If you’ve just gotten your hands on the keys to an EV, or are about to order one, chances are you’re not sure what cables you should get for your electric car. It’s a perfectly reasonable question. With so many different plugs, phases, and kW, buying one can be a bit of a puzzle. But choosing the right charging cables is crucial, as it has to do with the speed you’ll gain, compatibility with the chargers you’ll find on your way, and, of course, your safety. Let’s put it all together to see what you really need.
The 3 Basic Types
Not all cables are suitable for all jobs. The difference lies in the type of plug, the power, and whether they are single-phase or three-phase.
1. Type 2 cable
If you're in Europe, this is the cable you need. Type 2, or Mennekes, is the ultimate standard.
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What it does: Supports both single-phase and three-phase charging, delivering up to 22 kW of alternating current (AC).
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Where you find it: Almost all modern European, and not only, EVs. From VW and BMW, to Tesla and Hyundai.
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When do you use it: Every day. It's the cable you plug into your home Wallbox or public AC charging stations.
2. Type 1 cable
Type 1 is essentially the older generation American and Asian standard.
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What it does: Limited to single-phase charging, typically outputting up to 7.4 kW.
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Where you find it: Mainly in older models like the first Nissan Leaf, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, or some imported used cars.
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Practical tip: If your car has a Type 1 socket, you will need a conversion cable from the public Type 2 charger to a Type 1 socket to get your work done in Europe.
3. Schuko cable
The familiar charging cable that plugs into the classic household socket.
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What it does: Charges desperately slowly. Its maximum power barely reaches 3.7 kW.
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When to use it: Only when there is no other option. At the cottage that doesn't have a Wallbox, on a long trip, or just to have it in the trunk as a safety feature. Don't make it a daily habit.
Which Cables Do You Really Need?
Forget the endless lists. The reality for the average driver is much simpler. You need exactly two things in your trunk:
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A Type 2 to Type 2 cable : This is your "weapon" for 95% of cases. For public chargers and your Wallbox.
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A portable Schuko cable : For the one time in the year when you'll be stranded somewhere without infrastructure and will need to ask for some electricity from a simple outlet.
Reminder: If you have an older EV, you need a Type 2 to Type 1 converter.
What to Look Out for Before Buying
It's not enough to choose the right type. The features make the difference:
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Power (kW) & Phases: Want to charge quickly? Choose a three-phase cable of 11 kW or 22 kW. Even if your current car only draws 7.4 kW (single-phase), a 22-phase cable is a smart investment for the future.
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Cable Length: The standard is 5 meters. It seems like enough, until someone has parked in front of the public charger and you have to do some acrobatics. A 7 or 8 meter cable frees up your hands in practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Isn't a cable provided with the car?
Usually yes. Most dealerships provide a Schuko or Type 2. However, many drivers buy a second one (e.g. longer or more durable) exclusively for public chargers, so that they don't have to constantly unplug the one at home.
Do I need another cable for the fast chargers (DC) on the highway?
No. The large fast charging stations They have their own, built-in, thick cables. You just park, grab it from the pump, and plug it in.
In summary, the cables you need to get for your electric car are a type 2 cable for your home charger, and a Schuko cable for emergencies. Public fast chargers already have a cable, so you don't need anything else. Find the cable that has the length and Kw you need, put it in the trunk and enjoy the quiet ride.
In the EVhouse eshop you will find a wide variety of EV charging cables, covering all needs: from Type 2 cables for public and home chargers, to portable Schuko cables for charging from a simple socket.
Choose between different cable lengths, power (kW) and single-phase or three-phase options to find exactly what suits your car and charging method.
See the variety of car charging cables here