With the rise in popularity of electric vehicles, connected cables are becoming the must-have recharging solution. Ultra-practical for on-the-go recharging, it offers essential flexibility for mobile users. Ideal also for companies wishing to offer their employees a home recharging solution, this cable is a real asset. Dive into this article to discover all the advantages and applications of the connected cable, a tool that simplifies and energizes the lives of electric vehicle drivers.
What is a connected cable or mobile charging point?
A connected cable, also known as a smart cable or mobile charging station, is an advanced charging device for electric vehicles that integrates communication and control functionalities. Unlike standard charging cables or on-board chargers, connected cables are equipped with technologies that enable them to interact with databases such as applications or management portals, offering a more secure and optimized charging experience.
Connected cable features
Connected cables are designed to transmit real-time information to management software. This information can include :
- Charging status: indicating whether the vehicle is being charged, fully charged or whether an error has occurred
- Recharging power: automatically adjusts the power delivered according to the vehicle's needs
- Safety: detects anomalies such as overheating or short circuits and interrupts charging in the event of a problem
- Energy management: enabling you to program charging periods to take advantage of the lowest electricity rates or to avoid overloading the power grid (smartcharging).
Differences from standard cable
Unlike standard cables and on-board chargers, which simply distribute electricity, connected cables offer an extra layer of management and security. They often feature special plugs and locking systems to prevent accidental disconnection. Their ability to communicate with fleet management applications enables managers to track and control recharging sessions remotely, improving efficiency and traceability.
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Connected cable applications
Connected cables can therefore be used on their own, but can also be coupled to other structures:
- Home charging stations: for electric car owners who want an intelligent home charging solution
- Public charging infrastructures: where remote management and monitoring of charging points are crucial
- Vehicle fleet charging stations: for companies that need to optimize the management and maintenance of their electric vehicles and their fleet of charging stations.
The connected cable represents a significant advance on traditional charging cables, bringing significant benefits to electric car drivers in terms of safety, energy efficiency and intelligent management of charging infrastructures.
Operation and technology
Connected electric car charging cables incorporate advanced technologies that optimize the safety and efficiency of the charging process. Here's how these cables work and the technologies they incorporate.
How does a connected cable work?
Connected cables work in a similar way to fixed terminals. Their use is simple and effective. The connected cable plugs directly into a standard 220V electrical outlet, but can also be connected to a reinforced wall socket or an existing recharging point.
Once connected, the terminal detects the presence of the electric vehicle via the dedicated connector. Integrated safety systems check that all connections are correct before charging begins. Mobile charging stations are equipped with charge management systems that regulate the flow of electricity to the vehicle. They can adapt charging power to the capacity of the power source and the needs of the vehicle. Recharging begins once all safety checks have been completed. Recharging time varies according to the power delivered by the cable and the capacity of the vehicle's battery. Some connected cables allow you to monitor the recharging process via mobile applications or integrated interfaces.
Integrated technologies
Connected cables for electric cars often incorporate several technologies to ensure efficient and safe recharging. They feature integrated circuit breakers to protect against electrical overloads, as well as ground fault detection systems, which identify and stop charging if dangerous leakage currents are detected. Surge protection is also included to protect the vehicle and the terminal against voltage fluctuations.
Charge management systems automatically regulate charging power according to the car's battery capacity and power source. Communication between the vehicle and the cable uses standard protocols such as OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) to optimize the charging process. They also feature practical user interfaces, such as LED or LCD displays that indicate charging status, potential errors, and much more. Mobile applications allow you to monitor charging remotely, start or stop charging, and receive notifications.
Connected cable types
Charging cables dedicated to electric vehicles (EVs) are diversified to meet different user needs and international standards. Here are the main types of connected cable used to recharge an electric car:
- Type 1: Type 1 cable, also known as SAE J1772, is mainly used in North America and Japan. It is designed for single-phase electric vehicles and supports a charging power of up to 7.4 kW.
- Type 2: Type 2 cable is the European standard for recharging electric vehicles. It is compatible with both single-phase and three-phase systems, offering charging power of up to 22 kW in AC (alternating current) mode, and up to 43 kW for certain models. For the connected cable, maximum power generally stops at 22 kW.
- Combo CCS: The Combo CCS (Combined Charging System) is an extension of the Type 1 and Type 2 connectors, enabling both AC and DC charging.
Criteria for choosing a connected cable
When choosing a connected cable, it is essential to consider several factors:
- Compatibility: Make sure the cable is compatible with the type of connector on your electric vehicle.
- Charging power: Choose a cable capable of supporting the charging power of your terminal and your vehicle.
- Cable length: The length of the cable must be sufficient to comfortably reach the charging point or socket, without being too long to avoid energy loss. Cables are generally 5 meters long, but can be as long as 10 meters.
- Safety standards: Choose certified cables that comply with international safety standards to ensure safe, reliable recharging.
The benefits of connected cables for professionals
Connected cable offers many advantages to professionals, including fleet managers, hauliers and transport and logistics professionals.
Optimizing fleet management
Thanks to connected cables, fleet managers can monitor the charging status of each vehicle in real time. This enables them to efficiently plan charging schedules and optimize vehicle utilization, reducing downtime and boosting productivity. The data collected can also help identify charging infrastructure needs and plan future investments.
Easier turnover and relocation
The use of connected cables considerably simplifies the management of vehicle turnover and relocations. Unlike fixed charging stations, which require de-installation and re-installation work, connected cables can be easily transported and used with mobile charging stations. This enables companies to relocate their operations without worrying about the complications of managing charging infrastructures.
Energy efficiency and cost reduction
The connected cables automatically adjust the charging power according to the vehicle's needs and the state of the grid. This intelligent energy management reduces electricity costs by avoiding overloads and optimizing consumption. What's more, by scheduling recharges during periods when electricity rates are lowest, companies can make significant savings.
Easy follow-up
Connected cables are often accompanied by convenient mobile applications and user interfaces, enabling managers to monitor and control recharging remotely. These tools offer real-time visualization of recharging progress, notifications in the event of problems, and the ability to start or stop recharging remotely.
Cost and return on investment
Acquisition and installation costs
Connected cables are often cheaper to purchase and install than fixed terminals. A cable costs between €500 and €1,000, depending on power and functionality. More sophisticated connected charging cables can cost up to €2,000. So the price of the product itself is not very different from that of a wall-mounted charging station. Of course, the price is much higher than a simple cable or on-board charger.
However, in terms of installation, connected cables do not require the same infrastructure investments as fixed terminals. The absence of civil engineering work and (sometimes complex) electrical connections considerably reduces initial costs. For companies, this means lower capital expenditure and faster implementation, enabling them to start using mobile kiosks almost immediately after acquisition.
Return on investment
Investing in connected cables can offer an attractive return on investment (ROI) for businesses. Firstly, the savings on installation and maintenance costs compared with fixed bollards can be significant. What's more, the flexibility and portability of a mobile terminal mean that they can be used in a variety of locations according to operational needs, optimizing the use of resources.
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