In the charging standard, charging is divided into a mode called “mode”, and this describes, among other things, the degree of safety measures during charging.
Charging mode – MODE – in short says something about safety during charging. In English these are called charging modes, and the designations are given by The International Electrotechnical Commission under the standard IEC 62196. These express the level of safety and the technical design of the charge.
Mode 1 – Not used by modern electric cars
This is the least secure charge, and it requires the user to have an overview of the charge and the risk factors that may come into play. Modern electric cars, with Type 1 or Type 2 switch, do not use this charging mode.
Mode 1 means normal or slow charging from ordinary sockets such as the Schuko type, which is our usual household socket in Norway. Industrial connectors (CEE) can also be used, ie the round blue or red connectors. Here the car is connected directly to the mains with a passive cable without built-in safety functions.
In Norway, this includes charging of 230V 1-phase contact and 400V 3-phase contact with a charging current of up to 16A. The connectors and cable must always be earthed.
Mode 2 – Slow charging or emergency charging
For Mode 2 charging, standard connectors are also used, but it is charged with a charging cable that is semi-active. This means that the charging cable has built-in safety functions that partially handle the risks that can arise when charging. The charging cable with socket and “draft” that comes with all new electric cars and plug-in hybrids is a Mode 2 charging cable. This is often called an emergency charging cable and is intended to be used when no other better charging solution is available. The cable can also be used for regular charging if the connector used meets the requirements of the Standard (NEK400). This is not recommended as a perfect solution for regular charging. Here you can read about safe charging of an electric car.
In Norway, Mode 2 includes charging of 230V 1-phase contact and 400V 3-phase contact with a charging current of up to 32A. The connectors and cable must always be earthed.
Mode 3 – Normal charging with fixed charging station
Mode 3 includes both slow and faster charging. The control and safety functions under Mode 2 are then integrated in a dedicated charging socket for electric cars, also known as a charging station. Between the car and the charging station there is a communication that ensures that the car does not draw too much power, and that no voltage is applied to either the charging cable or the car until everything is ready.
This requires the use of dedicated charging connectors. At the charging station, which does not have a fixed cable, there must be a Type 2 connector. On the car it is Type 1 or Type 2. Read more about the two contact types here.
Mode 3 also enables smart home solutions if the charging station is prepared for this. Then the charging current can be raised and lowered depending on other power consumption in the house. Charging can also be delayed until the time of day when electricity is cheapest.
Mode 4 – Fast Charge
This is DC fast charging with special charging technology, such as CCS (also called Combo) and the CHAdeMO solution. The charger is then located in the charging station which has a rectifier which creates direct current (DC) which goes directly to the battery. There is communication between the electric car and the charging point to control the charging, and to provide sufficient safety at high currents.
Post time: May-17-2021