EV Charging Power Cables: The Link to a Brighter & Safer Future

Electric vehicles have been gaining popularity due to their low cost of ownership, maintenance, and sustainability. Already used widely across the globe, they are increasing in footprint pan India, too. With this comes the need to increase EV charging infrastructure which comprises of EV charging stations and power cables. Learn more about them below.

What are EV Charging Stations?

EV charging stations supply vehicles with electricity to charge their internal lithium-ion battery pack. They can be installed in public places, commercial properties, and residential spaces. There are 3 types of EV charging stations:

Level 1 Charging Stations
Level 2 Charging Stations
Level 3 Charging Stations (DC charging stations)

What are EV Charging Cables?

Each charging station needs to have an EV charging power cable that connects to the vehicle to transfer energy. However, different vehicles are compatible with different charging power cables and plugs; these are based on the power ratings of the EV. Given below are some of the basic electric car charging connectors and plugs:

Type 1 EV connectors – 7.4 KW
Type 2 EV connectors – 43 KW
CHAdeMO plug – 100 KW
CCS plug – 350KW

These are halogen free cables that have an extruded insulation and sheath. Their voltage rating is 450/750V and are designed to be used for flexible applications. However, the maximum conductor temperature rating for the cables in this standard is 90 deg c.

These cables are integral to the vehicle as they are the source of power. It consists of a detachable cable assembly, vehicle connector, and AC supply connection for a wall socket. Alternatively, it could be permanently attached to the EV charging station. They come in different sizes that have been listed below:

Construction – Conductor – Class 5 flexible copper conductor as per EN 60228

Power cables 300/500V – 1.5 sq.mm & 2.5 sq.mm 3core
Power cables 450/750V – 1.5 sq.mm 3core & 2.5 sq.mm to 35 sq.mm 3,4 &5core
CC/CP cores- 0.5 sq.mm & 1 sq.mm- no. of cores not specified

Insulation – Halogen free compound EVI-2 for power cores and EVI-1 or EVI-2 for CC/CP cores Core identification:

3core – Gn/Yellow, Blue & Brown
4core – Gn/Yellow, Brown, Black & Grey
5core – Gn/Yellow, Blue, Brown, Black & Grey

Colour of pilot and/or control cores is usually different from power cores.

Sheath – Sheath compound shall be EVM-1 (Z5) or EVM-2 (Z6)

The Future is Here:

An electric vehicle must get optimal quality charge, for which a good charging station and charging cable are essential. KEI manufactures state-of-the-art EV charging cables that enable drivers to charge their EVs faster than average through an apt charging station. They have a smaller diameter that makes them versatile and simple to use. In addition, we also have a variety of different wires and cables to suit your needs. They include: