What is a type 2 EV charger? When it comes to EV charger cable types, there’s no such thing as an “all-purpose” product. There are different versions just as there are different EV standards and capabilities. If you can’t determine the right cable type for your vehicle, you risk wasting valuable time and money on the wrong product.
Knowing the different EV charging cable types and sizes will help you determine which style fits your needs to avoid wasting valuable investment and make the most out of your vehicle.
Here’s a fast and comprehensive guide to EV charging cable types and sizes, with bonus tips on how to choose the right type for you.
Different Types of EV Charging Cables
EV cables and connectors vary according to the type of charger and the vehicle’s inlet port. For instance, there are cables that provide slow charging and connectors that provide fast charging.
The different types of EV charging cables:
3-Pin EV charging cable
Also known as portable or Mode 1 charging cables, these connectors are similar to those used on large appliances like washing machines and refrigerators. A 3-pin connector plug can connect to the domestic plug with the other end connecting to the vehicle plug.
These charging cables come in two types:
- 3-pin to type 1 charging cable
- 3-pin to type 2 charging cable
The 3-pin generally has a control box along its length which enables communication between the charging point and the car. This connector charges slowly with a power output of 3kW AC and a range of approximately 8 miles/hour of charging.
EV owners who don’t have immediate access to charging stations with fast charging capacity, and commute only at short distances, can find good use of this charging cable.
Type 1 electric car charging cable
Type 1 charging cables have single-phase plugs that can charge up to 7.4 kW power. The connector’s design features 5 pins and is the standard generally used on Asian cars and very seldom in Europe.
Type 1 plugs are single-phase and allow for fast charging with a power output level ranging from 3.7kW-7.4kW AC and a range of approximately 12.5-25 miles per hour of charging.
It may be difficult to find Type 1 chargers and charging stations in the UK so getting one may not be feasible for you.
Type 2 EV car charger cable
Type 2, also called Mennekes, are 7-pin plug designs that are the main standard in Europe. It provides fast charging capabilities with power output levels reaching 3.7kW-7kW AC. Such power offers 12.5-5 miles per hour of charging – which is excellent.
An exception to such standards is Tesla Superchargers which offer DC with Type 2 connectors, an output level of 130kW and a range of 180 miles per hour.
These plugs come with a built-in safety mechanism so you don’t have to worry about your safety each time you charge your vehicle at the charging station. A three-phase power facilitates the strong output so you can have these chargers installed at home and charge your car overnight while you’re sleeping.
The majority of charging stations are now supporting Type 2 sockets so compatibility won’t be a problem.
IEC 60309 (Industrial Commando) for industrial vehicles
The industrial commando is an AC connector with MK commando sockets that channel high amperage and voltage. These plugs are used to charge industrial vehicles at high power levels and are widely used in Europe.
The industrial commando is built to be sturdy, with the ability to withstand water, dust and dirt, making them quite useful for the outdoors.
Combined Charging System or ‘Combo’ (CCS)
The CCS is an enhanced variety of the Type 2 plug. Additional power contact points make rapid charging easy so you don’t have to charge your car overnight. Supporting both AC and DC charging, and generating power output levels from 50kW-300kW, these cables offer dynamic charging for electric vehicles.
CHAdeMO Charging Cables Type
The charging cables and plugs provide fast charging of up to 50kW DC and a range of 75 miles per 30 minutes of charging. They’re generally installed at charging stations and compatible with several car brands such as Honda, Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi and Mazda.
Tesla Superchargers also support this connector but only with a modified Mennekes plug (Type 2). Although originally manufactured in Japan, this connector is quite common in the UK.
Which portable EV charger UK type is the right choice for you?
Now that you know the different types of EV charging cables, you may consider certain factors like what size cable for the EV charger is right, the EV charger cable thickness, or the ideal EV charger cable length. The truth is, the right choice will depend on your needs.
If you’re an ordinary EV owner, there are two EV charging cable options for you – one that fits into a wall socket and one that connects to a charging station.
If you don’t have immediate access to the nearest charging station in your area, a 3-pin charger that connects to the inlet of your EV and the wall socket would be a good choice.
If you have immediate access to the nearest charging station, a charging cable with an EV socket for that station like Type 2 and Type 3 are a sensible choice. These cables provide fast charging and more mileage for your vehicle so you can be more certain about reaching your destination.
You also have to consider the cable’s availability. If you are located in the UK, Type 1 chargers are not feasible as they are very seldom used in the UK, and you may not find a charging station that supports these connectors.
Affordable, Reliable. & Efficient EV Chargers
Having a portable EV charger UK is a much faster way to charge your car than having to go to the nearest charging station each time your car’s power runs low. If you can have one at home, at the workplace or in your car, you won’t have to worry much about not being able to charge your vehicle.
The EV charging cables at Pumpt are designed for easy and convenient charging. We’ve integrated high-end control lines, signal lines, power auxiliary lines, and other reliable features so you can charge your electric car with less hassle.
Our EV charger cable is manufactured according to IEC standards so you can feel safe and rest easy while charging your car with our products.
Looking for more in-depth information? Click here to learn more and satisfy your curiosity: Type 2 Charging
