Find Your Perfect EV Charging Cables For Electric Cars

There is no universal plug or socket for all-electric vehicles and they vary with the manufacturer and charging standards of the vehicle. Usually, there are two types of sockets on the vehicle side; Type 1 and Type 2.

Type 1 charging cable is mainly the standard of Asian, American, and Japanese car models whereas in Europe Type 2 inlet is the standard. Type 1 cables come with single-phase plugs that allow up to 7.4 kW (230 V, 32 A) charging power levels. The most popular electric cars with a type 1 connector are Mitsubishi Outlander Charging Cable, Fiat 500e Charging Cable, Mitsubishi-I MiEV Charging Cable, and Citroen C-Zero EV Charging Cable.

Whereas Type 2 charging cables have triple-phase plugs that offer up to 22kW charging power levels. Public charging stations in Europe are mostly equipped with Type 2 sockets and allow up to 43 kW (400 V, 63 A) of charging power levels. Type 2 Charging Cables are slightly more common in the UK, but the most popular type 2 charging cables include Volvo XC90 T8, BMW 330e, Range Rover, BMW i3, and Jaguar I Pace Charging Cable.

Here at EV Cable Shop, we always recommend you purchase an electric charging cable slightly longer then you require. This could be useful in a few different ways, one of the public charging stations is further away you will easily be able to reach it from the next EV charging bay. Secondly, if it becomes a stretch to reach the car from the charging station, it means the EV cable will be hanging off the ground and pulling from end to end. This could damage both the connectors on the car and the charging station, whilst also becoming a tripping hazard to passers-by. As you’ve probably guessed if someone does trip on the EV cable this will strain the connectors even further. Although there are a couple of disadvantages to purchasing a longer cable. Price, more materials, unfortunately, means more cost although in the scale of things paying if it also you to charge your car on more occasions and saves you the occasional headache it could be worthwhile. Secondly the longer the cable is, the heavier it weighs and often becomes more difficult to move although we do supply a free carry case with every order you still have to get the cable into the bag and pick it up.

We can supply our electric car charging cables to contractors or individuals, so if you would like help choosing the perfect solutions for you please call or email EV Cable Shop today: sales@evcableshop.co.uk. Our staff are always on hand to help.

If you are lucky enough to be the owner of an electric car, you might be wondering why you should purchase a separate EV charging cable but there are many occasions this purchase may become extremely useful.

1. If you have an electric car charging cable stolen? As the EV cables are not locked to your car or charging station they are seen as an easy target for thieves. If you think about it electric cars can sometimes take 3-9 hours to charge and are often left overnight. If you do this you are then leaving outside an electric car charging cable that is worth anything from £120-£1,000. This can easily be detached from both sides and stolen. As EV charging cables become more and more common these could likely be resold online but if you have only got the EV cable from the car manufacturer this is worth £600-£800, I would prefer not to leave a product like of this value at the front of my house overnight.
2. If you have an EV cable that has broken, as with anything electrical there is natural wear and tear with this product. If the EV cable is left outside the sliver connectors can get wet. The cable is often running over or even parked on to prevent it from being stolen. If you don’t have a backup EV charging cable, you run the risk of not being able to charge your car until the next delivery arrives. This could be 2-3 days depending on the day you order your EV charging cable. It is advised you always carry or own a backup to prevent getting stuck without a cable.
3. To save excess when returning your car to the manufacturer. Many car manufacturers will rightly provide you with an EV cable when you purchase your car. The problem with this is if the cable is not in perfect condition when you hand the car back then you can be charging the full value of the cable from the car garage. To avoid these additional expenses, you can choose to use one of our cables and hand the car manufacturer cable back in pristine condition.
4. When you have bought a used car that hasn’t come with an EV charging cable. Now electric cars are becoming more and more common, it is highly likely that you will buy a used electric car in the next 10 years. If you purchase an electric car without an EV Charging Cable you will have to purchase your own.
5. To cover you if you run out whilst on the road. Unfortunately, as I am sure you are aware of the issue with electric cars is that if you have a long drive, you may need to charge your car on the road. If only have a tethered cable and a charging station at home, you cannot take these with you. Therefore it is advised that if travel long distances you should carry an EV charging cable, so you can charge your car at the service station or when you stop at your destination.

Here at EV Cable Shop, we understand selecting the perfect cable for your vehicle can be confusing which is why we offer a generous returns policy allowing you to return and exchange your cable free of charge.

Minimize your EV’s charging time thanks to our comprehensive product range, expert advice, or take a look at our Guide to choose the perfect EV Charging Cable.

There is no definitive answer to this, it will purely depend on the vehicle manufacturer and what charging method they decide to supply with a new car. Most electric car manufacturers will provide some sort of EV charging method but to have the flexibility to charge your car at home, at work, or in public it’s more than likely you will need to purchase an alternative charging cable.

It’s more than likely that you will be supplied with a 3-pin EV charging cable but these will only charge your vehicle at low speeds. If you are using a 3 pin charger these will plug straight into a standard wall socket but they will only charge at 2.3 kW meaning your car will take much longer top charge:

For example, see below the Tesla Model 3 time to charge at different speeds:

This means using the 3 Pin charger, your Tesla would charge in 24hrs compared to using a 3 Phase 32amp cable charging in 3hrs 45 minutes.

For this reason, many electric car owners have decided to install their own smart home EV chargers for this you will also need to purchase the correct EV cable. Below is a chart showing a list of electric cars, and if they are supplied with a charging cable or 3 pin charger:

There are several things to consider when buying an EV charging cable in the UK:

1. Compatibility: Make sure the charging cable is compatible with your electric vehicle (EV). Different EVs have different charging ports and connectors, so it is important to choose a charging cable that fits your car’s charging port.
2. Length: Consider the length of the charging cable. A longer cable allows you to reach further distances, but it may also be bulkier and harder to store. A shorter cable is easier to store and carry, but it may not reach as far.
3. Charging Speed: Choose a charging cable that offers a suitable charging speed for your needs. If you need to charge your EV quickly, look for a cable with a higher charging speed. However, keep in mind that faster charging speeds may come at a higher cost.
4. Cable Type: There are two main types of charging cables: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 cables are commonly used in North America and Asia, while Type 2 cables are commonly used in Europe. Make sure you choose a cable that is compatible with the charging stations in your area.
5. Brand: Consider the brand of the charging cable. Some brands may offer higher-quality cables that are more durable and reliable. However, they may also come at a higher price.
6. Price: Consider the price of the charging cable. Higher quality cables may come at a higher price, but they may also be more durable and reliable in the long run.

Overall, it is important to choose a charging cable that meets your needs and budget. Look for a cable that is compatible with your EV, offers a suitable charging speed, and is from a reputable brand.