This article contains affiliate links. Updated for 2024.
What are the best EV charging cables? It depends on your lifestyle and what you intend to connect to. You might need a high-powered Type 2 to Type 2 cable for fast charging at home and in public, a convenient Type 2 to 3-pin cable for any standard socket, or just an adapter to turn your old Type 1 charging cable into a Type 2 one.
To help you out, I’ve detailed the best EV charging cables below, including our favourite Type 2 to Type 2, Type 2 to 3-pin, Type 2 to commando, and Type 1 to Type 2 cables. All of them are sold on Amazon, which in our experience has the best returns and exchange policy in the world, effectively de-risking any EV charging cable purchase you make.
Of course, we can’t choose an EV charging cable for you, but by the end of this guide you will have a much better grasp of your options.
Best EV Charging Cables By Type
- Best Type 2 to Type 2 EV charging cable – VORSPRUNG Rapid EV Charging Cable
- Best Type 2 to Type 2 charging cable under £100 – Green Cell GC Type 2 Charging Cable
- Best Type 2 to 3-pin – Vogvigo EV Charger Type 2 UK 3 Pin
- Best Type 1 to Type 2 EV charging cable – Gruensauber Type 1 to Type 2 EV charging cable
- Best Type 1 to Type 2 adapter – Veco Type 1 to Type 2 Charger Adapter
- Best Type 2 to commando EV charging cable – FNRIDS EV Charger 7kW Type 2 to Commando
Best Type 2 to Type 2 EV charging cables
Type 2 to Type 2 EV charging cables connect your electric car to your smart home charger or any other socketed Type 2 charger. They have a maximum load rating, usually 7.4kW for single-phase cables and 22kW for 3-phase charging cables. The best EV charging cables in this category have a 32A rating for fast charging up to 22kW and a carry case to protect the cable.
Best overall
VORSPRUNG Rapid EV Charging Cable
This Type 2 charging cable can handle loads of up to 7.68kW and is rated up to 32A. It’s CE & TUV certified for safety and comes with a carry case plus end caps to protect the charger heads – easily one of the best best EV charging cables! It’s priced at around £180 for the 10m version.
Best Type 2 EV cable with a 3-year warranty
lighteu, DasVolt® Charging Cable Type 2 to Type 2
This EV charging cable connects to Type 2 charging ports to charge electric cars like Teslas, BMWs, and Nissans. It’s a 32 amp, 7.2kW cable with durable construction including waterproof IP55 rating and heat resistance from -30°C to 50°C, backed by a 3 year warranty.
Best mid-range cable
SYNCWIRE Type 2 Charging Cable
A durable IP54-rated Type 2 charging cable supporting 7.2kW charging for all EVs with Type 2 inlets. Includes portable storage bag, cleaning cloth, removable straps, and 3-year warranty. Available with a 5m or 8m cable, with the 8m version priced at around £140.
Best charging cable under £100
Green Cell GC Type 2 Charging Cable
This durable Type 2 5m cable is crush-proof and weather resistant, delivering up to 7.2kW of power. It’s compatible with all Type 2 EVs including BMW, Nissan, VW, and Tesla and has over 2,000 positive reviews on Amazon. A snip at just over £100! It even comes with a snazzy hard case to protect it.
Best 22kW charging cable
KUAX Type 2 Charging Cable 22KW
The KUAX Type 2 charging cable provides 22KW rapid charging for EVs with Type 2 inlets and a 7m or 5m cable. It comes with a 2-year warranty and costs around £125. You can also get a 7.2kW version for less than £100.
Best 22kW charger for multiple sizes
bokman Type 2 EV Charging Cable
The bokman charging cable is available in 3m, 5m, 8m, and 10m lengths, making it perfect for every EV owner. It charges at 32A and supports 22KW / 3 Phase. It comes with a carry case with prices starting from around £98 for the 3m version.
Best 22kW charger for multiple sizes
GONEO EV Charging Cable Type 2
The GONEO Type 2 charging cable supports a max current of 32A and a power output up to 11kW. It’s suitable for all electric vehicles with Type 2 and CCS2 charging inputs. The 7m version costs around £120.
Best overall
E-S1mple Type 2 Type 2 Charging Cable
The E-S1mple Type 2 Charging Cable has the latest UKCA, CE, and TUV certification with a maximum 32A output to charge at speeds up to 7.2kW. Has a 2 year warranty to cover quality issues and costs around £100 for the 5m version.
Best Type 2 to 3-pin EV charging cables
Type 2 to 3-pin EV charging cables let you charge an electric car with a 3-pin plug, usually with adjustable power ratings from 6A up to 13A. They are perfect if you want to charge at slower speeds at home and need a portable charging solution. The best EV charging cables in this category have adjustable power ratings and an LED display readout. You can expect up to 8-miles of range per hour with a 3-pin EV charger.
We recommend
Syncwire EV Charger Type 2 UK 3 Pin
A fast Type 2 to 3 Pin Plug charger with adjustable outputs, smart safety features, and a durable waterproof design. Comes with a carry case and a 2-year warranty with no-quibble returns. Priced around £125 with a 7.5m cable.
Best Type 1 to Type 2 EV charging cables
If your electric car has a Type 1 connector you have fewer cable choices than Type 2, but there are still some very good cables put there. The best EV charging cables in this category have end caps to protect the more delicate Type 1 connector. We recommend these:
We recommend
Gruensauber Type 1 to Type 2 EV charging cable
Power up your Type 1 EV fast with this must-have 5m charging cable. The 32A current provides speedy 7.2KW charging. TUV certified tough design with IP55 rating handles any weather. Includes handy carry bag and 2-year warranty for less than £80.
We recommend
K.H.O.N.S. 1 Phase 32Amp Type 1 to Type 2
This Type 1 to Type 2 EV charging cable is fully CE, TUV and ROSH certified for safety. Priced at under £95 for the 5m version and under £100 for the 10m version with a carry case, it’s a fantastic budget-friendly cable.
Best overall
E-S1mple Type 2 to Type 1 Charging Cable
The E-S1mple Type 2 to Type 2 charging cable is compatible with all Type 1 vehicles like the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Nissan 2018 Leaf. It costs around £120 with a carry case.
Best Type 1 to Type 2 adapters
If you currently have a Type 1 charging cable, you can adapt it to suit a Type 2 charger with a Type 1 to Type 2 adapter. There are two adapters we recommend:
We recommend
Veco Type 1 to Type 2 Charger Adapter
This adapter converts Type 1 cables to Type 2 connections, ensuring compatibility with most EVs. It’s the perfect charging solution for hybrids and EVs with Type 2 inlets. Simple, convenient charging adaptability. Priced at around £70.
Or you can use this one:
We recommend
E-S1mple Type 2 to Type 1 EV Adapter
This Type 1 to Type 2 adapter has one side with a Type 1 female plug (5 holes), and the other side is a Type 2 male plug (7 holes). It costs around £90.
Best Type 2 to Commando EV charging cables
Type 2 to commando EV charging cables let you charge your electric car with a commando socket at speeds up to 7.4kW, depending on your power supply. These are fantastic choices if you have a motorhome or mobile caravan. The best EV charging cables in this category support 32A and help you keep tabs on charging sessions with a screen.
We recommend
FNRIDS EV Charger 7kW Type 2 to Commando
Priced at only £160, this Type 2 to Commando EV charger has a 10/16/20/24/32A adjustable current and comes with a carry case. It’s backed by a 2-year warranty and worry free return and exchange, making it one of the best EV charging cables.
We recommend
VORSPRUNG Type 2 to Commando EV charger
Vorsprung’s adjustable Type 2 to Commando EV charger provides variable 6-13A charging up to 7.68KW. Safe, portable design with smart amp memory function. Priced from £318 for the 8m cable with a carry case.
A guide to EV charging cable types
You can get ‘Type’ 1 and ‘Type 2’ charging cables which describes the connector type, and these have either a 16A or 32A maximum current – 32A cables are the fastest EV charging cables you can buy supporting speeds up to 22kW on 3-phase.
Another crucial thing to get right is the cable length. Car manufacturers are stingy with this, with a study of 22 popular cars finding some brands provide cables as short as 3.8 metres as standard [1]. We recommend buying a 5m or 8m cable, minimum.
What is the best length EV charging cable?
A 5m cable is the minimum for any EV charging cable, but depending on where your charging port is in relation to your charger/socket, an 8m or 10m cable might be better. In general, it’s best to size up to accommodate any changes in charger location.
What is a Type 2 EV charging cable?
A Type 2 charging cable is an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) cable that is used to charge electric vehicles with AC electricity. Type 2 is the standard connector type widely used in the UK, Europe [2] and many other countries for public and home EV charging stations.
Type 2 cables provide a safer and more efficient way to deliver electricity to an electric vehicle compared to a standard household socket. The connectors have extra pins that communicate information between the vehicle and the charging station, enabling features like automatic control over the charging current and disconnection if a fault occurs.
The Type 2 connector itself is round, with seven pins arranged in a circle. It is compatible with single-phase electricity supplies up to 7.3kW and some models support 3-phase charging up to 22 kW. The cables contain five wires – three current-carrying wires for the different phases, a neutral wire, and a protective earth wire.
A Type 2 charging cable provides a universal public and home charging solution, enabling a wide range of charging speeds and features.
What is a Type 1 EV charging cable?
A Type 1 EV charger is an electric vehicle charging station or device that uses the Type 1 connector standard, also known as the J1772 connector or J-plug.
This type of connector is commonly used for AC charging of electric vehicles in North America, South America, and some parts of Asia.
The Type 1 connector has a distinctive rounded 5-pin design that locks into the charging inlet on the vehicle. It is a single phase connector that provides relatively fast Level 2 AC charging at power outputs between 3.7kW and 7.4kW. This equates to adding around 12.5 to 25 miles of driving range per hour of charging time.
Type 1 cables and connectors have a manual latching feature which secures the plug in place during charging sessions and prevents accidental disconnection. However, the latch can be released by hand, so Type 1 connections do not electronically lock the cable in place.
Inside the Type 1 cable there are wires for delivering single-phase AC electricity to the car, a neutral wire, and a pilot control wire for basic communication between the vehicle and charging station. The maximum current ratings are either 16A or 32A at 120V or 240V respectively.
Type 2 to Type 2 EV charging cables
Type 2 to Type 2 cables are used to connect the charging port of an electric vehicle to a Type 2 AC charging station or wall box. They allow the car to be charged safely at power levels from 3.7 kW (16 Amps) up to 22 kW (32 Amps) from a three-phase supply.
For single-phase residential chargers up to 7.4 kW, a Type 2 to Type 2 cable is required. This cable has a Type 2 connector on both ends, which is compatible with the charging port on the car and the socket on the wall box or AC charging point.
The main advantage of Type 2 to Type 2 cables is the ability to deliver more power for faster AC charging compared to using a regular domestic plug socket. At public AC charging points, a Type 2 connection is the standard charging method, so this is the best EV charging cable if you intend to change in public.
Type 2 to Type 2 cables are available in different lengths to suit home and public charging applications:
- 3m cables – Ideal for wall boxes installed close to the parking spot. Allows convenient charging without excessive cable clutter.
- 5m cables – Suitable for most home wall box installations and public AC charging points where the socket may be further away. Provides flexibility.
- 8-10m cables – Allows charging to be flexible in locations where the charger is some distance from the parking area. Useful in domestic and public settings.
Additional features to look for are right-angled connectors to minimise strain on the cable and cable management systems to control excess lengths of cable during charging sessions. High-quality, durable casings protect the cable over thousands of charging cycles.
Type 2 to Type 2 cables represent the standard solution for safe, simple and speedy AC charging. With power delivery from 3.7 kW up to 22 kW, Type 2 connections provide full charging convenience whether at home, work or public charging points.
Type 2 to 3-pin EV charging cables
Type 2 to 3-pin charging cables allow electric vehicles to be charged using a regular domestic plug socket rather than a dedicated EV charger. They consist of a Type 2 connector on one end and a standard 3-pin plug on the other end, compatible with household 230V AC sockets.
A big benefit to 3-pin chargers is they can be used with extension leads, letting you charge your electric car without off-street parking providing you safely trail the cable. Around 30% of UK households don’t have off-street parking [3].
There are two main types of Type 2 to 3-pin cables:
- Basic charging cables – These have no electronics and simply adapt the Type 2 EV connector to a household plug. The car manages the charging current through its on-board charger. Charging is limited to 8-10 Amps, equivalent to 1.8 – 2.3 kW.
- Smart charging cables – These contain electronics and a control box along the cable, allowing the charging current to be optimised between 13-16 Amps, up to 3.7 kW. Some include additional features like a screen or smartphone app connectivity.
The main benefit of Type 2 to 3-pin charging cables is the flexibility to charge easily from any normal domestic socket. However, charging is slower compared to a dedicated wall box or public charger due to power limitations.
Important safety features to look for include:
- Overload and fault protection shut-off
- Weatherproof, durable casing
- High-quality electrical components
- Compliance with regulations like CE marking
When using a 3-pin charging cable, check the socket condition [4]. Wiring can support extended periods of charging up to 10 Amps without overheating. With an extension cord, ensure it is properly rated and in good condition. If you need an extension cord, we recommend this one:
We recommend
SLx Outdoor Extension Lead 20m
Weatherproof 20m power cable reel with 2 way splashproof socket, thermal cut-out protection, and tangle free fully retractable design for using appliances outdoors safely. From trusted British brand SLx, it provides power for professionals, DIYers, and households.
For occasional emergency charging, basic Type 2 to 3-pin cables provide a low-cost method to get some range from any domestic socket. Smart cables maximise the potential charging speed while staying within household socket limitations.
How do I know which EV charging cable I need?
What charging connector does your electric vehicle have? This will determine what type of cable you need. Most modern EVs have either a Type 1 or Type 2 connector. Refer to your owner’s manual or vehicle specs to verify.
- Type 1 Connector – If your EV has this. you’ll need a cable with a Type 1 connector on one end and a Type 2 on the other. This allows you to plug into the Type 2 sockets found on most public charging stations.
- Type 2 Connector – If your EV has this standard connector, you’ll need a cable with Type 2 on both ends. This plugs directly into Type 2 charging sockets.
- Charging Power – Your vehicle’s maximum AC charging rate, either single-phase 16A (3.6 kW) or 32A (7 kW), determines the minimum current rating your EV charging cable should support. Higher is okay too for future-proofing.
Best EV charging cables buyer’s guide
When selecting the best EV charging cables for your electric vehicle, here are the key factors to consider:
- Charging speed – Faster charging requires cables rated for higher electrical loads. Home wall boxes normally require cables rated for at least 16A (3.7kW). For public AC charging, cables up to 32A (22kW) allow the quickest charging times.
- Connector types – Type 2 connectors are the standard for AC charging stations [5]. Choose Type 2 to Type 2 cables for wall boxes and public AC points and Type 2 to 3-pin cables for regular household sockets in an emergency.
- Cable length – Consider the distances between your charging point and vehicle parking spot. Short 3-5m cables minimise clutter, while 8-10m cables provide more flexibility. Right-angled connectors can help reduce strain.
- Cable thickness – Thicker cables and copper wiring improve electrical efficiency over long distances and prolong cable life with repeated use. A thickness of 5-6mm is recommended for frequent public AC charging point use.
- Safety certifications – Ensure cables meet local electrical safety standards. Look for marks like CE, UKCA, UL, and TUV that indicate compliance with regulations. IEC 62196-2 is the main EV cable standard.
- Weather resistance – Durable IP54-rated outer casings protect cables from rain and dirt during outdoor charging. High-quality connectors resist corrosion.
- Warranty – Opt for longer 1-3 year warranties from reputable brands that cover electrical failures and damage during normal use. This ensures your charging cables remain safe and reliable.
- Intelligent features – Smart cables have built-in electrical control boxes to optimise the charging current. Other features like screens and apps can provide charging usage data, although your electric car probably already has a companion app to monitor the charging status. You should also be able to do this in your vehicle.
If you need more helping choosing the best EV charging cable for your needs, feel free to email us at info@topcharger.co.uk for advice.
FAQs about EV charging cables
Citations
- This is Money (2022). Electric car owners ‘short-changed’ on charging cables.
- Clean Technica (2019). Standardization Of EV Charging In The EU
- Catapult (2023). What will persuade the 30% of households without off-street parking to adopt electric vehicles?
- Electrical Safety First (2023). Safety Advice: Plugs And Fuses.
- Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (2022). Commercial chargepoints: minimum technical specification.
