Do you drive an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle? Then you know that choosing the right accessories is crucial. The Type 2 charging cable is your everyday companion, but with a multitude of options (power, length, certifications), it's hard to know where to start. Do you need a 7, 11, or 22 kW cable? Is a length of 5 or 10 metres enough?
As a product expert at Joybuy, my mission is to demystify the topic for you. This guide gets straight to the point: giving you the keys to choosing the electric car charging cable that is perfectly suited to your vehicle and your needs, without ever compromising on safety.
How to Choose the Right Type 2 Charging Cable?
To make the right choice, three essential criteria must be carefully considered: power, length, and safety.
1. Power: A Matter of Syncing with Your Vehicle
Charging speed isn't just about the charging station. It's a chain where every link matters: the station, your car's on-board charger (OBC), and, of course, the cable itself.
- Single-phase charging cable (up to 7.4 kW): Ideal for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and some all-electric vehicles (BEVs). A 7kW Type 2 cable is the standard choice for overnight charging at home.
- Three-phase charging cable (11 kW or 22 kW): Essential for electric vehicles designed to accept a faster charge. An 11kW Type 2 cable represents the perfect balance for many models, while a 22kW Type 2 cable allows you to get the most out of fast public AC charging stations.
Our advice: Check your vehicle's manual to find out its maximum AC charging power. Rest assured: plugging a 22 kW cable into a car limited to 11 kW poses absolutely no risk. The charge will simply be capped at 11 kW, the maximum power accepted by the car.
2. Length: A Question of Convenience and Foresight
Don't underestimate the length of the cable: it determines your daily convenience.
- 5m charging cable: Perfect for home use if your car is parked right next to the charging station. It's more compact, and also easier to handle and store.
- 10m charging cable: This gives you maximum flexibility. It's the worry-free option if you rely on public charging stations, where access can sometimes be tricky, or if your parking space is far from your charging point.
3. Safety and Durability: The Non-Negotiable Criterion
A Type 2 electric car charger is not just any accessory. It handles high electrical power, so safety is paramount.
- Certifications: Insist on T?V-certified products. This label, issued by a world-renowned independent organisation, guarantees that the cable has successfully passed drastic safety and quality tests. CE and RoHS markings are also essential marks of compliance.
- Materials and Design: Opt for a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) sheath rather than PVC. It has the advantage of remaining flexible even in extreme cold and better resisting wear and abrasion. Finally, an IP rating like IP54 ensures good resistance to dust and water splashes. This gives you peace of mind when charging outdoors, even in the rain.
Top Type 2 Charging Cable Picks
To put theory into practice, here is our selection of cables that meet different user profiles, always with the same high standards of quality and safety.
GONEO Type 2 Charging Cable - 22kW, 5m, Three-Phase
- Highlights: This cable is for those who want to get the most out of AC charging stations and minimise their charging time. Its meticulous design incorporates technologies like ultrasonic welding and silver-plated contacts for perfect conductivity and controlled heat.
- Benefits:
- 22 kW power (32A, three-phase) for optimised charging times.
- T?V certified and compliant with CE, UKCA, and RoHS standards.
- Robust TPU sheath and durable connectors ( IP54 rating).
- Universal compatibility with all vehicles equipped with a Type 2 or CCS2 port (including European Tesla Model 3/Y/S/X).
- Comes with a practical carrying bag.
- Who is it for? For owners of all-electric vehicles (BEVs) with an 11 or 22 kW on-board charger who want the fastest possible charge, whether at home or at public stations.
GONEO Type 2 Charging Cable - 7kW, 5m, Single-Phase
- Highlights: The smart and budget-friendly solution for everyday charging. It benefits from the same manufacturing quality and safety certifications as the more powerful models in the range.
- Benefits:
- 7.4 kW power (32A, single-phase), ideal for most home installations.
- 5-metre length, perfect for the garage or a dedicated parking space.
- Safety guaranteed by T?V Rheinland certification.
- Durable design with a TPU sheath and IP54 protection.
- Excellent value for money for regular use.
- Who is it for? For drivers of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) or BEVs with a 7.4 kW (or less) on-board charger who are looking for a reliable and efficient cable for overnight charging.
GONEO Type 2 Charging Cable - 11kW, 10m, Three-Phase
- Highlights: This model is the Swiss Army knife of charging: it combines versatile three-phase power with a very convenient length, for maximum flexibility in all circumstances.
- Benefits:
- 11 kW power (16A, three-phase), compatible with the vast majority of BEVs.
- Long 10-metre length to easily reach charging stations, even in complex parking situations.
- Same high safety standards: T?V certified, IP54 protection, TPU sheath.
- Ideal for those who do not have a home charger and rely on public charging points.
- Who is it for? For BEV users with an 11 kW on-board charger who need a long T2 cable to handle any situation, whether in the city, on the motorway, or on holiday.
Can't Find the Right Fit?
If this selection doesn't exactly match your needs, or if you're looking for a different type of cable, feel free to explore our full range to find the perfect match.
Explore our collection of charging cables
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is a Type 2 cable compatible with my Tesla? Yes, without a doubt. In Europe, the Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X use the Type 2 standard for AC charging. Therefore, any Type 2 charging cable is perfectly compatible with your Tesla.
2. Can I use a 22 kW cable on a car that only accepts 7 kW? Yes, absolutely. The on-board electronics manage everything: the car, the cable, and the charging station communicate constantly to agree on the charging power. The speed will simply be limited by the weakest link, in this case, your car. It will therefore charge at 7 kW. This is completely safe for your vehicle and its battery.
3. What is the difference between a single-phase and a three-phase cable? To put it simply, a single-phase charging cable uses a single phase of the electrical current, which limits its power to about 7.4 kW. A three-phase charging cable uses three simultaneously. It can thus deliver much more power (11 kW or 22 kW) and significantly reduce charging times. The choice depends on both your home electrical installation and, most importantly, the type of on-board charger in your car.
