In this blog you’ll learn the importance of choosing a cable with the correct components to optimise the performance of Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers. From data delivery to crosstalk protection, you’ll gain an understanding of the variation in options available.
Why Choosing the Right Data Core for EV Charging Cables is Essential for Installers
The rise of electric vehicles (EV’s) in the UK has been remarkable, with growth set to accelerate. The 2024 UK EV market size per se is estimated at £35 billion. In 2023, EV’s accounted for over 16% of all new car registrations, with over a million plug-in vehicles now on UK roads. With government incentives and plans to phase out petrol and diesel cars, the demand for EVs is only going to increase.
For EV installers, this represents a huge opportunity. Every EV vehicle needs access to reliable charging points — whether at home, in workplaces, or in public locations. Every one of those charging points requires a robust cable to ensure optimal performance. That said, EV charging cables are available in a variety of options, so it’s important that installers understand the specific cable required to meet the varying requirements of different chargers. The heart of this decision lies in the core of each cable.
Anatomy of an EV Charging Cable
At first glance, an EV charging cable might seem simple; it delivers power to the vehicle. However, alongside the power cores, EV charging cables typically include a data component too. This data element enables communication between the EV, the charger, and often the user, providing essential support features such as error detection, power management, and billing information.
For installers, the dual advantage is clear: a single composite cable, combining both power and data, simplifies installation and reduces clutter. That said, not all EV charging cables are created equal, and the type of data cable used can significantly impact performance.
Why Data Cables Matter for Smart Charging
With the increasing use of smart chargers, data cables play a critical role in the overall performance of EV charging systems. Smart charging allows users to monitor and optimise energy consumption, ensuring cost-efficiency and practical usage. Many chargers now offer Wi-Fi connectivity, but poor Wi-Fi quality is often cited as a barrier to effective smart charging. That’s why leading charger manufacturers are turning to cabled data connections, as they provide constant reliability.
Choosing the Right Data Cable: Cat 5E vs Cat 6A
So, which data cable should you use for your EV charging installations? Two common options are Cat 5E and Cat 6A, that deliver significant performance differences.
Bandwidth and speed: While Cat 5E supports up to 100MHz frequency and speeds of up to 1Gbps, Cat 6A outperforms it, with up to 500MHz frequency and speeds of up to 10Gbps. Cat 6A Cables are particularly advantageous in environments demanding high speed data transmission over long distances up to 100m.
Reduced crosstalk: Cat 6A reduces crosstalk and signal interference, which is a vital element for maintaining reliable communication between the EV and the charger.
Practical Implications for EV Installers
For installers, using a Cat 6A cable means that they can provide their customers with a faster, more reliable charging experience. The increased bandwidth and improved signal quality ensure better communication between the charger, vehicle, and user. Additionally, Cat 6A supports longer distance installations, offering more flexibility in charger placement.
In Conclusion
Given the growing demand for smart chargers, it's clear that choosing the right data core in EV charging cables is essential. By opting for Cat 6A, installers can future-proof their installations and ensure that they deliver the best performance possible for their customers.
Need technical help & advice to choose the right EV charging cable option for your project? Talk to the Webro Sales Team for expert advice on 0115 9724483 or sales@webro.com
