Many E-drivers have an emergency charging cable and a Mode 3 cable in the trunk. Bosch is now combining both functions.
With a new charging cable from Bosch, electric cars can connect to Schuko plugs and normal charging stations. Thanks to an exchangeable adapter, the "Flexible Smart Charging Cable" can be used as a type 2 cable for wall boxes and public charging points as well as for household sockets. It does this without the bulky control box that is otherwise necessary; the electronics are located in the connector housings at both cable ends. E-car drivers no longer have to carry two separate cables with them, but can limit themselves to one. Bosch specifies the weight as less than three kilograms.
No wonder charging cable
A temperature sensor and a residual current circuit breaker in the adapter housing ensure safety when charging mode 2 at the household socket. The electronics for controlling the charging process are located in the vehicle's type 2 connector. The maximum possible charging power for this application is 2,3 kW. If a wallbox is used for charging, up to 22 kW are possible, depending on the device.
Bosch plans to sell it to both vehicle manufacturers and end customers from mid-2022. The company does not name a price. Current emergency charging cables cost several hundred euros, depending on the provider, mode 3 type 2 cables without electronics are available from around 200 euros.