In order to avoid overloading of distribution cables dues to electric vehicles（EVs） charging and determine suitable ampacity

this paper presents a methodology for modeling and analyzing the cable temperature and thermal life when EVs are charged using four strategies

e.g. low/high power uncontrolled domestic charging and off-peak domestic charging. The model is formulated to predict the current of distribution cable by taking into account the stochastic nature of the charging power

start time of individual charging

and harmonic wave characteristic. Then

analytical solution of the cable temperature is deduced based on IEC 60287 equations

and the influences of harmonic waves on additional AC resistance of conductors

hysteresis loss and eddy current loss of armor layer are analyzed. Finally

thermal life of distribution cable is predicted by Arrhenius model（AM）. A typical distribution system with residential load ratio of 0.7 is adopted as an example of simulation. The results of a 30% penetration of EVs in the simulation show that the temperature of distribution cable will increase by 26.19 ℃

and will increase by 20.89 ℃ if the harmonic wave is not taken into consideration. The contribution of harmonic waves to the temperature increment is 20.17%. High power uncontrolled domestic charging will result in overloading of distribution cable at a 30% penetration level in summer. Low power off-peak domestic charging is the recommended as a charging strategy with the lowest cable temperature

thermal life loss

and charging expenses.