To efficiently and safely charge your electric vehicle, it is crucial to choose the appropriate cable size for your charging station. When purchasing your car, the dealer may provide a charging cable, but it is not always compatible with all available charging options, whether it be slow or fast charging, at home or at a public station. Additionally, it is important to select a cable that will connect your charging station to your electricity meter.
- 1 Choosing the right cables for charging your vehicle
- 2 Criteria to Consider When Choosing the Cable Size for an Electric Vehicle Charging Station
- 3 How to Choose the Right Cable Size for the Charging Station?
- 4 What cable size for connecting your vehicle to its charging point?
- 5 Frequently Asked Questions about Cable Size for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Choosing the right cables for charging your vehicle
For this, we recommend seeking the help of a qualified professional. You can consult our network of professional installers or contact a technician, who will be able to provide the best advice. Whether you are using a slow charging socket or a fast charging station, each method has its own type of connection.
Criteria to Consider When Choosing the Cable Size for an Electric Vehicle Charging Station
When you decide to install a charging station at home, the issue of connecting it to your electrical panel arises. Choosing the correct cable size is essential to ensure the efficient and safe charging of your electric vehicle. Here are the steps and criteria to consider for making the right choice:
Comply with Your Country’s Official Standards
The first step is to ensure that the installation complies with the electrical standards in force, specifically the relevant standard in your country. This standard defines the safety requirements and technical criteria for electrical installations. Complying with this standard is essential to avoid any risk of fire or malfunction in the installation.
Charging Station Power
The power of the charging station is crucial in determining the necessary cable size. The higher the power, the larger the cable size must be to support the electrical current. For example, a 3.7 kW (16 A) charging station requires a cable size of 2.5 mm², a 7.4 kW (32 A) station requires a cable size of 10 mm², and for higher power stations, such as a 22 kW (32 A in three-phase), a cable size of 16 mm² may be necessary.
Distance Between Your Electrical Panel and the Charging Station
The distance between the electrical panel and the charging station also influences the choice of cable size for the charging station. The greater the distance, the larger the cable size must be to compensate for voltage drop. Voltage drop is the loss of power that occurs when current travels through a long cable. An inadequate cable size for the charging station could result in inefficient and potentially hazardous charging.
Choice of Number of Conductors
The number of conductors in the cable depends on the type of electrical installation: for single-phase current, three conductors are necessary (phase, neutral, and ground), whereas for three-phase current, five conductors are required (three phases, neutral, and ground). These conductors are grouped within a single cable, composed of multiple metal strands. The choice between single-phase and three-phase depends on your domestic electrical installation and the charging station.
How to Choose the Right Cable Size for the Charging Station?
When you decide to install a charging station at home, the question of connecting it to your electrical panel arises. To ensure a compliant and safe installation, it is strongly recommended to consult a qualified professional. A professional can assess your existing electrical installation, determine the cable size needed for the charging station based on its power and distance, and ensure that the installation complies with the relevant electrical standards.
Cable Sizes for the Charging Station and Number of Conductors
Electrical cables are available in a range of sizes expressed in mm². The number of conductors required depends on the number of phases in the installation, with 3 for single-phase current and 5 for three-phase current. These conductors form a single cable composed of multiple metal strands.
| Charging Station Power | Cable Size (mm²) |
| ≤ 3.7 kW (16 A) | 2,5 mm² |
| ≤ 7.4 kW (32 A) | 6 mm² |
| ≤ 11 kW (16 A) | 10 mm² |
| ≤ 22 kW (32 A) | 16 mm² |
This table provides a general guideline for selecting the cable size based on the power rating of the charging station. However, it’s essential to consult the specific requirements of your electrical installation and adhere to local regulations.
What cable size for connecting your vehicle to its charging point?
For charging your electric vehicle, there are different types of cables, each suitable for a specific type of socket. The choice of the appropriate cable depends on the charging location and the type of charging station used. Here is an overview of the types of cables and their uses:
At home
On a standard or reinforced socket. For home charging on a standard or reinforced socket, the standard domestic charging cable, also known as mode 2 cable, is used. This type of cable plugs into a standard or reinforced domestic socket and includes a control box that regulates the charging power to ensure the safety of the process. This type of cable is ideal for slow charging, sufficient for daily needs when the vehicle is parked for several hours, such as overnight.
At a charging station and at public charging points
A Type 2 charging cable (mode 3). For faster charging at home or in public spaces, a charging station or a public charging point is often used. These stations require a Type 2 charging cable, also known as a mode 3 cable. This type of cable is designed for faster and more secure charging. The Type 2 connector has become the standard in Europe for electric vehicle charging, offering higher charging capacity compared to traditional domestic sockets. It ensures a secure and efficient connection, suitable for both residential charging stations and public infrastructures.
At a fast charging station equipped with the Combo CCS connector
For ultra-fast charging, especially at fast charging stations, the Combo CCS (Combined Charging System) connector is used. Fast charging stations, often located on highways or at dedicated charging stations, are equipped with this type of connector. Unlike domestic charging cables and Type 2 cables, fast charging stations typically come with their own cable. The Combo CCS connector allows for charging the vehicle at a much higher power, significantly reducing charging time. You simply need to plug in this integrated cable into your vehicle to start charging.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cable Size for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
1. What cable size is needed for a 7 kW home charging station?
For a home charging station of 7.4 kW (32 A), it is recommended to use a cable with a minimum section of 10 mm². This section ensures safe and efficient charging.
2. What cable size should be used for a 3.7 kW reinforced socket?
For a reinforced socket of 3.7 kW (16 A), a cable section of 2.5 mm² is sufficient. This supports the load without the risk of overheating.
3. Why is the distance between the electrical panel and the charging station important?
The distance between the electrical panel and the charging station influences the cable size needed. The greater the distance, the larger the cable size must be to compensate for voltage drop and ensure efficient charging.
4. Can I use the same cable for a fast charging station and a domestic socket?
No, fast charging stations and domestic sockets require different cables. Fast charging stations typically use a Type 2 charging cable or a Combo CCS connector, while domestic sockets use a standard mode 2 charging cable.
5. What type of cable is provided with the electric vehicle upon purchase?
Most electric vehicles come with a mode 2 charging cable, suitable for a standard or reinforced domestic socket. For fast charging or public charging stations, you may need to purchase a Type 2 charging cable separately.
6. Is it necessary to hire a professional for the installation of the charging station?
Yes, it is strongly recommended to hire a qualified professional for the installation of the charging station. This ensures that the installation meets safety standards and technical requirements.