Why Does the EV Charging Cable Heat Up?

There are several different reasons why EV charging cables heat up, and there are also related solutions. The specific solutions require the car owner to make judgments based on the actual situation.

Main reasons for heating of EV charging cables

1. Unstable plug connection and oxidation of contact surface: If the plug is loose or its contact surface is oxidized, poor contact will occur during charging. At this time, the voltage strength between the contacts is sufficient to penetrate the air gap, forming an arc, which in turn causes abnormal heating of the plug.

2. Failure of the electronic lock of the charging socket: When the electronic lock of the charging socket fails to lock in place effectively, the charging process may continue, but the safety protection mechanism of the socket is damaged in this state, which can easily cause the socket to overheat.

3. Charging socket material and heat dissipation performance issues: Charging sockets made of different materials may exhibit different heating characteristics when subjected to large currents. If the heat dissipation performance of the material itself is poor, the heat generated will not be effectively dissipated, resulting in an increase in the socket temperature.

4. Normal phenomenon of heating of charging wires: During the charging process of electric vehicles, it is normal for the wires to generate a certain degree of heat due to the passage of current. As long as this heating is kept within a safe temperature range, it is not considered an abnormal situation. ‌

Methods to prevent and solve the heating of EV charging cables

1. Check the plug and socket: Be sure to regularly check the tightness of the charging plug and the cleanliness of the socket to ensure good contact between the two and effectively prevent poor contact caused by looseness or oxidation.

2. Choose high-quality charging equipment: When choosing charging equipment and sockets, ensure that their quality is reliable and the materials have good heat dissipation performance to ensure the safety and stability of the charging process.

3. Charging temperature monitoring: During the charging process, pay close attention to temperature changes to ensure that the temperature is controlled within a safe range to prevent potential risks caused by overheating.

4. Normal use standards: If the heat generated by the EV charging cable during charging is within the normal range, there is no need to worry too much and you can continue to use it. But you need to be vigilant to ensure that the use process meets safety regulations.