Choosing the right charging cable can be quite a struggle. What are the differences between mode 1, 2 , 3 and 4. Do you need 16 or 32 amps, single or three phase, type 1 or type 2? It can be confusing and overwhelming. In this blog we explain everything you need to know before choosing a charging cable.
Mode 1
Mode 1 is not safe for electric cars. Mode 1 means that you connect your electric car to a household socket with a normal plug. As a result there is no communication between the electric car and the charging point, which is dangerous. For example, you could blow your fuses or the cables could get too hot. You have to pay very close attention, otherwise you risk a fire. Therefore, charging your electric car at home is only safe when you use a Mode 2 charging cable, because it has a safety integration in the cable.
Mode 2
With a Mode 2 cable you can charge your electric car at home in a household socket. You connect one side of the cable to the electric car and the regular plug on the other side to the household socket In the middle you’ll find an IC-CPD, which stands for: ‘In-Cable Control and Protection Device’. This device ensures that charging is completely safe. But keep in mind; the Mode 2 cable is mainly used as an emergency solution, since charging your electric car to your wall outlet takes a long time
Mode 3
Mode 3 charging cables are the most commonly used charging cables. This charging cable connects your electric car to charging stations that you find along the road at your office, in garages and at homes. Just like the Mode 2 cable these chargers come with an integrated IC-CPD (In-Cable Control and Protection Device), making sure that charging is done safely and reliably.
Mode 3 charging cables come in two different types Type 1 (Yakazi) and Type 2 (Mennekes). The differences between these types will be explained in the next chapter.
Mode 4
The Mode 4 system is used at road side fast chargers. It is integrated in the charging station. Mode 4 cables cannot be purchased separately. In short; Mode 2 and 3 cables are the only choices you have when it comes to choosing a charging cable. Mode 3 is the BEST CHOICE for standard use, Mode 2 as emergency cable.
Mode 3: should i buy a type 1 or type 2 cable?
Type 1 to 2 charging cable
The type 1 to type 2 charging cable, also known as the Yakazi charger, was mainly developed for Japan, China and America, which is why this connection can sometimes be seen on models from these countries. Type 1 to 2 charging cable has a 5-pin version on the charging side of the car and a 7-pin version on the contact side.
Type 2 to 2 charging cable
This is the most common charging cable, especially in Europe where it has become the standard. The type 2 charging cable, also known as the Mennekes cable, is suitable for 1-phase and 3-phase charging. 3-phase charging is much faster, but car compatibility depends on the model. Type 2 plug has a 7-pin version on the charging side of the car and on the contact side.
Do i need 16 or 32 ampere?
You can choose between a 16 amp and 32 amp charging cable. The higher the amp, the faster your car charges. It is important to know the maximum charging capacity of the car and the charging station. If you do not know the maximum charging capacity of your electric car, consult the car manual of your electric car or ask your dealer.
Every electric car can charge with a 16 amp charging cable. However, if your car can also be charged with a 32 amp charging cable, you do not use the maximum charging capacity. The main advantage of a 32 amp charger compared to a 16 amp charger is that a car can be charged much faster with a 32 amp charger.
Should i buy a single phase of a 3-phase cable?
Both sockets and charging stations work with alternating current, but the battery of an electric car works with direct current. Therefore, electric cars are built with an inverter (onboard charger). Your car may not be suitable for 3-phase charging. If you do charge with a 3-phase connection, your car will charge with a maximum of 1/3 of the charging capacity of the post. So it depends on which electrical system the electric car has.
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