Part 2: How fast does your car charge? Phases and amperage of your charging cable

In part 1, we learned about the different types of connectors for your electric car—the "plugs" that fit. Now that you know which connector you need, the next crucial step is determining the wattage of your charging cable. This is where the terms phases and amperes come into play, and they determine how quickly your electric car can charge . Understanding how this works ensures you don't spend unnecessary time at the charger!

Phases: 1-phase vs. 3-phase charging

The number of phases refers to how electricity is fed from the grid to your car. Simply put, more phases usually means a higher charging speed.

• 1-phase Charging Cable : These cables operate with a single current phase and are capable of delivering a maximum power of typically 3.7 kW (at 16 Amperes) or 7.4 kW (at 32 Amperes).

• When do you need a single-phase charging cable?
  • If you own an older electric car or plug-in hybrid, many of these models can only charge on single-phase charging.
  • If your meter box at home only has a 1-phase connection (this is often the case in the Netherlands with standard home connections without additional reinforcement).
  • If the public charging point where you charge only supports 1-phase charging.
  • Advantages : Often cheaper to purchase.
  • Disadvantages : Longer charging times, especially for cars with a larger battery capacity.

• 3-phase charging cable : These cables use three current phases and can deliver significantly higher powers, such as 11 kW (at 16 amps per phase) or even 22 kW (at 32 amps per phase).

• When do you need a 3-phase charging cable?
  • Most new electric cars are equipped with a 3-phase on-board charger and can therefore charge 3-phase.
  • If you have a 3-phase connection in your meter box at home (a 'power connection', recognizable by 3x25A or more) and your electric car supports this.
  • Many public charging points offer 3-phase charging.
• Advantages : Significantly faster charging times, which is particularly useful for everyday use and large batteries.
• Disadvantages : Often slightly more expensive to purchase.

Important tip: A 3-phase charging cable is universally applicable. You can also use this cable with a 1-phase charging station or with a 1-phase car. The charging speed will then automatically adjust to the lowest available power (of the car, the charging cable, or the charging station). A 1-phase cable, however, can never support 3-phase charging. So, if you want to be future-proof or use the maximum speed whenever possible, choose a 3-phase cable if your car and meter box support it.

Ampere (A): The power current of your charging cable

Ampere (A) represents the current the charging cable can handle. Together with the number of phases, this determines the total charging capacity in kilowatts (kW). The higher the amperage, the more current the cable can handle and the faster your car can charge.

• 16 Ampere (16A) : Often found in lighter 1-phase chargers (up to 3.7 kW) or as a basis for 3-phase charging (up to 11 kW).
• 32 Amps (32A) : This is the higher amperage for maximum charging speed. A 32A charging cable can deliver up to 7.4 kW on a single-phase connection, and as much as 22 kW on a three-phase connection .
• How do I determine the correct amperage? The maximum amperage you can use is determined by the weakest link in the chain:

1. Your car's onboard charger: This is the built-in charger in your electric car that converts the alternating current (AC) from the charging station to direct current (DC) for the battery. Check your car's specifications for the maximum charging capacity (e.g., 11 kW or 22 kW AC).
2. Your home charging point (wall box): This has a maximum output capacity.
3. The power connection of your meter box: A standard 1-phase connection can supply less than a reinforced 3-phase connection.
4. The public charging point: Each charging point has a maximum capacity.

Choose a charging cable that can at least handle the amperage your car and charging station can provide. A cable with a higher amperage than your car requires isn't a problem (the car will regulate the required current), but a cable with too little amperage will limit your charging speed.

Calculation example:

• A 1-phase, 16A charging cable: $1\times 230V\times 16A=\mathrm{3,680}\text{W}\approx 3.7\text{kW}$
• A 3-phase, 32A charging cable: $3\times 230V\times 32A=\mathrm{22,080}\text{W}\approx 22\text{kW}$

The importance of the right match

Choosing the right phase and amperage ratings for your charging cable is essential for efficiency. You don't want to invest in an expensive 22 kW 3-phase cable if your car can only charge at 3.7 kW on a single phase. On the other hand, if you have a 22 kW car and a 3-phase connection at home, a 3-phase 32A cable is a smart investment to utilize the full charging speed, now or in the future.

In the next and final part of this guide, we'll cover practical considerations like charging cable length, quality, and other factors that will help you choose the perfect charging cable for your electric car .

Next up in Part 3: Practical Choices and Quality of Your Charging Cable, we'll discuss length, material, and additional features.