Why Thicker Isn't Always Better: Unpacking EV Charging Cables

9/23/2025

Why do electric car charging cables appear so much thicker than mobile phone cables? Does thicker cable mean better? If your answer is "yes," you're completely wrong! As an electric car owner or prospective owner, understanding the true inner workings of a charging cable is far more important than simply looking at its appearance. Here are three truly crucial secrets about electric car charging cables: material, IP rating, and power rating.

Don't just look at the thickness, focus on the core

Many people assume that the thicker the cable, the greater the current it can carry and the faster it charges. While this idea is correct, the key question is whether the thicker the outer insulation or the inner core.

The inner strength of a high-quality electric car charging cable lies primarily in the core. For example, Nexwayev's cables typically use high-purity oxygen-free copper as their conductor. This material offers significant advantages:

  • High conductivity: The extremely pure copper wire minimizes resistance, allowing current to flow smoothly, thereby reducing energy loss and heat generation during charging.
  • Safety and Reliability: Poor-quality wire cores not only have poor conductivity but can also easily overheat during use, potentially causing fires. High-quality copper cores ensure stable high-current transmission and guarantee safe charging.

Simply put, the thickness of a cable doesn't directly determine its performance. The quality and cross-sectional area of the core are what truly determine charging efficiency and safety. Choosing a charging cable like Nexwayev, with its solid inner core and premium materials, ensures true safety and efficiency.

Is outdoor charging safe? The IP rating determines it

Electric vehicles are often charged outdoors, whether in a garage, an open parking lot, or a public charging station, potentially exposed to inclement weather like rain and sandstorms. Therefore, the IP (Ingress Protection) rating becomes a crucial criterion for evaluating charging cable safety.

The IP rating consists of two numbers: the first represents dust resistance, and the second represents water resistance.

IP rating IP55 IP67
Dustproof rating (first number) 5: It is impossible to completely prevent dust intrusion, but the amount of intrusion will not affect the normal operation of the equipment 6: Completely prevent dust intrusion
Waterproof rating (second number) 5: Can withstand low-pressure water spray from any direction 7: Can be immersed in 1 meter deep water for 30 minutes
Applications in home charging piles and charging guns, withstand daily rain and wind. Suitable for environments with higher protection requirements, such as areas with frequent rain or waterlogging

Nexwayev charging cables typically meet IP55 or higher ratings. This means that even if you're charging outdoors and caught in a downpour, you don't have to worry about water ingress and short circuits. Their sealing and protective properties are sufficient to withstand most weather conditions, ensuring a safe charging experience.

Power and current determine your charging speed

This is the most crucial factor. A charging cable's performance is ultimately reflected in the maximum power and current it can support. This determines how quickly your electric car can be fully charged.

The formula for calculating charging power is: Power (P) = Voltage (U) × Current (I). In the electric vehicle charging world, voltage is typically fixed (AC charging is typically 220V or 380V), so current becomes the determining factor.

  • 16A charging cables: Typically support approximately 3.5kW of power, making them suitable for slow charging at home, allowing for a full charge overnight.
  • 32A charging cables: Typically support approximately 7kW of power, charging at twice the speed of a 16A cable, making them the preferred choice for home fast charging.
  • Three-Phase 32A Charging Cable: Supporting up to 22kW of power, it offers faster charging speeds and is commonly used in commercial or other locations requiring higher efficiency.

Choosing a Nexwayev charging cable allows you to precisely match your charging needs with the power of your charging station. For example, if your home charging station has a maximum power of 7kW, a cable rated for 32A would be the most appropriate choice, ensuring full performance without wasting energy.

Summary: Why is a Nexwayev charging cable your best choice?

An electric vehicle charging cable is much more than just a "thick" wire. It is a sophisticated product that integrates material science, protective engineering, and power transmission technology.

Choosing a Nexwayev charging cable means more than just the cable itself; it also provides a secure, efficient, and durable charging experience. From the high-quality copper core to the stringent IP rating and precisely matched power design, every detail reflects our commitment to product quality and user safety.

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