With the booming new energy vehicle (NEV) market, portable EV chargers (hereinafter referred to as charging guns) have become essential emergency tools for many car owners. To provide consumers with authentic and objective product information and guide them to select charging guns in a scientific and rational manner, the Jiangsu Consumer Rights and Interests Protection Council has recently released an analysis report on a comparative test of charging gun products. The report points out that some charging guns suffer from missing markings, as well as non-compliant functional and electrical safety performance, and reminds consumers not to use ungrounded products.
This comparative test was conducted in accordance with the testing methods and limit requirements specified in two national standards: GB/T Electromagnetic Charging System for New Energy Vehicles – Part 1: General Requirements and Connecting Devices for Conductive Charging of New Energy Vehicles – Part 1: General Requirements. Testing covered four dimensions: electrical safety, functional safety, mechanical safety and material safety.
The report notes that charging guns of different brands and models vary in structure, but generally consist of a gun head, cable, In-Cable Control and Protection Device (IC-CPD), power plug and cooling system. Among these components, the IC-CPD is the core unit, integrating charging control circuits, protection circuits and communication interfaces to monitor the whole charging process and guarantee safe and stable charging. Some charging guns are equipped with cooling systems to dissipate heat generated during operation and maintain stable and safe performance. Although charging gun technology is relatively mature, NEV charging involves high current and long continuous operation. Loose quality control by manufacturers may lead to severe safety accidents.
Many complimentary accessories provided by merchants seem convenient but carry significant hidden safety hazards. When selling 16A charging guns, some vendors offer free 16A-to-10A adapters, claiming that the 16A charger can be used on standard 10A sockets via the adapter. Chen Zhiqiang, electrical engineer at Jiangsu Provincial Institute of Quality Inspection, explained that excessive current will overheat conductive components such as internal wires and plug pins. This may melt the insulation of wires or plastic non-conductive parts around pins, trigger short circuits between wires of different polarities, damage new energy vehicles, or even ignite fires.
In terms of electrical safety, several test samples exceeded the limit of residual current, while others lacked residual current protection devices (RCD), violating relevant standards. Chen advised consumers to purchase charging guns with maximum current limiting and supplementary electric shock protection functions, with special attention to built-in RCDs. As a critical electrical protection component, an RCD cuts off power supply upon leakage to prevent electric fires and electrocution, and improves the reliability of electrical equipment. Once leakage occurs, the RCD instantly disconnects power to eliminate risks of electric shock and short circuits.
Marking deficiencies were found on both plugs and the main charger body. Some plugs lacked product model numbers and trademarks; other units had no serial numbers, production dates, or indoor/outdoor usage labels and instructions. Chen warned that incomplete markings will cause operational confusion for users. Without clearly printed rated current, voltage or grounding symbols on plugs, consumers may set improper charging parameters, impairing charging efficiency and battery life. Missing indoor/outdoor usage indicators may lead to misuse: products insufficiently waterproofed will easily break down, short-circuit or catch fire when used outdoors, threatening personal and property safety. Products without clear model, trademark and manufacturer information make it difficult for consumers to trace liability and file complaints after malfunctions.
Charging guns compatible with national standard plugs fall into two structural categories: Mode 1 and Mode 2. The national standard Conductive Charging System for Electric Vehicles – Part 1: General Requirements explicitly prohibits charging EVs via Mode 1.
Mode 1 features a plug directly connected to the vehicle charging port without an IC-CPD, exposing users to risks of overcharging, electric leakage and short circuits. Mode 2 connects mains power to the NEV via an IC-CPD with phase line, neutral line and protective earth conductor. Built-in overcurrent and residual current protection devices make Mode 2 far safer and reliable for both users and vehicles.
Before purchasing, consumers shall check official product specifications or consult professional technicians to confirm the charging mode. Prioritize chargers equipped with standalone or integrated in-cable control units. Original chargers from the vehicle OEM are highly recommended, and buyers should verify vehicle brand and model compatibility. Select products with comprehensive safety protection including real-time current monitoring, overcurrent protection and residual current protection. Upon receipt, inspect whether all markings and instructions are complete and consistent with merchant descriptions.
The Jiangsu Consumer Council reminds users of the following operational guidelines: Before charging, insert the three-pin plug fully into a grounded 16A three-hole 220V socket, follow the user manual for standard operation, and avoid use under severe weather conditions. Do not pull or twist the charging gun or power socket during charging. Keep the charging area dry and out of children's reach. Conduct regular inspection and maintenance; contact official after-sales service for repairs, and only use original or high-quality replacement cables, wires and components. In addition, portable charging guns generally deliver low charging power; avoid prolonged continuous charging to prevent battery degradation.
Consumers are also warned against cable extension charging from residential buildings, which poses severe safety risks. Outdoor sockets are prone to short circuits in rain and snow; makeshift extension cords vary in wire gauge and age, creating leakage hazards. Long-term exposure to wind, sun and rain accelerates cable aging, which may result in electric shock and fire accidents caused by short circuits.