up to 7.4 kW. What is more, European plugs require a deeper setting in the socket, which means the connection is more stable and less exposed to dust, humidity and external interference. It’s good to remember that type 1 cable has a type 2 plug on one end, so you will be able to use it at European stations as well.

Before you buy cables, make sure what kind of sockets you have in your vehicle. You can come across one of the three possible options:

• a single AC socket (type 1 or 2),
• separate AC and DC sockets (type 1 or 2),
• a single combined AC and DC socket (type 1 or 2).

What charger cable should you choose?

Plug type is one of the main criteria for choosing cables. But it’s not the only thing you should consider. You also need to remember about other parameters:

• Power – the key aspect that determines whether the cables will match a specific car model. The power of the cable should match the maximum power of the onboard charger. Choosing a model with greater power is not only an unnecessary nuisance, because such a cable is heavier and stiffer than needed.
• Number of phases – the greater this value, the higher the transferred power. Car battery charger cables with type 1 plugs are single-phase, while those with type 2 plugs can be either single- or triple-phase. The latter will ensure quick charging.
• Maximum intensity –  this parameter defines the maximum power provided to your vehicle through a specific cable.
• Length –  must be adjusted to the length of your car. Depending on the type, a cable may be from 4 to 10 metres long.
• Shape – cables can be either straight (non-flexible) or spiral (flexible). The latter take up less space when not used, and if needed, they can be stretched.
• Brand – as always, a better manufacturer guarantees higher quality. It’s good to invest in cables produced by well-known, experienced brands, which receive a lot of positive feedback from satisfied users.

Additional parameters to consider when choosing car battery charger cables

Not all the parameters can be found on the label, mind you. Some of them have to be “guesstimated”, because they affect the life and reliability of your cable. Among such “hidden” criteria we could mention:

• Contact surface coverage – high quality cables come with silver- or nickel-plated contact surface. This guarantees better durability and better conductivity when compared to non-plated connectors.
• Protective caps – they might seem like an extra to you, but in fact they will help you keep the connectors in good condition. The caps protect the fragile elements from  harmful agents such as humidity or dirt.
• Fire rating – since there is a risk of accidental flame, it’s good to choose cables with a confirmed fire rating. The plastic they are made of will not catch fire, which reduces the risk of the flame spreading.
• Stiffness –  hardly anyone pays attention to this parameter, although it can affect the comfort and convenience of using the cables. An overly stiff cable will straighten immediately after it’s unpacked and it will be inconvenient to store. If you can, try to check the cable for flexibility before you buy it.

Order car battery charging cables from Battery Empire!

If you’re looking for high quality cables to charge your electric vehicle, explore the wide range of products available in our online store. You will find cables  for cars made by Tesla, BMW, Renault, Toyota, Audi or Nissan. Then you can quickly charge your electric vehicle in the garage or at a public charging station. This product is a must-have if you drive an environment-friendly car!