An RFQ that states only “maximum current: 800 A” leaves important questions unanswered. How long must the cable carry that current? At what ambient temperature? With which coolant, flow rate and inlet temperature?
For electric truck charging, these conditions affect whether a proposed cable assembly can support the required operating duty.
The expansion of ABB E-mobility and Oreve’s French charging network illustrates the application. On 4 November 2026, electrive reported plans for twelve additional locations with around 100 charging points, with truck charging a focus of the expansion.
For equipment manufacturers and buyers, the procurement task is to translate that use case into a complete DC charging cable specification.
1. Separate Continuous Current from Peak Current
Peak current describes a capability under defined conditions. It should not be assumed to represent sustained operation.
For example, one Phoenix Contact liquid-cooled charging assembly lists 500 A charging current and a separate boost capability of up to 700 A, subject to ambient conditions. These are product-specific ratings, not interchangeable descriptions of performance.
State the required operating profile in the RFQ:
- Required continuous charging current.
- Peak current and maximum duration.
- Current profile throughout a charging session.
- Time between sessions.
- Expected back-to-back charging duty.
- Permitted derating and recovery conditions.
A charging point serving successive trucks may have little cooling time between sessions. Include that scenario when it reflects the intended operation.
RFQ wording: “Please confirm the supported current profile, including continuous and peak operation, and state the cooling and environmental conditions on which the proposed ratings depend.”
2. Define Ambient Conditions and Charging Duration
The same current requirement can create different thermal demands at different sites.
Provide the minimum and maximum operating temperatures, direct sunlight exposure and the conditions around the dispenser and cooling unit. Where relevant, include altitude, dust, moisture and coastal exposure.
Specify the required charging duration at the target current. If the vehicle’s charging curve varies, provide a representative current-versus-time profile rather than using charging power alone.
Also state the operating voltage range. A power figure does not define cable current without the corresponding voltage.
Ask the supplier to identify:
- Temperature measurement locations.
- Applicable conductor, contact and accessible-surface limits.
- Conditions that trigger derating or shutdown.
- Supporting validation conditions and any exclusions.
A cable material’s temperature rating does not, by itself, establish the continuous current capability of the complete charging assembly.
3. Match the Cable to the Cooling System
A liquid cooled charging cable operates as part of a thermal system. Its performance depends on the cable, terminations, coolant circuit and cooling unit working together.
Before selecting the cable, exchange the following information.
| Cooling parameter | What buyers should specify |
|---|---|
| Coolant | Exact fluid specification and concentration, where applicable |
| Inlet temperature | Expected range, including the hottest operating condition |
| Flow | Required flow and the conditions under which it is measured |
| Pressure | Available pressure, allowable pressure drop and operating limits |
| Cooling capacity | Heat-removal capability under the specified site conditions |
| Connections | Hose dimensions, fittings, seals and supply/return arrangement |
| Monitoring | Temperature, flow or leak detection and fault response |
Do not assume different coolants are interchangeable. Confirm compatibility with the selected cable construction, hoses, seals, fittings and other wetted components.
Published Phoenix Contact specifications, for example, identify a particular coolant mixture, flow rate, pressure range and inlet temperature alongside the electrical rating. This demonstrates why current and cooling conditions need to be reviewed together.
4. Specify Length, Weight and Handling Requirements
Truck charging layouts must accommodate vehicle parking positions, inlet locations and operator access.
Confirm the usable reach before fixing cable length. An unnecessarily long assembly can add handling weight and affect the electrical and hydraulic design.
Include:
- Finished length and measurement reference points.
- Maximum assembly weight and any handling-force requirements.
- Cable outside diameter.
- Installation and repeated-use bending requirements.
- Torsion, abrasion and ground-contact conditions.
- Compatibility with cable supports or management systems.
- Strain relief at the dispenser and vehicle connector.
Ask whether quoted weight refers to the cable alone or the complete assembly, and whether coolant is included.
If repeated bending is important, agree on the relevant validation method. “Flexible” is not a measurable service-life requirement.
5. Agree on the Complete Assembly’s Validation Boundary
Clarify whether the quotation covers bulk cable, a terminated cable or a complete cooled charging assembly.
The validation scope should match the delivered configuration. A cable report alone does not establish the performance of the connector, terminations, coolant fittings and control functions.
Depending on the design and project requirements, the agreed validation plan may address:
- Thermal performance under the specified charging duty.
- Electrical insulation and connection integrity.
- Coolant leakage and pressure resistance.
- Mechanical retention, bending and handling.
- Environmental exposure.
- Sensor operation and response to cooling faults.
For each applicable test, define the sample configuration, procedure, acceptance criteria and required records. Review any differences between the tested assembly and the proposed product.
Specify the charging interface as well. A current rating alone does not establish CCS or MCS suitability.
Send an Operating Profile, Not Just an Ampere Value
A useful RFQ combines continuous charging current, peak duration, ambient conditions, cooling parameters and mechanical requirements in one application profile.
When discussing high-power liquid-cooled DC charging cables with Winpower, provide that profile together with the required length, charging interface and supply scope. Confirm which supporting documents cover the proposed configuration and agree on any additional validation before production.
This gives engineering and procurement teams a clearer basis for comparing quotations against the actual truck charging duty.
Post time: Nov-06-2026