My EV Didn't Come With a Charging Cable – What Do I Need?

Buying a new or used electric car is exciting, but there can be a slightly confusing moment when you open the boot and discover one important accessory is missing: the EV charging cable.

Not every electric vehicle is supplied with a portable charging cable, and this is particularly common when buying a used EV. Even when a cable is included, it might not be the right length for your charging needs.

Fortunately, choosing a replacement is relatively straightforward.

In this guide, we'll discuss which EV charging cable you need, the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 charging cables, whether to choose a 7kW or 22kW cable, and which length works best.

Why Didn't My Electric Car Come With a Charging Cable?

There are several reasons why an EV might arrive without a cable.

With a used electric car, the original charging cable may have been lost, damaged or simply not passed on by the previous owner. With new vehicles, the equipment supplied varies between manufacturers and models.

It's worth checking exactly what is included before collecting your vehicle, rather than assuming a cable will be waiting in the boot.

The good news is that you don't need a cable made specifically by your car manufacturer. You simply need a compatible, correctly rated EV charging cable.

What EV Charging Cable Do I Need?

For most electric cars currently on UK roads, the answer will be a Type 2 to Type 2 EV Charging Cable.

Type 2 has become the standard AC charging connection for modern electric cars in the UK and Europe.

A Type 2 to Type 2 cable has:

• A Type 2 connector that plugs into your electric car.
• A Type 2 connector that plugs into an untethered home wall-box or public AC charging point.
• Compatibility with a huge range of modern EVs and plug-in hybrids.

Popular EVs from manufacturers including Tesla, BMW, Volkswagen, Kia, Hyundai, MG, BYD, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo commonly use Type 2 AC charging.

However, its important to always check your particular model and year of manufacture before purchasing a cable.

What About Type 1 EV Charging Cables?

Type 1 connectors are much less common in the UK, but you'll still find them on some older electric cars.

If your vehicle has a Type 1 charging inlet, you'll typically need a Type 1 to Type 2 Charging Cable.

This lets a Type 1 vehicle connect to a Type 2 AC charging point.

Type 1 is most likely to be relevant if you've purchased an older used EV, making it particularly important to check the charging socket before ordering your cable.

Find out more in our blog: Type 1 vs Type 2 EV Charging Cable Explained - Complete Guide for UK EV Drivers.

7kW or 22kW EV Charging Cable: Which Should I Buy?

Once you've established the connector type, you'll need to consider the cable's power rating.

7kW Single-Phase Charging Cable

A 7kW Type 2 charging cable is suitable for many UK home charging setups, where single-phase electricity supplies are common.

This can be an excellent choice if your vehicle's maximum AC charging speed is around 7kW and you primarily charge at home.

22kW Three-Phase Charging Cable

A 22kW Type 2 charging cable supports three-phase AC charging and offers greater flexibility.

That doesn't mean every EV will suddenly charge at 22kW. Your actual charging speed is determined by the lowest limit within the charging setup, including:

• Your vehicle's onboard AC charger.
• The charge point.
• The available electricity supply.
• The charging cable.

A 22kW cable can nevertheless be a useful future-proof EV charging cable, particularly if you regularly use public AC chargers or expect to change vehicles in the future.

Find out more in our blog: Understanding EV Charging Speeds: Should You Choose a Single Phase or Three Phase Cable?

Which Length EV Charging Cable Do I Need?

Your charging port may be located at the front, rear, or side of your EV, while public charge-points aren't always positioned exactly where you'd like them. Therefore, it's important to consider which cable length would be best suited to your charging needs. 

5 Metres: a compact option for cars parked closer to a home charger.

7 Metres: a great all-round choice for everyday home and public charging, providing additional flexibility.

10 Metres: useful for larger driveways, awkward parking arrangements, or situations where the charge-point is further away from the vehicle.

15 Metres: offers maximum reach for more challenging home and workplace charging setups.

Before buying, think about the location of your car's charging port, as well as where your wall-box or public charger will be positioned.

Find out more in our blog: Electric Vehicle Charging Cable Lengths Compared: Shortest vs Longest EV Charging Cable.

Do I Need a Cable for Rapid Charging?

Most UK DC rapid and ultra-rapid charging stations use tethered cables, meaning the cable is permanently attached to the charger.

For most modern UK and European-market EVs, rapid charging uses a CCS (Combined Charging System) connector.

However, your portable Type 2 cable is particularly useful for untethered AC charging, including compatible:

• Home wall-box chargers.
• Workplace chargers.
• Destination chargers.
• Public AC charge points.

Buying a Used EV? Check the Cable Before Driving Away

If you're buying a used electric car, add the charging equipment to your collection-day checklist.

Before leaving the dealership or seller, check:

• Is an EV charging cable included?
• Is it Type 1 or Type 2?
• What power rating does it support?
• Is the cable long enough for your driveway?
• Are the connectors or cable visibly damaged?

Finding out what's included beforehand can prevent an inconvenient first evening with your new EV.

Why Choose an EVwired EV Charging Cable?

A charging cable is something you may use thousands of times during EV ownership, so choosing a premium-quality cable makes sense.

EVwired offers EV charging cables for a wide range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, with options including:

• Type 1 to Type 2 charging cables.
• Type 2 to Type 2 charging cables.
• Single-phase and three-phase options.
• 5m, 7m, 10m, and 15m cable lengths.
• Free fast-tracked UK delivery.
• Free storage case and protective end caps.
• Up to a 5-year warranty.
• UK-based customer support.

Whether you've just collected your first electric car or need a replacement for a missing or damaged cable, choosing the correct cable means you'll be ready for home, workplace, and public EV charging.