Interesting facts about type 2 charging cables for your electric car

Basic information on charging cables for electric cars

In Europe, the type 2 plug has established itself as the standard for electric charging cables. This standardisation offers users a high level of compatibility and safety when charging their electric vehicle. An important feature of type 2 charging cables is that they cannot be extended. This is for safety reasons, as an extension could impair the stability and reliability of the power transmission.

Specifications of type 2 cables

The type 2 cables on the market differ according to various specifications. These include Mode 2 or Mode 3, the number of phases (1-phase and 3-phase cables), the maximum current (16A or 32A), the shape (with and without spiralisation) and others. These differences allow users to choose a cable that suits their individual charging needs and the socket of their electric car. Details are provided in the next section.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING CABLE

There are different types of plugs and cables that are used depending on the charging situation and location. Type 2 plugs are primarily used at public charging stations, which ensures compatibility with a wide range of electric vehicles. The choice of the right cable type therefore depends on individual charging conditions and should be made taking into account the charging options and the technical specifications of the vehicle.

When do I need a Mode 2 and when do I need a Mode 3 charging cable?

In a nutshell, Mode 2 charging cables are designed for charging at power sockets, while Mode 3 charging cables are designed for connection to external charging devices such as wallboxes, charging columns or charging stations. It is advisable to always carry a cable for Mode 3 charging in the car. All Roline models are Mode 3 charging cables.

Is a 1-phase or 3-phase charging cable the right one?

Electric car charging cables are usually single-phase or three-phase. The number of phases of a charging cable plays a role in the charging speed of the vehicle. In general, the more phases the cable has, the faster a vehicle charges. With single-phase charging, there is also a risk of unbalanced loads, which are undesirable and sometimes not permitted. Ideally, the number of phases of the charging cable should match that of the vehicle's on-board charger. For example, if your vehicle charges three-phase at 11 kW, we recommend using a corresponding three-phase 11 kW charging cable. Advice on choosing specific charging cables depending on the number of phases can be found in the next section on amperes.

What amperage (A) does my charging cable need?

Ampere (A) is the unit for current. It has a direct influence on the achievable charging power. With a current of 16 A, a power of 3.7 kW is achieved with single-phase charging and 11 kW with three-phase charging. At a current of 32 A, the charging power increases to 7.4 kW for single-phase charging and 22 kW for three-phase charging. The charging power therefore results from the combination of amperes and the number of phases. It is therefore important to consider both the amperes and the number of phases when choosing the right charging cable. 

How many kilowatts (kW) does the charging cable need for my electric car?

The selected charging cable should have at least the same charging capacity as the vehicle, measured in kilowatts (kW). It is perfectly possible to use a cable with a higher charging capacity, but this will not shorten the charging time. The speed of the charging process is always limited by the element with the lowest capacity. For example, if your vehicle charges with a power of 11 kW, a charging cable with this power (11 kW) or higher, such as 22 kW, is recommended. A cable with a lower output, for example 7.4 kW, can also be used, but this will increase the charging time. 

What is the ideal length of my electric car charging cable?

The length of the cable should be chosen based on the distance between the vehicle and the charging station. Typical lengths are between 4 and 8 metres, which is sufficient for most situations. Coiled cables can keep things tidy and are ideal for stationary use in particular.

Which charging cable is right for my vehicle?

To choose the right charging cable for your vehicle, you should know the technical specifications of your vehicle, including the type of plug required and the supported charging capacity. Check the compatibility with the charging cable to make sure it meets your requirements.

CHARGING CABLES FOR E-CARS FROM ROLINE

The Roline electric car charging cables at SECOMP are synonymous with quality and reliability. They offer a safe and efficient solution for charging electric cars and are available in different lengths and with different specifications to meet the needs of all electric car owners. With ROLINE charging cables, electric cars can be charged quickly and safely at home or when travelling.