How to Look After Your EV Charging Cable in Wet Weather

Rain, puddles, mud, and electric car charging might not sound like a good combination, but for EV drivers in the UK charging during wet weather is simply part of everyday life.

The good news is that modern EV charging cables are designed for outdoor use. 

Whether you're charging your EV in the rain on the driveway, plugging into a public charging point during a downpour, or dealing with a muddy cable after a journey, a few simple habits can make all the difference.

In this guide, we'll discuss: charging in the rain, tips on how to look after your EV charging cable, choosing the right EV cable, and the various cable lengths. 

Looking for a new EV cable? Check out our range of EV charging cables. 

Can You Charge an EV in the Rain?

Good quality EV charging cables are designed so that they can be used outdoors in typical UK weather conditions.

EV charging connectors are engineered to create a secure connection between the charging point and your vehicle. The charging process also includes safety systems designed to ensure that power is delivered appropriately once the connection has been established.

If you arrive home with a 10% battery remaining, you don't necessarily have to wait for the clouds to clear before plugging in.

That said, you should always use an EV charging cable with a suitable IP rating, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and avoid using equipment that is damaged.

Are EV Charging Cables Waterproof?

You'll often see people searching for a waterproof EV charging cable, but there's an important distinction to make.

EV charging cables designed for outdoor use usually have an IP rating, which indicates their level of protection against water and solid particles - such as dust.

However, weather-resistant doesn't mean you should deliberately submerge your charging cable or connectors in water.

Tips for Looking After Your EV Charging Cable

Here are nine tips to help you get the most out of your EV charging cable: 

1. Avoid Leaving EV Charging Connectors in Puddles

Your charging cable is going to get wet occasionally. That's unavoidable when you're charging outdoors.

Before plugging in, take a quick look at where your cable will run between the charging point and your EV. If there's a large puddle directly beneath the connector or along your intended cable route, position the cable away from it where possible.

A longer EV charging cable can sometimes make this easier, giving you more flexibility when moving your cable around puddles, kerbs, or other obstacles.

2. Keep the Connectors Clean

Autumn and winter weather doesn't just bring rain. It also brings leaves, mud, grit, and plenty of dirt in car parks.

If your EV charging cable is regularly placed on the ground, dirt can build up around the connectors.

Before connecting your cable, quickly check both ends for visible dirt and debris. Never insert a dirty connector into your EV's charging port.

Keeping your connectors clean with a dry cloth is one of the simplest ways to look after your charging cable throughout autumn and winter.

3. Don't Drive Over Your Charging Cable

A wet driveway can make an EV charging cable harder to spot, particularly on dark autumn evenings.

Make sure your cable isn't running across an area where your car or somebody else's could drive over it.

Repeatedly driving over a charging cable could damage its outer casing or internal components.

Instead, position the cable around your vehicle where possible and make sure everyone using your driveway knows it's there.

4. Don't Pull on Your EV Cable

Imagine it's raining and you're cold. You want to get back indoors as fast as possible. We've all been there.

But it's important to resist the temptation of unplugging your EV by tugging on the cable itself.

Instead, always grip the connector when disconnecting your cable. Repeated pulling can place unnecessary strain on the connection between the cable and the connector, resulting in a damaged cable.

5. Store Your Cable Properly After Charging

Once you've finished charging, don't simply throw a wet, muddy cable straight into your boot.

If possible, wipe away any excess moisture and visible dirt before storing it away.

Coil the cable loosely rather than winding it tightly. This helps prevent strain and makes the cable easier to use the next time you need it.

A dedicated EV charging cable bag is also useful for keeping your cable tidy and organised.

EVwired charging cables come with a free carry bag, making it easier to keep your cable safe between journeys.

6. Use the Connector End Caps

When your cable isn't connected to your vehicle or charge point, it's good practice to use the supplied end caps. This helps protect the connectors from water, dust, mud, and debris.

It's an especially useful habit during autumn and winter, when cables are more likely to encounter wet and dirty surfaces.

7. Check Your EV Charging Cable Regularly

Autumn is a great time to give your EV cable a quick inspection before harsher weather arrives.

Check your cable for:

• Cuts, cracks, or splits in the outer casing.

• Damaged or unusually worn connectors.

• Bent or damaged components.

• Excessive dirt or debris around the connector.

• Signs that the cable has been crushed or driven over.

8. Take Extra Care at Public EV Chargers

Public charging bays can become particularly wet and muddy during autumn and winter, especially at motorway services, supermarkets, and outdoor car parks.

When using an untethered public charge point, try to keep your cable neatly positioned between your vehicle and the charger.

Avoid creating loops where people could trip over the cable, and try to keep connectors away from puddles.

Having the right EV charging cable length can also make a big difference. A longer cable can provide more flexibility, especially when the charger is awkwardly positioned.

9. Don't Use a Damaged Cable Just Because It's Still Working

Visible damage to the outer cable, connectors, or protective components shouldn't be ignored. Wet weather can make existing damage more concerning because the cable is being exposed to additional moisture and dirt.

If you're unsure about the condition of your charging cable, stop using it and seek advice.

Choosing an EV Charging Cable for UK Weather

If you regularly charge outdoors, choosing a durable, weather-resistant cable is particularly important.

EVwired Type 2 EV charging cables are designed for everyday EV charging at home, work, and compatible public AC charge points across the UK.

Our cables offer:

• IP55 rating for weather resistance and durable everyday charging.
  

• Up to 10,000 charging cycles.

• Protective end caps

• A free EV charging cable carry bag.

• A 5-year warranty.

• Free next working day tracked delivery.

• UK-based customer support.

With cable lengths ranging from 5m through to longer 10m and 15m EV charging cables, you can choose a length that suits your driveway and public charging needs.

What EV Charging Cable Length Is Best for Wet Weather?

A standard 5m length cable may be ideal if your home charger is positioned close to your vehicle's charging port. But if you regularly need to park further away, have multiple cars on the driveway, or use public chargers, a longer cable can offer much more flexibility.

A 10m or 15m EV charging cable can make it easier to position your cable around puddles, other vehicles, and obstacles.

The important thing is to choose a cable that's long enough without leaving unnecessary cable across roads, pavements, or public walkways.

Don't Let the British Weather Stop You Charging

Rain is an unavoidable part of driving an electric vehicle in the UK, but it doesn't need to make charging difficult.

Using a good quality EV charging cable and developing a few good habits can help keep your charging equipment clean, protected, and ready for your next journey.

Enjoyed reading this guide? Check out the EVwired Blog.