How is the electrical car wire harness different from the ICE wire har
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How is the electrical car wire harness different from the ICE wire harness?

The structure of an electric car wire harness is very different from that of a regular ICE car. Read this blog to learn about this difference. But first, let's focus on how the structure of an electric car, in general, differs from the structure of the ICE vehicle. 

What is the difference between the powertrains of an electric car and a conventional car powertrain?

The powertrain of an electric car is far less complex than the powertrain of a conventional car.

In a traditional vehicle, the powertrain can be divided into three categories: the engine, the transmission system, and the driveshaft. The power in a regular car is generated in the engine. It reaches the driveshaft through the transmission system. The car system is highly complicated and has hundreds of components, including water pumps, exhaust systems, gas pumps, oil pumps, generators, and many others.

A powertrain of an electric vehicle is more straightforward than the powertrain of a conventional vehicle. It consists of a battery, DC/AC converter, electric motor, and an onboard charger. Additionally, several electronic hardware and software components are available, such as battery and temperature management systems.

EV vs. ICE Wire Harness: What Is The Difference?

A wire harness, a cable harness, or a cable loom is a structural arrangement of the electrical cables in a car.

While the highly technological powertrain of an electric vehicle actually has a simpler structure than an ICE vehicle powertrain, the wire harness system of an electric car is more complex than the conventional vehicle. The high-voltage battery, DC/AC converter, and electric motor are connected with the help of a unique wire harness system made of shielded high-voltage electric vehicle cables. 

In a way, the EV wire harness is similar to the one found in a drivetrain of a regular car. However, it features complex electronic components, such as a collision avoidance system meant to prevent car crashes with the help of specific software. If the driver does not hit the brakes when the collision is about to occur, the car system will communicate with the motor through the wire harness and hit the brakes for the driver.

To summarize, what makes the wiring harness of an electric car different from the harness in a standard car is that every command in an electric vehicle is communicated through the wire harness.

The Components of the Electrical Car Wire Harness

Aside from the high-voltage electrical cables, the wire harness of the electric car comes with insulation. The material that the insulation is made of is either PVC or XLPE in most of the cases. The wiring loom of the EV also has connectors and terminals made of silicone, metal, or metal alloy.

To construct a practical wiring loom of the ICE vehicle, shop for automotive wire at excellent prices from Nassau National Cable. The wiring range includes popular automotive cables, such as GXL, SXL, TXL, GPT, and others.
Vita Chernikhovska profile picture

Author Bio

Vita Chernikhovska

is a dedicated content creator at Nassau National Cable, where she simplifies complex electrical concepts for a broad audience. With over a decade of experience in educational content and five years specializing in wire and cable, her work has been cited by authoritative sources, including the New York Times. Vita's popular series, such as 'What is the amp rating for a cable size' and 'How to wire different switches and appliances,' make technical information accessible. She also interviews industry professionals and contributes regularly to the wire and cable podcast.

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