Factors that Influence EV Charging With Type 2 Charging Cords

ByCaesar Hours

Understanding the charging speed supported by Type 2 cable and the factors that impact EV charging will be crucial as electric vehicles become more popular. Type 2 charging cable can be used for AC and DC charging, which are widely available in Europe. In this article, you will learn about the charging speeds of Type 2 charging cables. You will also discover the factors influencing the speed at which an electric vehicle charges with such cables. By gaining knowledge of these aspects, EV users can make informed choices and optimize their experience.

Charging Speeds Supported By Type 2-Charging Cables

The charging speed of an EV is measured by kilowatts. Charging speeds of Type 2-compatible cables may vary depending on various factors.

  • Charging Station Power: The charger’s power determines the charging time. Charging units for home and public stations have different power ratings. They range in size from 3.7kW – 22kW. The power of the charging unit limits the speed at which an EV can be charged. High-capacity units allow for faster charges.
  • Onboard Charger for an EV: This charger converts AC from the charging stations into DC to charge a battery. The onboard charger’s power rating determines how fast the battery can be charged. Faster charging speeds are possible for EVs equipped with higher-capacity charging stations.
  • Battery Capacity & State of Charge: Both the size and the state of charge of an EV’s battery pack will influence its charging speed. Initially, EVs charge faster when the state of charge (SOC) is low. As the SOC grows, the charging speeds may decrease to protect the battery’s health and ensure safe operations.
  • Battery Chemistry, Thermal Management: Electric vehicles use different battery types, like lithium-ion. Each has a unique charging characteristic. Some battery chemistries accept higher charges and have faster charging speeds. While others may be more conservative. EVs have thermal management systems that ensure the battery temperature is within optimal limits during charging.

Factors Influencing Charging Speed

Several factors impact the rate at which an EV will charge using Type 2-charging cables. Let’s take a closer look at each one of these factors:

  • Power Output Charging Station: The power output largely determines the charging speed. Charging stations can have different power ratings. They range from a couple of kilowatts to several tens. EVs can charge at maximum rates supported by charging stations. The charging station may offer 7 kW. This means that an EV fitted with a 7-kW onboard charge can charge to maximum capacity. To maximize charging speeds, ensure the charging station has a power rating that matches your EV onboard charger.
  • Onboard Charging Capacity: The power rating for the onboard charging unit installed in an EV will directly influence the speed at which it charges. Different EVs have a range of onboard charging capacities, from 3.7 to 22 kW. Higher-capacity onboard charging stations can accept more power and charge faster. Be aware that an onboard charge’s power may not always match up with the maximum output of the station. For this reason, you must consider both the onboard charger’s power and the charging stations to determine the possible charging speed.
  • Battery capacity and State-of-Charge (SOC): This is a factor that impacts the charging speed. Generally speaking, charging a large battery pack is slower than charging a smaller one, assuming the same speed. In addition, the cell’s SOC (state of charge) can affect the charging rate. When the battery SOC level is low, electric vehicles charge more quickly. The charging speed will decrease gradually as the SOC goes up to protect battery health and ensure safety. Charging algorithms embedded in the EV’s EV software control the charging rate based on the battery’s State of Charge (SOC) and other factors. They optimize charging speed, battery life, and safety.

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