Commando sockets for EV charging – a complete guide (2026 update)

If you’re here in a hurry, a commando socket or CEE socket runs from your fuseboard and provides 32A or 16A of power. You connect your EV to it via a Type 2 to CEE cable. If that cable has a control box then it will have a timer, which you can set for overnight charging to make use of any off-peak rates you have.

You might be considering a commando socket for EV charging because a 3-pin portable charger doesn’t provide enough juice. The alternative is either a commando socket or Type 2 home charger such an Ohme ePod.

A commando socket requires a CEE to Type 2 Cable, or commando to Type 2. Same thing. It’s still a good idea to have a Type 2 to Type 2 cable for charging at standard wall boxes.

Read our Type 2 charging cable comparison article if you need a Type 2 cable. You can use them at home and in public.

The downside to a 32amp commando socket for EV charging, whether you use a type 2 to 32a commando adapter or a straight cable, is it has usually has fewer in-built safety devices compared to a smart wall charger.

You may also come across the name CEE plug, which is the same as a commando socket. If in doubt, CEE = commando. There is no difference.

Compatibility for commando sockets and EVs

• Commando socket for Tesla – Type 2 to commando cable
• Commando socket for BYD – Type 2 to commando cable
• Commando socket for MG – Type 2 to commando cable
• Etc

There isn’t anything more to say, your electric vehicle be it a Hyundai or something like an Ora will charge just fine with a Type 2 to commando cable.

32a commando EV chargers

A 32A commando EV charger powered by a 32A commando socket can charge over 2x faster than a typical household socket, delivering 7.4kW of power – much more than a 3-pin plug!

You will generally see between 6kW and 7kW of power transfer in the depths of winter and maximise the power draw in summer.

To install a commando socket, expect to pay around £80 for the socket plus around £90 for a cable, so under £180 total minus installation. With installation, more like £400.

The main benefits of a commando socket are:

• The fast charge speed
• Smaller installation versus a type 2 charger
• No futureproofing issues (smart wall chargers go obsolete)

Commando socket quick guide

What is a commando socket? It’s an industrial-grade electrical outlet designed for high-power applications, such as EV charging.

Power ratings and installation

The most common configuration is the 32A commando socket, delivering 7.4kW of charging power that’s perfect for overnight EV charging at home or work. For lighter applications, a 16A commando EV charger provides 3.7kW, suitable for slower, cost-effective charging.

When specifying equipment, you’ll encounter terms like 32 amp commando socket or 32amp commando socket. These refer to the same 32-ampere rating. The female commando socket is the wall-mounted receptacle that accepts the male plug.

EV charging applications

A commando socket EV charger offers flexibility that dedicated units simply can’t match. The 32A commando EV charger has become the go-to solution for domestic installations, whilst the commando EV charger category covers various amperage options to suit different needs.

For maximum versatility, the commando socket for EV charging allows you to use portable charging cables with different vehicles. Tesla commando socket setups work seamlessly with the right adapter cable, making them popular among owners who want industrial-grade reliability.

Adapters and compatibility

Need to connect standard EV equipment? A type 2 to 32A commando adapter bridges the gap between your vehicle’s charging port and industrial outlets, giving you charging options wherever these sockets are available.

32A commando socket installation requires a qualified electrician and typically costs £150 to £300 including materials and certification.

Whether you’re looking at commando sockets for multiple installations, researching a commando plug for portable equipment, or exploring commando charger options, these industrial connectors provide reliable, weather-resistant power delivery.

The commando socket 32A specification remains the sweet spot for residential EV charging because it’s fast enough for practical daily use yet affordable to install and run. Need more information? Keep reading.

What is a Commando charger?

With smart chargers all the rage, the humble commando socket doesn’t get much love. But this simple and effective socket charges as fast as a 7.4kW home charger.

Commando sockets are fast sockets that match the charge speeds offered by home charge points without all the bells and whistles.

However, you can still use your vehicle’s companion app to control charging sessions with things like scheduling and charging start/pause.

A Commando charger consists of two parts – a commando socket and a commando cable that connects the socket to your electric car.

A commando socket is nothing more than a powerful socket. Compared to EV charging stations or wall boxes which have smart features, commando chargers are pure plug and play devices. 

How fast does a commando socket charge?

• 3-pin plug – 2.3kW
• 16A commando socket – 3.6kW
• 32A commando socket – 7kW / 7.2kW / 7.4kW

This means that:

• 16A commando sockets charge 56.5% faster than a 3-pin plug
• 32A commando sockets charge 204% faster than a 3-pin plug (at 7kW)

16A Commando sockets output 3.6kW while 32A Commando sockets output 7kW or 7kW, versus 2.3kW from a 3-pin socket, giving you faster charge speeds.

Also, you won’t need to charge your electric car with an extension cable if you use a commando plug. Just get a cable long enough to reach your car!

Note that a 32A plug to 16A blue CEE socket connector allows connecting a higher 32A plug to a lower amperage 16A commando socket. The 32A plug has a higher rated cable and overcurrent protection to safely supply more current. Connecting it to a 16A socket limits the available current to 16A due to the lower rating.

Is a commando charge point just a socket?

Yes, a commando charge-point is just a socket. However, you can make it smart with a smart cable, which can connect to your home Wi-Fi and your smartphone to relay information like charge rate and duration.

Mounting options and angled inlets

Angled inlets are a convenient option for electric vehicle charging cables and wallboxes. Also known as elbow adapters, angled inlets position the charging connector at a 90 degree angle instead of sticking straight out. This helps make charging easier in tight spaces like garages and carports where a straight connector could get in the way.

Angled connectors are available for most types of EV connectors including J1772, CCS, CHAdeMO, and Tesla. For wall boxes, the angled inlet can be built right into the unit. For portable cables, angled adapters are available that plug into the end of the cable – ideal for the tightest spaces.

Commando charger for EV benefits

• Commando chargers are super reliable with less issues than charging points.
• You can use a commando socket for more than EV charging.
• Commando chargers are excellent backups for people with one home charger. People with more than one electric car will appreciate having two sources of power.
• Commando chargers don’t suffer from connectivity issues. They are plug and play, so there is no risk of a dodgy internet connection affecting your ability to charge.
• Anyone who doesn’t qualify for the OZEV grant might also like to consider a commando socket because it will work out cheaper than installing a charging point.
• Commando chargers are significantly smaller than EV charge points, making them inconspicuous and easy to conceal.

Commander charger for EV downsides

Commando chargers don’t communicate charging information to your smartphone like smart chargers do – you need a smart cable to make this happen.

• No scheduled charging.
• No solar integration – commando sockets are powered by mains electricity.
• Commando chargers are untethered, so you need to plug your cable into the charger and then your car (or vice versa), creating an extra step versus tethered chargers.

How to charge with a commando socket

To charge with a commando socket you only need two things:

• Commando socket.
• Type 1 / Type 2 to 16A / 32A Commando cable.

All you need to do is plug the cable into your car and it will start charging. You can control charging with your vehicle app or at the switch.

How much does it cost to install a commando socket

The average cost to install a 32A Commando socket is £325. The socket itself is relatively inexpensive, so most of the cost is labour.

So, you are looking at £250-£400 for the commando socket and accompanying cable – cheaper than a smart charger like the Ohme Home Pro and Ohme ePod.

Installation notes

• Commando sockets allow EV charging at various power levels up to 16A. Higher amperages like 32A are preferable for faster charging.
• The sockets must comply with electrical regulations. Shuttered sockets are required in domestic settings per BS7671. Interlocked commando sockets provide equivalent protection.
• A separate radial circuit with dedicated RCBO protection is needed. The socket can’t be on a ring final or share an RCD with other loads due to risk of DC leakage tripping the RCD.
• TN-C-S earthing systems require PEN detection to prevent electric shock risk if the earth conductor is lost. TT earthing may avoid this issue.
• RCD protection should be Type A rather than Type AC.
• Cable ratings must match the socket amperage, unlike 13A plugs on ring circuits. 2.5mm cable is inadequate for a 16A socket.
• Installation requires an electrician to comply with regulations. DIY solutions like adapting to a 13A plug are non-compliant.

Commando socket for Tesla

Commando sockets are a popular way to charge a Tesla. A 16A commando socket will deliver 3.6kW of power while a 32A socket will deliver 7kW, 7.2kW or 7.4kW of power.

Commando socket instead of a smart charger?

Commando sockets are cheaper and easier to fit than smart chargers and are more inconspicuous. However, they lack smart features and don’t communicate information to you without a smart cable.

If you are installing your first EV charge point, a smart charging point is a better choice than a Commando socket. However, Commando sockets are good backups and get the job done simply. The choice is yours!