How to Choose the Right EV Charging Cable and Accessories

Types of EV Charging Cables

If you’ve spent even a little time researching EV charging, you’ll know there are various types on the market better suited to different vehicles and needs.

Here’s a look at some of the main distinctions you’ll need to understand to find a cable that’s right for you.

Type 1 vs Type 2 connectors

Type 1 EV charging cable connectors feature a five-pin design that doesn’t lock, while Type 2 EV chargers are distinguished by a seven-pin layout with the option to lock the plug in place and prevent it falling out.

Aside from the design, Type 1 connectors have a slower charging rate range, capable of a power output from 3 kW to 7.4 kW. Type 2 chargers, on the other hand, are capable of single and three-phase charging, with a maximum power output up to 22 kW through home charging setups, and 43 kW at public EV charging stations.

The final distinction between these is that Type 1 connectors tend to be more common in North America, while Type 2 connectors are the standard in Europe. The EU even mandated that public charging stations must use Type 2 connections in 2017.

AC vs DC charging cables

AC, which stands for “alternating current”, is the most common form of charging for electric vehicles. AC charging cables work by feeding electricity from the grid directly into your vehicle, where a built-in inverter converts the current into direct current (DC) to charge your car’s battery.

While the capacity for AC charging cables is capped at around 22 kW, the potential power output for DC charging cables ranges from 50 kW to 350 kW, thus making them capable of faster charging provided that you have a compatible vehicle and charging point.

While the majority of EV chargers are AC, which are better suited to gradual charging and are used for home EV chargers, you’ll find faster, DC-capable chargers at motorway service stations and other roadside locations.

CHAdeMO and CCS connectors for rapid charging

CHAdeMO and CCS are two EV charging connector types designed for rapid-class EV charging. While both serve a similar purpose of charging compatible EVs as quickly as possible, they have some key differences which are important to be aware of when choosing an EV charge cable.

For starters, CHAdeMO is more common in Japan and other Asian countries with EV charging infrastructure, whereas CSS is more common in Europe and North America.

CHAdeMO charging stations also tend to be slightly slower than CSS equivalents, capable of charging most compatible EVs up to 80% in an hour or less, while CSS charging points are capable of achieving the same charge in around 30 minutes.

CHAdeMO also tends to be more widely supported by models from Japanese automakers, such as Mitsubishi, Toyota, Subaru, and Nissan, whereas CSS is the preferred connection for western brands like BMW, Volkswagen, and General Motors.

Vehicle compatibility

Ensuring that an EV charging cable is compatible with your car mainly depends on the type of charging socket fitted in the vehicle. Today, the majority of new electric vehicles in the UK have Type 2 sockets. On the other hand, some older models like the first-generation Nissan Leaf and early versions of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV have Type 1 sockets.

It’s worth noting that Type 1 charging cables can only be used with slower 7.4 kW home chargers, while Type 2 cables are more flexible, and can be used with both 7.4 kW models and faster 22 kW charge points. Some people who drive an EV model that uses a Type 1 socket may want to use a Type 2 cable with a socket adapter to keep their home charging setup more flexible, and able to charge a wider range of vehicles.

Tethered vs untethered charging cables

The next key distinction when it comes to EV charging cables is whether to invest in a charge point with an in-built tethered charging cable or an untethered charging cable. Each option comes with its own benefits and drawbacks which will affect your charging experience.

Tethered cables remove the step of having to connect your cable to a home charging point, and don’t carry the risk of losing or forgetting your charging cable when you need it.

The main drawback of tethered cables is their lack of future-proofing, with the risk that the EV industry could eventually move away from current design conventions, and leave you with an obsolete home charging setup.

Untethered EV charging cables, on the other hand, give you the flexibility to charge a Type 1 or Type 2 charger from the same home charging point, as well as the promise of future-proofing your setup with the option to replace the cable as EV charging standards evolve over time. You’ll also have greater choice when it comes to the charging cable length, giving you the flexibility to tailor your charging setup to the specifics of your home and driveway.

On the other hand, untethered charging cables require more work in the way of maintenance, meaning you’ll need to find a safe place to store the cable when it’s not in use, and plug it in each time you want to use it. There’s also the possibility of forgetting or misplacing the cable, which isn’t a risk when it comes to tethered cables.

Recommended cable length for home and public use

While the exact cable length you need will depend on your unique needs as a driver, 5 metres is generally a practical cable length for both home and public use. 

This length gives you sufficient range to reach your parking spot at most home and public chargers while remaining compact enough to store with ease.

Bear in mind that there’s a wide range of cable lengths available, and you should consider your needs carefully to find the ideal balance between reach and convenience.

How to clean and store EV cables.

To keep EV charging cables clean, simply wipe down the exterior housing with a damp cloth or using a gentle surface cleaner. It’s important to check the plug and charging port regularly for dirt and debris that can build up around the connectors, which you can clean gently using a cotton bud. Avoid using water or cleaning products on the connectors, as this could damage the electronic components and actuators.

Ideally, you should store your EV cable in a purpose-built storage bag to keep it dry and protected from corrosion or other kinds of environmental damage. Make sure to coil the cable along its natural alignment to avoid kinks or stressing the inner cables.

If storing your cable outdoors, the best solution is to use a wall-mounted cradle somewhere protected from direct sunlight, with a dummy socket to plug the cable into when it’s not in use. The cradle will help to keep the cable stored neatly, while the dummy socket will protect the connectors from corrosion and debris.

Inspecting for wear and tear.

Like any kind of component, your EV charging cable will be subject to wear and tear from day-to-day use.

Some common types of wear and tear you should check for regularly include:

• Cracks and abrasions on the outer casing of the cable, which expose wires and lead to short circuits or electric shocks if left unaddressed.
• Loose or broken connector pins, and corrosion, dirt, or debris gathering in the connector housing, which can prevent you from forming a proper connection.
• Cracked or broken connector housing, which can expose essential components to damage and lead to malfunctions.
• Overheating or a burning smell while the cable is plugged in.
• Broken or exposed wires. Though this may not always be visible, it’s often caused by repeated bending, kinking, and crushing of the cable, and may manifest as slow or intermittent charging or other electronic malfunctions.
• A faulty locking mechanism in your EV charging cable can occur if there’s a pre-existing issue with the lock or if the cable has been improperly inserted during previous use. Ensuring proper alignment and regular maintenance can help prevent such issues.