An EV charging cable holds roughly 65 to 285 grams of copper per metre, depending on how many power cores it has and how thick they are. A common single-phase 32 A cable with three 6 mm² cores carries about 160 g/m, so a 7.5 m cable holds about 1.2 kg. A three-phase 32 A cable with five 6 mm² cores carries about 267 g/m, or 2.0 kg over 7.5 m.
Key Takeaways
- Charging cables hold about 65–285 g of copper per metre.
- A 7.5 m single-phase 32 A cable holds about 1.2 kg; three-phase about 2.0 kg.
- Current, phase count and length drive the copper content.
- Ask suppliers for core count and cross-section in writing.
Copper per Metre: Quick Reference Table
The table uses the copper density in NIST’s copper wire tables (8.89 g/cm³) and the nominal cross-section of each power core. The builds are typical examples, not a standard for every product.
| Example cable build | Copper per metre | 5 m | 7.5 m | 10 m |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-phase 16 A, 3 × 2.5 mm² | 67 g | 0.33 kg | 0.50 kg | 0.67 kg |
| Single-phase 32 A, 3 × 6 mm² | 160 g | 0.80 kg | 1.20 kg | 1.60 kg |
| Three-phase 16 A, 5 × 2.5 mm² | 111 g | 0.56 kg | 0.83 kg | 1.11 kg |
| Three-phase 32 A, 5 × 6 mm² | 267 g | 1.33 kg | 2.00 kg | 2.67 kg |
| US 40 A, 3 × 8 AWG (8.37 mm²) | 223 g | 1.12 kg | 1.67 kg | 2.23 kg |
| US 48 A, 2 × 6 AWG + 1 × 10 AWG | 283 g | 1.42 kg | 2.12 kg | 2.83 kg |
Thin signal cores for the control pilot and proximity circuits add only a few grams per metre. Stranded conductors are sold by nominal area, so real mass can be a little higher or lower.
Why Higher-Rated Cables Carry More Copper
- Current: more amps need a larger cross-section to keep heat in check, which is why a 32 A cable uses 6 mm² cores where a 16 A cable may use 2.5 mm².
- Phases: three-phase cables carry three line cores plus neutral and earth, so five power cores instead of three.
- Length: copper scales one-for-one with length. Going from 5 m to 10 m doubles it.
- Thermal design: some makers size up conductors for hot climates or long continuous sessions.
Length is the lever buyers control most. Our cable length guide explains when 5 m is enough and when 7.5 m or more makes sense. Our article on whether all EV charging cables are the same covers ratings and connector types.
Using the Table for Quotes and Logistics
Copper per metre is useful when you compare supplier quotes or estimate shipping weight. If two “32 A” cables differ a lot in weight at the same length, ask why. The answer may be a different jacket, but it may also be thinner cores.
- Ask for the core count and cross-section in writing (for example 5 × 6 mm² + 1 × 0.5 mm²).
- Check that the cable rating matches the charger’s maximum current on the datasheet.
- Remember that the fixed supply wiring in the wall is a separate circuit sized by an electrician.
EVDANCE states cable length and rating on every product, such as the EV-ACS3205PE 22 kW three-phase portable charger and the EV-ACS4005T 40A NACS portable charger with a 25 or 28 ft cable. OEM buyers can request the full cable specification.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grams of copper are in a 5 m Type 2 cable?
A 32 A three-phase 5 m cable with five 6 mm² cores holds about 1.3 kg; a 16 A three-phase version holds about 0.56 kg. Check the core sizes on the datasheet.
Does a longer cable cost more because of copper?
Partly. Copper rises in step with length, but jacket, connector and labour costs also matter. Long cables also add weight and voltage drop.
Is all of the cable weight copper?
No. The jacket, insulation and fillers add a large share of the weight. Use the core sizes, not the total weight, to estimate copper.
Related Reading
- Are All EV Charging Cables the Same?
- EV Charger Cable Length Guide: 5 m, 7.5 m or Longer?
- Which EV Charging Cable Do I Need?
- Do EV Charging Cables Get Hot?
