Why Does EV Charging Cable Length Matter?
When it comes to charging your electric vehicle (EV), choosing the right EV charging cable is essential. One often overlooked aspect is cable length which can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and hassle-free charging experience.
Whether you're charging at home, work, or from a public charging station, having a cable of the correct length improves convenience, safety and flexibility. In this guide, we'll explore why EV charging cable length matters and how to choose the best option for your needs.
The Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Cable Length
1. Charging Location and Accessibility
-
If you charge your EV from home, a shorter 5 metre charging cable may suffice, if your charger is close to your parking space.
-
For on-street parking or shared parking spaces, a longer 7 or 10 metre cable will provide more flexibility.
-
Public chargers sometimes require reaching awkwardly positioned charge points, so having a longer cable will come in handy.
2. Ease of Use and Flexibility
-
A shorter cable is easier to store and manage, reducing the risk of tangling.
-
A longer cable allows you to park in hard to reach spaces and still reach the charging port.
-
If you plan to charge at multiple locations, a longer cable provides greater versatility.
3. Safety and Trip Hazards
-
Excessively long cables can increase the risk of tripping hazards and can clutter your parking space.
-
A properly sized cable helps avoid unnecessary wear and tear, ensuring a longer lifespan.
-
Always ensure your cable is neatly stored when not in use to prevent damage.
4. Power and Charging Speed Considerations
-
Single-phase cables (up to 7.4kW) and three-phase cables (up to 22kW) come in various lengths.
-
Longer cables do not necessarily slow down charging speed, but using a high-quality cable will ensure optimal performance.
-
Consider a Type 2 charging cable for maximum compatibility with UK charging stations.
How to Choose the Right EV Charging Cable Length
Choosing the right EV charging cable length is essential to ensure convenience and flexibility across different charging scenarios. Whether you're charging from home, work, or using public charging stations, having the appropriate cable length can make the charging process a lot smoother and more accessible.
Charging at Home
If you have a dedicated home wall-box charger installed, the most common and practical cable length is usually 5 metres, as it’s sufficient for most driveways and garages. However, if your charging point is located further away from your usual parking space or you share a driveway, then a 7 metre or 10 metre charging cable might be a better option.
EVwired’s Type 2 charging cables come in multiple lengths, ensuring that you can charge your electric vehicle hassle-free.
Charging at Work
Workplace charging can vary in terms of parking arrangements. If your designated charging bay is close to the charger, a standard 5 metre cable will work well. However, in larger company car parks where chargers are shared among multiple employees, opting for a longer 7 metre or 10 metre cable can provide extra reach, reducing the need to reposition your vehicle. Employers may also consider installing tethered chargers for added convenience, but employees using untethered stations should invest in a reliable Type 2 EV cable to ensure flexibility when charging their vehicle.
Public Charging Stations
Public charging points, especially those found in retail parks, service stations and urban car parks, often require more flexibility. Some chargers are mounted on curbs in hard to reach areas, while others might be located between multiple parking bays. Longer charging cables can help you avoid the hassle of repositioning your car.
EVwired’s 10m Type 2 EV charging cables are a great option for public charging, giving you the flexibility to charge from almost any position.
Choosing the right EV charging cable length ensures you get the most out of your electric vehicle without unnecessary hassle. By considering your charging setup, parking space and needs, you can select the ideal cable that balances convenience, performance, flexibility and safety.
