Why Does the Charging Cable of New Energy Vehicles Get Hot?
3 Answers
There are generally several situations where the charging plug of a new energy vehicle gets hot during charging. Here is a detailed analysis: 1. Loose plug and oxidized contact surface: A loose plug and oxidized contact surface can lead to poor contact during charging. If there is loose contact at the connection point during charging, the voltage between the contact points can be enough to break down the air gap, forming an arc and sparking, which may ignite nearby flammable materials and cause a fire. If the charging port is not securely connected, poorly maintained, or has been in operation for a long time, an oxide film that conducts poorly may form at the connection point. Oxidation of the charging plug can easily lead to excessive contact resistance, causing the plug to overheat. 2. Issues with the charging port's electronic lock: Regarding the charging port, the model and size are standardized, and the vehicle's charging port has corresponding safety requirements for current, etc. The charging port should be equipped with an electronic locking device to prevent accidental disconnection during charging. If the electronic lock is not securely engaged, the charging port may continue to charge, leading to overheating. 3. Quality issues with the charging port: Due to different materials of the battery cells, the charging port may heat up when the current is too high. However, different materials have varying heat dissipation properties. If the material is of poor quality, it may result in poor heat dissipation, leading to overheating.
My experience tells you that the heating of new energy vehicle charging cables is mainly due to the conversion of electrical energy into heat when current flows through the wire, much like how large water flow through a pipe generates friction heat. Especially during fast charging, when the current can reach several hundred amperes, the internal resistance of the wire exacerbates heat generation. Another common factor is the rise in ambient temperature during hot weather, coupled with poor heat dissipation from materials like copper or aluminum, leading to more heat accumulation. If there are loose connections, oxidation, or aging at the contact points, the contact resistance increases, making the heating more noticeable. I've seen cases where owners forgot to ventilate during prolonged charging, causing the wires to overheat, age, or even smoke. Therefore, it's advisable to ensure proper ventilation around the cables during charging and regularly inspect them for any damage. Choosing high-quality original cables is also crucial, as inferior products have higher resistance and are prone to overheating.
As an electric vehicle owner with three years of experience, I can share my real charging situation. Cable overheating most commonly occurs during fast charging in summer. When I feel the cable is hot to the touch, I immediately stop and check. It's usually because the wire is carrying excessive current, such as when my car supports supercharging mode, the increased power can easily cause heating. You also need to check if the cable connection is secure. Last time at a charging station, the plug wasn't inserted tightly and it slightly emitted heat. A professional told me this was due to poor contact increasing resistance. Environmental factors matter too - charging in a stuffy garage accelerates heating. I generally recommend avoiding charging during midday heat, opting instead for shaded or well-ventilated areas. Also pay attention to cable maintenance: keep it dry and avoid bending damage to prolong lifespan. Simply put, while heating is common, adjusting charging habits and using reliable cables can effectively mitigate risks.
