Everything You Need to Know About EV Charging Cables

It might not be the most exciting part about driving an electric vehicle but knowing what type of cable to get is an integral part of the EV experience. With all the options available out there, it can definitely be confusing to know what the best fit is for your car, home and lifestyle. That’s why we’ve decided to break down the different types of cables available and provide you with any other useful information so that you can feel confident picking the right EV charger for you!

key takeaways

• Tethered chargers have cables attached and can be a more convenient choice for home charging 
  
• It’s better to always have a cable with you in case you need to use a public charging point (as most are untethered)
  
• Don’t get a larger size cable than you need – they are heavy, expensive and take up lots of room
  
• The power of your cable must correspond with the power of the untethered charger box for best results
  
• Most UK and European EV’s use a Type 2 to Type 2 charge connection but it is important to check your vehicle specifically
  
• Tethered chargers, locks or security cameras are some of the ways in which you can protect your cables from theft
  
• It is completely safe to charge your EV or PHEV in the rain and take them through a car wash

tethered or untethered (universal)

While it may seem obvious, a tethered charger means that the cable is already attached to the box and you do not have to worry about buying a separate cable to charge your car. Meanwhile, untethered (sometimes referred to as universal) does not come with a cable and is designed to be used with a separate cable with one end plugged into the box and the other into the EV. As there are price differences, it’s important to know which EV unit is the best choice for you so that you can feel comfortable making the right decision.

When it comes to tethered boxes, a large benefit is the convenience of already having the cable attached, thereby eliminating the small hassle of getting it out of your car and plugging both sides in (very handy when the weather is cold and wet and you want to get inside as soon as possible). Another bonus is that buying a tethered charging box saves you from having to buy a separate cable and can thus be cheaper in the long run. Having it attached also minimises the risk of cable theft as well. However, something to consider is the potential tripping hazard from not having the cable correctly stored and the fact that it can look neater on the side of your house without a cable.

Despite the benefits of tethered boxes, the majority of workplace and public charging points are untethered and require you to have your own cable on hand. As it does vary, it may be a good idea to check the charging stations that you will frequent to see whether they are tethered or untethered which could affect your decision. Something to keep in mind is that rapid chargers will always be tethered. Depending on your EV, a cable may come included with your vehicle and it is probably the best idea to keep it in your car so that it stays safe and you have it when you need it, whether that’s at home with an untethered charger or at public charging points.

cable length

Another issue with tethered cables is that the length of cable necessary varies for different cars and brands. This canaffect you if you either own more than one EV or plan to purchase a different one at any point as charging points can be in different locations on the vehicles meaning you’ll need longer or shorter cables. While the standard cables are 5m, longer ones (15m, 20m, etc.) are available for when you need that extra stretch to reach your EV from the charger. However, only buy the size you need as the larger the cable, the heavier and more expensive it is (a 20m cable can way up to 12kg!) which can make moving or storing it more awkward and difficult.

cable power

When choosing a cable, it’s important to pick one that corresponds to the kilowatts (kW), the speed that your EV charges, of the car’s battery. Most homes utilise Alternating Current (AC) power with a single-phase connection which can charge EVs at 7.4kW and lower. However, with three-phaseAC power, speeds of up to 22kW can be reached; however, this is more often found in commercial properties due to the lack of domestic grid capability. As an EV can only charge at the capability of its battery, a 3.6kW Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) can use a 7.4kW charger but will still only receive the 3.6kW speed. For more information about the different charging speeds and charger capabilities, check out which EV charger you should buyor the difference between domestic and commercial chargers.

The main thing to remember is that the power of your cable must correspond with the power of the untethered charger box to be effective and is why public rapid charging points are tethered.

charger types

While it would make the whole EV charging hassle easier if there were only one type of charger and cable, unfortunately, EV chargers and EV cables are not entirely universal – but don’t worry, we’ll simplify it all to make it easier!

The type of cable that you require depends on the electric vehicle’s inlet port and charger type (socket). The EV’s inlet port can often be determined by the nationality of the car as European EV’s (such as VW, Audi, Mercedes and Volvo) are often Type 2 inlets with a corresponding CCS (Combined Charging Standard) for rapid charging. Generally, Asian EV manufacturers (such as Nissan and Mitsubishi) have a Type 1 inlet combined with a CHAdeMO as a rapid standard. However, as Type 2 has become more common, many Asian companies such as Hyundai and Kia,havealtered their inletsto align with the European standard.This is why the Nissan Leaf has changed from a Type 1 socket in its first generation to a Type 2 in its second.

For a fast or slow charging type, the units are either Type 1, Type 2, Commando or a regular 3-pin plug outlet. Rapid chargers, the units found in public charge stations, use Type 2, CCS or CHAdeMO connectors.If your EV has a Type 1 inlet port but you are worried about committing to a Type 1 charging unitdue to the popularity of Type 2 or also use a Type 2 EV, then it is possible to get a Type 2 to Type 1 cable which can charge your Type 1 EV through an untethered Type 2 charging unit. Check out the one that we offer here.

cable faqs

How do I protect my cables from theft?

Unfortunately, as EV’s and EV chargers become more common, cable theft is too. While most EV’s have a locking mechanism that takes effect while it is plugged in and charging, as soon as the vehicle is fully charged, the lock disengages making it vulnerable to theft. But don’t worry, we’ll let you know a few ways that you can protect your cables.

The best way to prevent cable theft is by owning a tethered charger as with the cable attached, it is impossible to remove. However, if you own an untethered box or are charging at a public charging station, then a special EV cable lock or simple padlock may be a beneficial investment to deter would-be thieves. While at home, if you’re able to charge your car in a garage or install outdoor security cameras, it could also help prevent someone from stealing your cables.

Are EV cables and chargers waterproof? Can I charge my EV in the rain?

In short, absolutely you can charge your EV in the rain. All EV’s, PHEV’s and available chargers have been layered with protective and waterproofing shields to ensure that they prevent any water from reaching any of the electric components. While on that note, it is also perfectly fine to take your EV through a car wash!

How expensive are separate cables?

EV cables can be very expensive with the industry average ranging between £150 - £250 for a 5m length. As we’re aware of the high cost, we offer our high-quality single-phase cable for £119.99 and three-phase cable for £155.99 to make them more accessible for everyone.

Wondering about something else? Check out our FAQ page to see if we answer your question there.