Charging Cables
The right portable charging cable is essential for 'AC' charging from socket type charging points at work, in car parks and even at home.
We supply a full range of premium quality charging cables, including alternative lengths and power ratings to optimise the charging time of your vehicle.
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Standard 'single-phase' cables
Our standard 'Type 2' cables suit virtually all new cars launched since September 2017, for use with home or public charging stations ("Mode 3" charging). For a detailed explanation, see our Guide to EV charging.
These cables are 'single-phase' and suitable for charging vehicles at most home charging points at up to 7.4kW. If your vehicle has a 'three-phase' charging capability you may wish to consider purchasing a 'three-phase' cable. These can still be used at home but can give faster charging when used at public 'three-phase' charging points.
Three-phase cables
More and more vehicles, especially those with larger batteries, are now able to charge more quickly using 'three-phase' power. Whilst this is uncommon in UK homes, it is frequently available from workplace and public charging points.
To take advantage of three-phase charging the vehicle must be capable of using three-phase, the charging point must provide three-phase power AND a three-phase cable must be used. Using a three-phase cable will not harm a vehicle that cannot take advantage of three-phase.
A three-phase cable can also be used on a single-phase charging point, but charging speed may be reduced. 20 Amp three-phase cables, often described as '11kW' capable, will be limited to 4.6kW on a single-phase charging point or when used on a single-phase only capable vehicle.
A three-phase 32 Amp cable is a 'universal' cable that will deliver the fastest AC charge possible (up to 22kW) on any vehicle with a Type 2 connector in combination with any AC charging point.
Oddities
There are a few vehicles, notably from Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz, that can charge at 7.4kW maximum, either as single phase charging or using 2 out of the 3 phases on a three-phase. This is to suit German requirements. These can be identified by only missing 1 pin from the Type 2 inlet on the car.
In the U.K. a single phase 32 Amp cable will normally be the best option, but a minority of charging points offering 11kW charging will require a three-phase cable to get the full 7.4kW charge rate. Workplaces may also prefer the use of a three-phase cable for load balancing. Contact us for further advice.
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Thanks to our wealth of automotive, electrical and transport consultancy experience, we can advise you on all things charging.