What to look for when choosing EV cables and chargers?

The correct EV cable and charger can speed up the whole charging process and efficiency. So how do you choose the right charger for your car? In this article, we will talk about the different possible options to consider when choosing a charger and cable for your electric car.

Types of EV chargers and which one to choose

Let’s first focus on choosing a charger that is perfectly compatible with our car. We must remember that efficient charging is strongly linked to a charger that is compatible with your electric car.

In order to choose the charging power correctly, check in the technical specifications what is the maximum charging power accepted by your electric car. The maximum power of the charger should be equal to the maximum power your car can ‘receive’. This will unlock the full potential of your car and make you happy with your purchase.

EV chargers are either DC or AC powered. DC current is a current that flows monotonously in a specific direction. It is used to transmit electricity obtained from batteries, accumulators, solar cells or similar. AC is a current that varies deliberately, for example sinusoidally. It is the flow of electricity obtained from a generator or socket.

Alternating current can be found in wallboxes at home charging stations or public charging stations equipped with maximum powers of 3.7 kW, 7.4 kW, 11 kW and 22 kW. Alternating current is commonly used in home installations where it is possible to leave the car overnight to charge. Direct current is used at public fast (up to 50 kW), super fast (up to 150 kW) and ultra fast (up to 350 kW) charging stations. DC chargers have large charging capacities that require an industrial connection, making them unpopular options for home installations.

There are also 2-in-1 wallboxes on the market, which can be used simultaneously for home charging stations and as mobile chargers. A proximity card can also be used to authorise access to the charging station and prevent outsiders from using the charger. This solution would be ideal for use at shared vehicle charging stations or shared garages in apartment blocks.

Another convenience is chargers that have built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, or ones with dedicated software. All to simplify remote control of car charging. Apps allow you to check charging statistics – current and past – and control charging costs by calculating tariffs and current consumption.

Which EV cable should we choose for our charger?

You probably already have your eye on a new charger. Now it’s time to think about which electric car cable to choose. The cable will come in handy when you need to charge your car in a public place, such as a car park or mall. Public charging stations often only have sockets, which will make a type 2 cable useful; this cable will allow you to charge your car in a public place. When choosing a EV cable, the most important thing is the type of plug. In order to choose the right plug, you will first need to know all the possible options.

There are four types of plug: two of them are for AC – Type 1 and Type 2, and the other two are for DC – CHAdeMo and CCS.

• The Type 1 plug is used for American vehicles, is a single-phase plug and can charge up to 7.4 kW.
• The Type 2 plug is standard for European and Asian vehicles from 2018, it is a three-phase plug and can charge up to 43 kW.
• The CCS plug is a Type 2 plug with two additional power contacts. This solution allows very fast charging.
• The CHAdeMO plug is a less common fast charging standard that can be found in some vehicle models. It supports high charging powers and bi-directional charging.

You can find more information on plug types on our blog here.

As we mentioned earlier, most electric cars made in Europe in recent years are compatible with the Type 2 plug, but if you have a car made on any other continent, you don’t have to worry either, as you can find adapters on the market.

Finally, check the material of the EV cable. Remember to check that it is a certified charging cable. Such cables are resistant to high and low temperatures, as well as to mechanical damage. Additionally, choose a cable length that suits your requirements. Remember to adjust its length to the size of your car and the distance between it and the charging point. You can easily find cables of different lengths on the market. For example, GC cables range from 5 to 7 m in length.

Finding the right cable and charger for your electric car doesn’t have to be complicated. All you need to do is think through your purchase properly and choose a product that suits your needs. You will find a wide selection of EV cables and chargers in our online store, and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact our customer service department – we will be happy to help!