Drivers will notice a significant difference in how they fuel their vehicles. It is easy to fill up an ICE vehicle using petrol or diesel. However, electric cars require drivers to be active. Like all new things, the transition to electric mobility requires learning new terminology and rules.
It is often difficult to understand the differences between charging cables, plugs, and cables for electric cars. The variety of plugs, charging cables, and charging points available for electric cars means that there is more than one universal connector. They depend on where you live, your country, and what type of charging point you want to use.
Finding the right charger cable can be challenging because of all the available options. Learn more about the differences between electric car charger cables and plugs to ensure you can charge safely wherever you go.
What Is an Electric Car Charging Plug?
A charging plug is a connector inserted into an electric vehicle’s charging socket. Like how plugs of appliances vary depending on their country, charging sockets or plugs can also differ depending on vehicle brands, charging levels, and countries they are made.
What’s An Electric Car Charging Cable?
While some charging points come with cables and others require that you bring yours, charging cables will be essential in charging your electric Car. They connect your vehicle to the charging point.
There are four kinds of charging cables or models. Each is meant to be used for a specific type. It can get confused as the mode may not correspond to the charging level. We will discuss the differences in Mode 1, Mode 2, Mode 3, and 4 charging cables. This will help you decide which type of charging is most appropriate.
Types and Types of Charging Cables for Electric Cars
Mode 1 Charging Cables
You can connect your electric Car using a Mode 1 cable to any standard AC socket outlet. It is impossible to communicate between the vehicle’s charging point and the vehicle. This results in no shock protection or safety systems.
This charging method is used to charge light electric vehicles, such as e-bikes/scooters. However, it is not suitable for electric cars. It is also prohibited in many places around the world.
Mode 2 Charging Cables
You will often receive a Mode-2 charging cable when you buy an electric vehicle. These cables plug into your Car and a standard household socket on the opposite end. In-Cable Control and Protection Device – The cable comes with an In-Cable Control and Protection Device. This device is responsible for controlling and communicating between the standard wall socket and your electric Car, as well as protecting it.
Mode 3 Charging Cables
Mode 3 cables, used to charge electric cars worldwide, are currently the most frequently used. This type connects your vehicle and a dedicated electric vehicle charging point. They can be found in office buildings, homes, residential areas, and commercial and public parking lots. These cables manage the control, communication, protection, and control of the charging process. They connect to type 2 to type 2 cable.
Mode 4 Charging Cables
The first three modes supply AC power converted to DC via an onboard AC/DC adapter. Mode 4 stands apart. Mode 4 charging cables can be used to charge DC batteries. The power is converted before it goes to the vehicle.