Electric car charging cables have been on the market for a good few years. Innovations in this field mean that some types are no longer used. How do you choose the right charger cable and what does the speed of charging your car depend on? We invite you to read on!
Electric car charging cables - what to look for when buying?
Charging cables for electric and hybrid cars are different. Each should meet the measurements, be load resistant and guarantee durability. Which electric car charging cable should you choose to suit your car's needs?
The car's charging cables should be adapted to its layout and the socket itself. It is worth paying particular attention to the parameters of the vehicle. In other words, whether the cable corresponds to the energy loads required to fully charge the car. These will affect the life of the cable and the quality of charging.
Electric car cables vary in their parameters to provide insight into whether they are suitable for charging from a wall-mounted or floor-standing charger. There are also electric car cables that allow it to be charged via a standard socket found in every home. In this case, we are dealing with a plug that is different from the rest. 
Types and kinds of electric car charging cables
The charging cable for an electric car is usually included in the car's equipment, but its parameters do not allow for full charging power. This forces owners of new cars to purchase a suitable cable through intermediaries to allow charging from dedicated stations. Which car charging products do we distinguish?
- AC and DC - this is a socket that connects alternating current to direct current. Installed most often in new generation cars.
- AC - refers to alternating current and there are two types of such sockets marked with the numbers 1 and 2.
- Separately AC and DC - this type of socket differs from the first in that there are two separate cable slots for AC and DC.
The DC designation itself specifies that the car can be charged quickly, with extremely high current output. This means that the car cannot be charged in a garage, but only at a station specially designed for this purpose. AC is a socket which allows you to plug in a cable with a connector that fits into a normal socket, e.g. in a garage.
With regard to the latter, a distinction is made between two plugs - type 1 and type 2. It is increasingly rare to find the former on the market. Charging stations also usually have type 2 plugs, which means that you will only be able to charge your car if you take your cable with you.
Charging itself is now possible in three (previously four) modes, which depend not only on the type of cable, but also on the socket. The first mode, which is no longer supported, involved charging from an ordinary socket without a security system. Mode 2 allows the car to be charged using a suitable cable with a safety tip fitted to a contact in the home or garage. Mode 3 already considers charging from a Wallbox station, and the cable itself has plugs at both ends to match the car and the charging source. Both of these modes use the AC current we mentioned earlier. The last mode, the fourth, involves express charging of the car with the cables attached to the station. Through the high amperage and the shorter time needed for a full charge, the cable itself is more robust and cannot be mistaken for any other.
What is the price of electric car charging cables?
The range of amounts is wide and depends on the type of cable. When choosing the right cable, it is advisable to consult a retailer who can advise on what will be the best product.
What is the price of an electric car charging cable? Short spiral cables can be purchased for just over £500. However, it is not always a good solution, so if we are talking about matching a specific charging mode, this cost can increase. As we mentioned, the price depends on the needs and parameters of the car. Mid-range cables will cost around PLN 800.
It is worth looking out for cables that have a high resistance to moisture and invasion and are of a size that allows them to be stowed in the boot.
