Electric vehicle (EV) charging cables are categorized by how they connect (tethered vs. untethered) and the type of plug they use.
To understand what type of cable you may need, lets start with understanding the difference between tethered and untethered cables.
(Tethered vs. Untethered)
- Tethered cables: These cables are permanently attached to the charging unit and cannot be removed. You simply take the plug, connect it to your car, and return it to the dock after use.
- Untethered cables: These charging stations do not have a cable attached; they only provide a socket. Drivers must carry their own cable to charge their vehicle.
Understanding the difference between tethered and untethered setups makes it easier to identify which type of cable best suits your needs.
AC Charging Connectors (Standard Speeds)
- Type 2 (Mennekes): This cable is classified as the UK and European standard cable. It features a 7-pin layout and is used for almost all modern EVs. These cables support both single-phase and three-phase charging at home or at public charging points.
- Type 1 (J1772): This is an older 5-pin connector, typically found on legacy Asian vehicles (such as early Nissan Leafs). A Type 1 to Type 2 cable or adapter is usually required to charge these vehicles on standard European networks.
DC Charging Connectors (Rapid/Ultra-Rapid)
- CCS (Combined Charging System): The European standard for DC rapid charging. It builds on the Type 2 connector by adding two extra pins underneath, enabling high-voltage DC power delivery.
Portable & Emergency Cables
- Mode 2 (3-Pin / "Granny Cable"): These cables plug into standard domestic 3-pin wall sockets. They provide low power output and are intended for emergency use, slow (trickle) charging, or situations where a dedicated EV charger is unavailable.
