Why Does the New Energy Charging Gun Get Hot?
4 Answers
New energy charging gun heating may be caused by poor socket contact, which can be resolved by replacing it with a high-quality national standard socket. However, the power supply line should not be less than 1.5 square millimeters. Charging guns are divided into DC guns and AC guns. DC guns, which handle high current and high power, are generally equipped at fast-charging stations for new energy vehicles. Household charging typically uses AC charging piles or portable charging guns. AC Charging Guns: There are mainly three types: Type1, Type2, and GB/T, also known as American standard, European standard, and Chinese standard. Of course, Tesla has its own standard charging interface, but under pressure, Tesla has begun to adapt its standards to market conditions to make its cars more market-compatible, just as domestically produced Teslas must be equipped with Chinese standard charging ports. DC Charging Guns: DC charging guns generally correspond to AC charging guns, with each region having its own standards, except for Japan, which is a bit of an exception. Japan's DC charging gun interface is CHAdeMO, though not all Japanese cars use this DC charging port—only some Mitsubishi and Nissan new energy models utilize the following CHAdeMO DC charging port.
I have experience in maintaining electric vehicle charging equipment and have found several key reasons for charging gun overheating. The first is poor contact; if the contacts on the charging gun head or socket are oxidized or dusty, resistance increases, generating heat when current passes through, similar to a plug getting hot. The second is excessive charging current, especially in fast-charging mode, where high-power operation causes rapid heating of internal wires, accumulating high temperatures if heat dissipation is insufficient. The third is environmental factors, such as hot summer weather or exposure to direct sunlight, which naturally increases temperature more noticeably. Equipment aging is also common; after prolonged use, component wear and reduced insulation performance can cause overheating. Safety concerns cannot be ignored, as excessive heat may lead to fires or equipment damage. Therefore, I recommend checking the temperature by hand after each charging session and immediately stopping use if overheating occurs, followed by cleaning the contacts or consulting a professional for repairs. Preventive measures include charging in shaded areas and avoiding prolonged continuous fast charging to protect equipment lifespan.
I've been driving a new energy vehicle for over two years and have encountered significant heating of the charging gun several times during charging. My mechanic friends told me it's a common issue, mainly due to the gun head not being inserted tightly causing unstable contact, or dirt accumulation on the gun surface trapping heat. Additionally, fast charging speeds can easily generate heat, especially when using public fast-charging stations where the current is higher and more noticeable. High ambient temperatures, like charging at noon, make it worse, so I now opt to charge during cooler morning or evening hours. Prolonged use of the equipment can also lead to aging internal components, generating more heat. From a safety perspective, continuous overheating may damage the charging cable or even pose hazards, so I've developed a habit of checking if the gun is too hot to touch after charging and cooling it down promptly. Maintenance recommendations include regularly cleaning the gun head to prevent dust buildup and ensuring good ventilation.
I often ponder over the charging technology of new energy vehicles, where the heating issue of charging guns usually stems from the electrical characteristics during the charging process. High-power charging generates heat as voltage and current pass through conductors. If the cooling system, such as fans, fails or the air intake is blocked, the heat cannot dissipate, leading to a temperature rise. Additionally, the quality of charging guns varies widely, with cheaper products possibly lacking sufficient cooling design, causing issues. The compatibility of charging protocols is also crucial; for instance, if a vehicle doesn't support the power output of a charging station, it may force an overload, triggering heating. Usage patterns, like frequent plugging and unplugging, can increase wear and resistance. To address these, I recommend checking if the cooling vents are clear to avoid dust accumulation and ensuring the charging environment is well-ventilated. If overheating is detected, consider replacing the equipment with a higher-quality one or upgrading the charging mode—safety first.
