Types of Electric Car Charging Cables

An important part of owning an electric car are the ev charging cables; after all, you won’t be driving anywhere without one! But we know it can be confusing, are there are many different types of EV charging cables, all with a range of power ratings and connectors. The first thing to always consider when looking to buy an electric car charging cable is the specifications and requirements for your electric vehicle to determine the best types of EV charging cables for you.
The following will cover the basics of the different types of EV charging cables for electric cars and will offer you some cheap electric charging cable options.

Charging Speeds

There are three categories for charge speed, slow, fast, and rapid. Look at the power rating to determine the types of EV charging cables power you can achieve. Slow (under 3kW) averages 6-12 hours, fast (7kW – 22kW) takes 3 to 4 hours, while rapid (50kW – 120kW) can give a full charge in roughly an hour.

Electric Car Cable Types

Mode 2

This type of charging cable is typically provided by the car manufacturer. It’s available in various versions and drivers can use it for charging their vehicle with a domestic socket. It has a box which communicates between the connector plug and vehicle plug, known as an ICCB In-Cable Control Box.
Some types of EV charging cables are equipped with connectors for various CEE sockets, including NRGkick. These enable you to get a charge up to 22kW.

Mode 3

This type of charging cable connects the electric vehicle and charging station. Generally, charge stations provide type 2 sockets, allowing you to use a Type 1 or Type 2 plug, but the standard in Europe is a Type 2.
To charge, you must have a mode 3 cable with Type 2-to-Type 2 (Renault ZOE, etc.) or mode 3 cable converting Type2-to-Type 1 (Nissan Leaf, etc.).

Type 1

Single phase connector enabling up to 7.4kW power rating. This type is uncommon in Europe and is mainly used in Asian countries. Because of this, there are less Type 1 charge stations available to use with these types of charging cable in Europe.

Type 2

In Europe, this is the standard plug, which is a triple phase design. It is common to achieve charging levels up to 22kW in private areas. Using public charge stations can reach a rating up to 43kW. The majority of stations will have Type 2 sockets and compatible with all mode 3 cables. However, they can usually charge Type 1 as well.
Combination CSS
Cables with CSS connectors are an upgraded Type 2 equipped with two extra contacts allowing for up to 170kW power ratings.

CHAdeMO

These types of cables offer up to 50kW power ratings. They are compatible with various brands, including Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Toyota and even Tesla.
Tesla Supercharger
The supercharger model requires a modified Type 2 charging cable, also known as a Mennekes plug. With this cable, the Tesla Model S only takes 30 minutes for an 80% charge!

Browse Our Bestselling EV Cables

Sale!
Charger Cable
Portable Charging Cable – Type 1 – UK 3-pin plug 5/10m

Excluding VAT: From £105.00 Including VAT: From £126.00 Select options

Sale!
Conversion Cable
Single phase 32A Type 2 to Type 2 5m/10m

Excluding VAT: From £64.17 Including VAT: From £77.00 Select options

Sale! Out of stock
Charger Cable
Portable Charging Cable – Type 2 – UK 3-pin plug 5/10m

Excluding VAT: From £84.58 Including VAT: From £101.50 Select options

Sale!
Conversion Cable
Three phase 32A Type 2 to Type 2 5m/10m

Excluding VAT: From £87.50 Including VAT: From £105.00 Select options

Cheap Electric Car Cables

If you are looking for cheap electric car cables to replace or upgrade your existing cable, check out our product list today. We offer Type 2 charging cables starting at just £125!
We also offer cheap electric car cables in 16 amps and 32 amps, in lengths from 5m to 10m, and carry Type 1 too.
Got any questions about any of our EV charging cables, or don’t know what types of charging cables your car needs? Feel free to get in touch with a member of our friendly team and they will get back to you as soon as possible with expert advice!