DON'T LET THE CABLE BE THE BOTTLENECK ON YOUR EV FAST CHARGER INSTALLATION

EV Channels Review

This video provides a crucial deep dive into the often-overlooked aspect of EV fast charger installation: cable current ratings. The presenter, Branden, effectively breaks down the relationship between voltage, current, and power, explaining how cable limitations can bottleneck charging speeds, even with high-power chargers. He highlights that while 150kW is the federal minimum for NEVI funding, many installations with 200A cables will fail to deliver this power to 400V vehicles, offering only 60-90kW. Branden advocates for higher amperage cables (350A minimum for 150kW, ideally 400A+) to meet the spirit of the regulations and ensure a better customer experience. He also discusses the pros and cons of liquid-cooled versus air-cooled cables, noting the failure-prone nature of some liquid-cooled systems and favoring air-cooled options for public installations due to their reliability and the effectiveness of 'boost functions' on newer cables. The review emphasizes the importance of specifying correct cable ratings for site hosts and charge point operators to avoid disappointing EV drivers.