When it comes to buying an EV charging cable, the first thing you might want to consider is where you plan to charge your vehicle. You might want to charge from home via an installed electric wall-box, or alternatively, you might plan to charge your vehicle at one of the UK’s popular public charging points.
With the current range of portable EV charging cables on offer, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed about which type or phase is the right one to power your car.
In this article we aim to explain the different EV charger types and phases available, so that you can choose the right cable for you and your vehicle.
Type 1 charging cables
The Type 1 charging cable is a portable single-phased cable – containing 5 pins in the Type 1 head which plugs into the vehicle and 7 pins in the Type 2 head which plugs into the EV charging point . These cables provide a fast charging rate of up to 7.4kW.
The Type 1 cable is standard in Asia and the United States, but is used to a much lesser extent in Europe and in 2022 it is limited to a few, usually older EV models. They include a fastener that prevents the plug from falling out of its socket while charging.
The following vehicles require a Type 1 EV charging cable:
Type 2 charging cables
The Type 2 charging cable is standard in Europe. This portable EV charger contains two 7-pin plugs capable of providing a fast charge of up to 7kW (single phase cables) or up to 22kW (three phase cables). Home charging points usually have an output of up to 7kW which is equivalent to about 15-30 miles of range per hour charged.
All home and public charging points (excluding rapid chargers) have a Type 2 connection which all electric vehicles can use. These charging points can be found in places such as: supermarkets and retail outlets, and many charge at a faster rate than at home by offering three-phase (11kW to 22kW) charging.
Type 2 cables also contain a locking pin mechanism for safety and security. This not only deters thieves from trying to steal your cable, but also helps stop the plug from falling out whilst charging.
UK plug charging cables
Are compatible with any UK mains socket allowing individuals who do not have access to a charging point the ability charge their EV.
The UK plug cables are available in the Type 1 to Type 2 & Type 2 to Type 2 variants. They are compatible with any UK plug charging socket, and provide an output up to 2.4kW, providing a slower more leisurely pace.
Charging your vehicle at a slower rate can take anything up to 12 hours to reach the battery’s full capacity. This is usually best achieved overnight while you are sleeping for convenience.
Single phase and Three phase charging cables
The main difference between single phase cables and three phase cables is that they have different maximum charge rate.
Choosing the right cable for your EV will depend on your preferred place to charge your car, how fast you want to charge, as well as the time of day you choose to charge your vehicle. You can find all of the cables mentioned above, as well as a full list of compatible makes and models, using our easy vehicle selection tool.
- Maximum charge rate of 7kW
- The most suitable choice for the majority of EV’s and PHEV’s (Plug in Hybrids)
- Can be used on any home or public charge point.
- Contains more wires in the cable which allows more power to be transferred.
- Maximum charge rate of 22kW.
- Can provide the max charge rate to many of the high end and newer EVs, but will still any vehicle.
- Can be purchased to ‘future-proof’ your EV as more models incorporate three-phase charging.
We hope that this guide has helped to clarify any confusion you may have experienced while considering the right EV cable for you and your vehicle. If you would like any further help or information, please call our dedicated team on 0330 043 1329, or alternatively email info@evwired.com.