Electric vehicle’s charging ports are of two types: Type 1 or Type 2 sockets. The plugs at the end of Type 1 and Type 2 are different. A Type 1 plug has five pins, and a Type 2 plug has seven pins.
You return home, put your electric vehicle into a household outlet with the proper Type 2 EV charging cable, and charge it overnight. The following morning, your electric vehicle will be completely charged. This is the daily reality for electrical car owners who do not use a charging point. However, what happens to your house installation if your electric vehicle is charged for 10 hours or longer using a domestic outlet?
Diverse Forms of Charging Cables
There are three charging speed classifications. These are sluggish, swift, and quick. Slow charging might take 6 to 12 hours with a 3 kW power output. Rapid charging at 7-22 kW can take up to 4 hours to completely charge a battery. Quick charging with a power output of 50-120 kW can take an hour for a full charge. Alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) can also be used to charge a device. DC devices are often tethered, so you do not need to be concerned about the charging point socket.
Connectors will vary according to the kind of used charger and the vehicle’s intake port. Here, we’ll examine the various charging connections and the expected charging speeds. We will explore charging cables in order of increasing speed.
Type 1
Type 1 plugs are single-phase and allow rapid charging with an output power of 3.7 kW to 7.4 kW AC with an approximate range per hour of 12.5 to 25 miles. The arrangement comprises five pins. Unlike European automotive models, this connector is used chiefly in Asia. It may be challenging to locate Type 1 chargers and charging points in the United Kingdom.
Type 2
This 7-pin plug style is the industry standard for the European market. It has a power output range of 3.7-7 kW AC, allowing rapid charging. This results in a range of around 12.5 to 25 mph of charging. Tesla Superchargers represent an exception to this standard. They give DC to connections of type 2. The power is 130 kWh, and the range per hour is 180 miles.
These connections include a built-in locking mechanism that guarantees their safe and dependable usage of an EV charging cable at charging stations. Three-phase electricity facilitates the high output, allowing for the installation of these chargers by a professional at home. Most charging stations are equipped with Type 2 connections.
3-Pin
Often known as Mode 1 or portable charging cables, the cords resemble those seen in major appliances such as refrigerators and washers. The 3-pin connection plug may be inserted into a domestic outlet, while the opposite end serves as a car plug. As depicted on the EV Power website, the connections on these cables are typically factory-installed. You may purchase this charging cable in two varieties:
Industrial Commando
In Europe, these AC connections are frequently utilised with MK commando sockets. Due to its potential to transmit high voltage and amperage, the plugs are widely used for charging industrial vehicles with high power. They are also excellent for outdoor usage because they can endure exposure to water, dirt, and dust effectively.
CCS (Combined Charging System or ‘Combo’)
This is a modified and improved version of the Type 2 connector. It adds two more power contacts to assist quick charging. The output power of these chargers ranges from 50 kW to 350 kW and supports both AC and DC charging. The standard output is 50 kW; greater output levels are presently being evaluated.
The Epilogue
Every EV charging cable used must be really “heavy-duty” in that its core must be able to withstand large loads, and the entire cable must be adequately tested, weatherproof, and flexible. Possessing an electric car is advantageous because energy is available virtually everywhere, but not at any cost, and manufacturers’ rules must always be followed.
The solution is to acquire a cable extender designed only for the possibility of extending an EV charging cable. With the proper adapters and extension cables, it is feasible to charge an electric vehicle in locations without charging stations. To securely use extension cords and adaptor cables, it is vital to comprehend the fundamental guidelines. Charge with care.
