Type 1 vs Type 2 EV Charging Cable Explained

If you're buying an EV charging cable, one of the most common questions is Type 1 vs Type 2 EV charging cable — which one do I need?

Choosing the correct cable is essential for safe and efficient charging. The connector type must match your vehicle’s charging port, otherwise the cable simply won’t work.

In this guide, we explain the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 charging cables, which vehicles use each type and why Type 2 EV cables dominate in the UK today.

If you're unsure what a Type 2 charging cable is or whether your car needs one, this guide will help you choose the right option.

Shop EVwired EV charging cables.

Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2 Charging Cables

The main difference between Type 1 and Type 2 EV charging cables is the connector design and the charging power they support.

Both cables are used for AC charging, typically at home chargers or public charge points.

Here’s a simple comparison:

Because of its higher power capability and improved compatibility, Type 2 has become the standard connector across Europe and the UK.

What Is a Type 2 Charging Cable?

A Type 2 charging cable (sometimes called a Mennekes connector) is the standard AC charging connector used across the UK and Europe.

It features a seven-pin design that allows vehicles to charge using either:

• Single-phase power (typical home charging).

• Three-phase power (faster public charging).

This makes Type 2 cables far more versatile than older connector types.

Most modern charging stations are designed for Type 2 EV cables, which is why many EV drivers carry one in their car.

If you own a newer electric vehicle, it will almost certainly use a Type 2 EV cable in the UK.

Which Cars Use Type 1 vs Type 2?

The easiest way to determine which cable you need is by checking your vehicle’s charging port.

Here’s a general compatibility guide.

Vehicles That Use Type 1:

Type 1 connectors were more common on earlier EV models, particularly those from Japanese and American manufacturers.

Examples include:

• Older Nissan Leaf models.

• Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (older versions).

• Early Kia Soul EV.

• Some early Chevrolet EV models.

These vehicles typically support single-phase charging only.

Vehicles That Use Type 2:

Most electric vehicles sold in the UK today use Type 2 connectors.

Examples include:

• Tesla Model 3.

• Tesla Model Y.

• Hyundai Kona Electric.

• Kia EV6.

• Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4.

• BMW i4.

• Polestar 2.

• MG4.

Because the majority of modern EVs use Type 2, it has become the universal charging cable type across Europe.

Why Type 2 Dominates in the UK

The UK and European EV market standardised around the Type 2 connector, which is why you’ll see it used across almost all new vehicles and charging infrastructure.

There are several reasons for this.

1. Higher Charging Speeds

Type 2 cables support both single-phase and three-phase charging, enabling faster charging on compatible infrastructure.

This allows charging speeds up to 22kW on AC chargers, compared with lower limits on Type 1.

2. Standardisation Across Europe

European regulations and infrastructure planning adopted Type 2 as the universal AC charging connector.

This means most are designed around Type 2 compatibility, including:

• Public charging stations.

• Workplace chargers.

• Home charging points.

3. Better Future Compatibility

Because nearly all new EVs sold in the UK use Type 2 connectors, choosing a Type 2 EV cable ensures compatibility with:

• Modern electric vehicles.

• New charging infrastructure.

• Future EV upgrades.

For this reason, Type 2 cables have effectively become the industry standard for EV charging in the UK.

Do You Need to Bring Your Own Charging Cable?

Many public charging stations are untethered, meaning they don’t include a cable attached to the charge point.

In this case, you must bring your own charging cable to connect your vehicle.

This is why many EV drivers keep a Type 2 charging cable in their car, allowing them to use most public charging points whenever they need.

Rapid chargers usually include built-in cables, but slower AC chargers often require you to bring your own.

Type 1 vs Type 2 Comparison

When comparing Type 1 vs Type 2 EV charging cables, the key difference comes down to compatibility and charging capability.

• Type 1 EV cables are typically used by older EV models.

• Type 2 EV cables are now the standard for modern EVs in the UK and Europe.

Because most electric vehicles now use Type 2 connectors, a Type 2 to Type 2 charging cable is the most common choice for UK EV drivers.

Shop Type 2 EV charging cables compatible with most modern electric vehicles and public chargers.