Quick guide to EV Chargers and Cables
Overview
At EVGetGo our mission is to make Moving Electric as easy and rewarding as possible.
It can at times seem that choosing an EV charger or a new EV Charging cable is difficult given the terminology and the variety of choices on offer.
​
We are here to give you the right information in an understandable format, this will help you choose the right EV Charger or EV Cable to meet your needs.
​
There are 3 criteria you need to consider when choosing your Charger or Cable.
​
-
The Connector Type
-
The Phase; and
-
The Amp
​
Each of those are explained below.
​
The default choice in almost all scenarios is to choose a Type 2, Single Phase, 32 Amp Cable or Charger.
There is one other factor to consider for EV Chargers and that is the Existing Current Load.
EV Chargers - Existing Current Loading
One additional consideration when choosing a charger is the existing load in your home or business.
If you have a high current load due to existing appliances (Example: Electric Shower) you need to ensure the system is not overloaded when charging your vehicle.
​
There are two approaches which should be considered during the installation.
​
-
Installing a priority switch, this will automatically cut power to the charger if the other appliance is in use, this immediately eliminates the potential for current overload; or
-
Installing a Smart Charger which continuously monitors the load in your home or business and automatically reduces the power being sent to the Charger as the load increases or decreases. This potentially allows the Charger to continue operation even during periods where multiple high load appliances are in operation.
At EVGetGo we recommend our customers consider this type of Dynamic Power Adjustment Charger if high load appliances are already installed.
​
We have two Dynamic Power Adjustment models with multiple configurations available for each of them.
​
There is an additional upfront cost for these models but in most cases this cost is offset by savings made from not requiring the installation of a priority switch.
Your EV Charger is also future proofed against potential load changes. Check out our models below.
1. Connector Type
Type 2
Most Electric Vehicles sold in Europe use a Type 2 connector. There are some exceptions outlined in Type 1 below.
The output of Type 2 and Type 1 are the same when using Single Phase current.
The Type 2 charger is capable or using Three Phase current giving a maximum charge rate of 22kW (32A) charging as opposed to 7.4kW (32A) for Type 1.
Type 1
The following models use a Type 1 connector;
C-Zero, Ford Focus Electric, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Kia Soul EV, Nissan Leaf 2012 – 2017. Please check your connector type before making a purchase.
If you have a Type 1 Connection we stock a full range of options for you with adaptor cables also available.
2. Phase
Most domestic homes are supplied at a nominal voltage of 230V (single phase). Most businesses are supplied at a nominal voltage of 400V (three phase), which is frequently referred to as 'Low Voltage'.
​
Unless you have requested three phase supply or are using or installing a charger in a business premises you should select "Single Phase" when purchasing from us. For convenience we have included this option on all our multi-phase products so you can quickly narrow your search.
3. AMP
It is the vehicle which determines the rate at which the battery is charged. Some cars are fitted with a 16A charger and will only charge at this maximum rate. If you use a 32A Charger and Cable the charging rate will not be increased. The charging capacity is determined by the vehicle.
​
However, even if you have a 16A capacity vehicle now there is a possibility that your next vehicle may have 32A charging capability.
​
32A cables are heavier and thicker than 16A cables to cope with the extra power travelling through them.
​
EVGetGo recommends choosing a 32A Charger or Cable if possible as your EV Charger and Cable will continue to be used for many years even if you change vehicle.
Have a question about one of our products.
Please use support links below.