3 phase EV charging cables

In the truck workshop and trailer manufacturing environment, electric vehicles are increasingly being charged on company premises or inside workshop facilities. Where single-phase charging solutions were once sufficient for lighter vehicles, the current reality in HGV and trailer operations calls for three-phase charging cables capable of delivering higher power levels in shorter timeframes. A 3 phase charging cable draws on all three phases of the AC supply, achieving a charging capacity of approximately 11 kW at 16A and up to 22 kW at 32A. The latter represents the maximum output achievable through AC charging via a Type 2 connection.

The Type 2 connector, standardised under IEC 62196-2, is the European standard for AC charging of electric vehicles. All cables in this category feature Type 2 connectors at both ends, making them compatible with fixed charging points equipped with a Type 2 outlet. In a truck workshop or trailer facility context, this means vehicles from manufacturers such as Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Renault can be connected directly to the available charging infrastructure, provided the charging point supplies three-phase power.

The choice of cable length depends strongly on the physical layout of the workshop or yard. In compact facilities where the charging point is mounted close to the vehicles, a cable of 2 or 3 metres is sufficient. Where multiple vehicles are charged at varying positions, a length of 5 to 8 metres provides more operational flexibility. At trailer construction sites or HGV service yards where vehicles are positioned at varying distances from the charging unit, lengths of 10, 12 or 15 metres offer a practical advantage. A longer cable bridges the gap without the need for an extension lead, which supports a safer working environment.

In addition to straight cable versions, a coiled variant is also available. The spiral construction keeps the cable manageable and prevents it from trailing along the floor during use. In a busy workshop environment where people and vehicles are constantly moving, this is a meaningful practical benefit. The coiled version is available with a working length of 5 metres, in both 16A and 32A configurations. The 32A coiled version delivers the full 22 kW AC charging capacity and represents the fastest AC charging option in this format.

For professional charging situations where no fixed charging point is available but an industrial power supply is present, the mobile charging cable with CEE plug on the grid side offers a workable solution. This version features an industrial CEE connector on the network side, allowing direct connection to industrial sockets commonly found in workshops and service facilities. The vehicle side retains the standard Type 2 connector. At 32A across three phases at 400V, this configuration delivers 22 kW, significantly reducing charging time compared to single-phase or 16A solutions.

In the day-to-day operations of trailer builders and HGV service centres, electric vehicles are increasingly used as company cars, service vehicles and internal transport on site. The associated charging infrastructure forms part of the workshop setup alongside compressors, vehicle lifts and welding equipment. A reliable 3 phase charging cable is a functional component that ensures an efficient charging cycle suited to the workflow and occupancy of the workshop. The availability of multiple lengths and versions makes it possible to select the most appropriate cable for each specific location, without compromising on charging capacity or usability in the working environment.