We’re just in the market for a new car and looking to get an EV.

One of the optional extras is a very expensive 6m Mode 3 Type 2 400V 16A 11kW IEC 3P cable “for public charging stations”.

I assumed the cables were already there are the charging stations, like the hoses at the petrol bowser?

Should we purchase this cable, or is it unnecessary? We don’t have a fast charger at home so, for the time being, we’re just planning to charge off the (included) 240V 10A cable at home.

  • @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    English
    21 year ago

    DC fast chargers, like superchargers, have attached cables. They kind of have to, nobody’s going to carry around a 300 amp cable. They’re heavy and bulky.

    AC chargers, which are in the 10 to 32 amp range, sometimes have attached cables. The ones that don’t just have a type 2 port, so you need your own type 2 cable.

    They’re a handy thing to have sometimes. You can always get one later if you need it.

  • @Fetus
    link
    English
    11 year ago

    Most of the charge stations around Adelaide have a type 2 socket, so anyone wanting to use the charger needs to supply their own cable. There are a few around that are a standard 15A outlet, you’d be able to use this type of charger with your standard cable, but it won’t be fast charging.

    Where are you located? And which vehicle are you looking to buy? You might be able to find a more reasonably priced cable from elsewhere.

    • OzzahOP
      link
      English
      11 year ago

      Looking to get 2024 Polestar 2 AWD in Sydney

  • OzzahOP
    link
    English
    11 year ago

    Are the ones on Amazon for $300-$400ish Type 2 to Type 2 cables safe and reliable? The one the car manufacturer is trying to sell is $1300, which is 3-4x as exxy.

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      English
      2
      edit-2
      1 year ago

      You’re in Australia? You probably want one of these cables from EVSE for $230. They have a good reputation and fairly low prices.

      A three phase 32 amp cable will do 11kw (3x 16 amp) on a three phase station, or 7 kw (1x 32 amp) on a single phase station. A three phase 16A cable can only get you 3.6 kW (1x 16 amp) on a single phase station, which aren’t common but you may as well have it.

      Related: the EVSE Model 3 page

      Edit: the Tesla cable probably has the button on the handle that makes the charging port pop open. For a thousand dollars, I think I’d just open the cover with my hand.