Model 3 EV charging cables guide

What is Mode 3 EV charger cable?
Mode 3 EV charger cables are a type of electrical connector used to charge electric vehicles. Mode 3 EV charging cables are currently the most common way to charge an electric vehicles across the globe. A Mode 3 EV charging cable connects your electric vehicles to a dedicated EV charging station—like those found in workplaces and offices, homes and residential locations, and commercial and public parking lots. These cables are in charge of the control, communication, and protection of the charging process and usually connect to charging plugs like J1772 Type 1 or IEC 62196 Type 2 or 20234 GB/T.
How to know more about Mode 3 EV charging cable?
The ev charging cable come in various spec, like color, length, sizes as well. You can find ones with spiral wrap or flat cable that fit your vehicle perfectly!
1.Cable material: TPE , TPU
TPE: thicker, heavier
TPU: Softer, lighter
2.What are the difference of TPE and TPU material?
TPE: high temperature resistance, -25℃ to 105℃
TPU: low temperature resistant, -40℃ to 70℃
3.Cable spec:
TPE: 2 signal wires
16A single phase: 3×2.5+2×0.5 mm²
32A single phase: 3×6+2×0.5 mm²
16A 3 phase: 5×2.5+2×0.5 mm²
32A 3 phase: 5×6+2×0.5 mm²
TPU: 1 signal wire
16A single phase: 3×2.5+1×0.75 mm²
32A single phase: 3×6+1×0.75 mm²
16A 3 phase: 5×2.5+1×0.75 mm²
32A 3 phase: 5×6+1×0.75 mm²
4.Cable color: black, green, orange, blue, pink…
5.Cable length: 5m, 7m, 7.5m, 10m, 12m, customizable.

EV Charging Connector Types: how can i choose the plug for my e-car?
In the world of ev charging cable, Type refers to the design of the vehicle side plug, which can be either a Type 1 or Type 2 or GB/T. These correspond to Type 1, Type 2 and GB/T vehicle inlets. A Type 2 plug ev charging cable is the current standard. If you have a relatively new electric vehicles, this is most likely what you have. Type 1 and GB/T inlets can be found on Asian brands, such as the Nissan Leaf 2016, VW id4 and BYD. If in doubt, make sure to check the inlet on your electric vehicles.
1.Type 1 plug is a single-phase plug and is standard for EVs from America and Asia. It allows you to charge your electric car at a speed of up to 7.4 kW, depending on the charging power of your electric vehicles and grid capability.
2.Type 2 plugs has 2 version, female plug and male plug, male plug is for connecting Charing station, female plug is a connector for electric vehicle. Type 2 plugs are triple-phase plugs because they have three additional wires to let current run through. So naturally, they can charge your vehicle faster. At home, the highest charging power rate is 22 kW, while public charging stations can have a charging power up to 43 kW, again depending on the charging power of your vehicle and grid capability.
3.GB/T plugs are also triple-phase plugs because they have three additional wires to let current run through. So naturally, they can charge your vehicle faster. At home, the highest charging power rate is 22 kW, while public charging stations can have a charging power up to 43 kW, again depending on the charging power of your car and grid capability, use for China standard electric vehicle, like BYD, XiaoPeng, VW id3,4,6 etc.

Where are Mode 3 ev charging cable plugged in?
The mode 3 charging cable is a connected cable between the charging station and the electric car. In Europe, the type 2 plug has been set as the standard. To allow electric vehicles to be charged using type 1, type 2 and GB/T plugs, charging stations are usually equipped with a type 2 socket. To charge your electric car, you require either a mode 3 charging cable from type 2 to type 2 (e.g. for the Renault ZOE) or a mode 3 charging cable from type 2 to type 1 (e.g. for the Nissan Leaf), or a model 3 charging cable from type 2 to GB/T(e.g. for BYD or VW id4).

Mode 3 EV charging cable guide: make the right choice
Choosing the right EV charging cable is easier than it might seem. Our short guide helps you get the best possible charging speed, durability and user-friendliness.
If you are looking for a single car charging cable that will give you the fastest possible charge at any charging point, you need a Mode 3 cable in single phase, what if your car has a Type 1 or Type 2 or GB/T inlet, and the capacity of its onboard charger.
Mode 3 chargers are the standard for EV charging and can be used at any publically available charging point.
Mode 3 is the modern standard for EV charging cables at home chargers and regular charging facilities. These charge points use regular AC, or alternating current, while fast chargers use DC, or direct current.

Can I use an extension cable to charge my EV?
Sometimes we need to charge our electric vehicles, but have difficulty reaching a power outlet or charging station. It might be a destination with no charging stations, or the charging station could be blocked. In the first case a portable chargers lets you use available power outlets, but you might require an adapter cord to use the outlet, and the outlet might be far from your parking space. In the second case, you might be able to park near the charging station, but far enough that the charging cord cannot reach.
In other words, we sometimes are in suboptimal situations. One solution is to use a combination of extension cords, power adapters and portable charging stations.
But, the car manufacturers universally warn against using extension cords when charging an electric car. While there is a legitimate safety concern, it is possible to safely use extension cables. That requires some knowledge of basic electronic concepts, and good quality equipment.
As per our experience, Yes, you can extend your EV cable. Most EV chargers are around 10 metres long, which is an ideal length for charging your EV at home. However, you could face difficulties charging your EV on a sidewalk or at a public charging station. If you charge your EV outside, it’s best to have a long EV cable.
There are two ways to extend your EV charger. The first way is to buy a new, longer charger. Nowadays, you can get EV chargers up to 25 ft long. The second way is to use an extension connector, which we’ll discuss in the next section.
The easiest and most popular method to extend an EV charging cable is by using extension electrical cable. One end of the cord connects to the main charger socket, and the other links to the car charging port. These cords are similar to mobile connector chargers and extension boards we use in our daily lives.
The biggest benefit of using these cords is flexibility. They are available in a wide range of lengths. You can select the size as per your requirements. Besides, these chords come in various power ratings. You can find a cord that has the same power rating as your main charger. You can also choose good-quality extension cables based on other specifications you need.
Please note that you shouldn’t extend an EV charging cable with another charging cable. It could lead to a loose connection. Always use a cord based on plug types to extend your charger.

What is the longest EV charging cable?
Commonly as long as possible. Twenty-five feet is the longest output cable length that can be provided on an Electric car charging station based on National Electric Code requirements. Getting the longest wire length possible can save on installation expense by allowing the station to be installed closer to the service panel. It also gives users added operational flexibility for the station.

Do longer cables take longer to charge?
Yes, the longer the cable, the slower the charge if maximum current is being transferred on a given cable size.

Does Mode 3 ev charging Cable Reduce Charging Speed?
One of the primary concerns among EV owners is whether an extension cable reduces charging speed. The answer is — yes, there could be a reduction in the charging speed. However, the difference is negligible if you choose the right cable.
Let’s understand how the charge speed changes. The charging speed depends on the power rating of both the EV cable and the extension cable. The final charging power output will be equal to the charger or cable with lower power output.
Let’s say your EV cable has a charging current of 16 amp and the cable has an output of 10 amp. The final charging output, in this case, will be 10 amp. Now, suppose your charger has an output of 10 amp, and the extension cord has a power rating of 16 amp. Even now, the final charging output will be 10 amp.
To ensure the best charging speed, find an extension cord with more amps than the main charger. This will make sure there is no reduction in the charging rate.
Does the length of a cable affect charging speed?
There are still some other factors that can slow down your ev charging speed. These factors include the quality of your ev charging cable, the thickness of the wires insides your charging cable, amperage of power adapter & cable and some other factors. Another important factor that affects the ev charging speed —which people often overlook— is the length of the cable being used to charge the car.

How do you know if the cable is fast charging or not?
Since ev cables appear similar, how does someone identify a fast charging cable so that you can get your car charged ASAP? There are a few signs FYI!
The Cable Is Thicker
Fast charging cables are typically thicker since they have more wires clustered inside. However, this is not a hard and fast rule, so identify a fast charging cable using the other methods mentioned below.
Read the Specs
Most fast charging cables and accessories will state it right on the package, too. Many cable manufacturers will simply label fast charging cables and offer a description indicating what it’s capable of. Look for a small description that reads “fast charging.” Another spec detail is cable specifications. Each of these fast charging technologies is slightly different, so be sure to verify what is suitable for your electric vehicle.
Connect Your Car
Another instant way to identify a fast charging cable is to use it. After testing, for sure you will get to know the difference.
Check the Voltage and Current Output
If you see a cable that puts out power at 7KW, 11KW, 22KW, this is a sign that it’s a fast charging cable. On the other hand, anything below 3.6kw is considered a slow charging cable. Ideally, you should seek out a fast-charging cable of 220-380V voltage or more, but double-check the specific current suitable to fast charge your electric vehicles.
Can I use a three phase ev charging cable for single-phase?
A Type 1 EV charging cable is only available in Single Phase. However, with a Type 2 cable, you can buy either a Single Phase or three Phase. Most homes will have a Single Phase supply, which means you would only need a Single Phase cable to charge your electric vehicle for household. At workplaces and car parks, it may be that there is a three Phase supply, in which case a three Phase cable could be more suitable. Please note, three Phase EV cables are useable in both a Single Phase and threePhase charger.
A Single Phase 32amp charger will charge at about 7.4kw per hour, and a 3-Phase 32amp charger will charge at about 22kW per hour (3 times quicker). The speed at which your electric vehicle can charge all depends on the onboard charger of your electric vehicles. For example, Zencar 16A EVSE has an AC onboard charger of 11kW per hour so, even if you used a 3-Phase cable with a 3-Phase charger, it would only charge at 11kW per hour, not 22kW.
Can i plug a Type 2 into a CCS?
Yes, The CCS plug is an enhanced version of the type 2 plug, with two additional power contacts for the purposes of quick charging. The CCS 2 ev charging cable supports AC and DC charging.
Where can i buy a high quality Mode 3 ev charging cable?
Shanghai ZENCAR Industry Co., Ltd. as a professional supplier of electric vehicle components, including all kinds of control box, EV plug, socket, cable, connector, and charging station. please contact us on WWW.zencar.net