How Many Square Millimeters Does the Charging Cable for New Energy Vehicles Need?

[StAndrew]

New energy vehicle charging cables require 4 square millimeters. Introduction to New Energy Vehicles: New energy vehicles refer to automobiles that utilize unconventional vehicle fuels as power sources (or use conventional vehicle fuels with new types of on-board power devices), integrating advanced technologies in vehicle power control and driving, resulting in advanced technical principles and featuring new technologies and structures. Types of New Energy Vehicles: New energy vehicles include pure electric vehicles, range-extended electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles, hydrogen engine vehicles, and various other types.

[SanEllie]

When I installed a charging pile in my home garage, I chose 6mm² copper wire paired with a 7kW charging pile because the electrician said this is the safest option for household use. In reality, the cable size depends on charging speed and distance. A standard slow-charging pile can manage with 4mm², but if your garage is more than 30 meters from the meter box, it's best to upgrade to 6mm² to avoid voltage drop. My neighbor tried to save money by using 2.5mm² wire, but it overheated every time they charged, so they eventually switched to 6mm². Remember to always choose flame-retardant copper wire that meets national standards—aluminum wire may be cheaper but poses significant safety risks. Higher-power charging piles have stricter requirements; for example, a commercial-grade 11kW unit would need 10mm² wire. It’s always best to consult a professional electrician for accurate measurements.

[DeEmmanuel]

Last time when helping a friend inspect the charging circuit, I realized that we shouldn't just focus on the wire gauge numbers. A regular 3.3kW charging gun actually only requires 2.5 square millimeter wires, but mainstream 7kW charging piles on the market are best paired with 4 to 6 square millimeter wires. The key is to check the purity of the copper core—I've encountered inferior wires labeled as 6 square millimeters that actually had the current-carrying capacity of only 4 square millimeters, which caused smoking and nearly caught fire during charging. Additionally, charging duration is crucial. Using a regular extension cord for temporary emergency use is acceptable, but for long-term fixed installations, professional charging cables are a must. When purchasing wires, it's advisable to directly ask the seller for the current-carrying capacity parameters rather than just looking at the square millimeter numbers.