Summary
Electric vehicles require a charging cable to connect to most public chargepoints, and you’ll also need one at home if your charger does not have a tethered cable attached. This guide will help you understand which EV charging cable you need and how to choose the right one.
Key things to know:
- Your electric vehicle will have either a Type 1 or Type 2 AC socket, so your charging cable must match the connector type on your car.
- A charging cable allows you to use untethered home chargers, workplace chargers, and many public charging points.
- Rapid chargers and some public AC chargers are tethered, meaning the cable is already attached and you won’t need your own.
- Charging cables vary in length, current rating (typically 16A or 32A), and whether they support single-phase or three-phase electricity.
Please note: smart charging cables and adapters are not permitted on the Pod Point Network.
When will you need a separate charging cable?
You’ll need a charging cable whenever you want to charge from a chargepoint that does not have a cable already attached. This is most common when using:
- Public AC charging points
- Untethered home chargers
- Workplace charging stations
Although you’ll likely use your cable regularly, there are situations where it isn’t needed. Some chargers already include a built-in cable.
For example:
- Tethered home chargers come with a cable permanently attached.
- Rapid chargers almost always have their own cables.
- Some public AC chargers are also tethered.
| Socket type | Where You’ll Find It | When to use |
|---|---|---|
3-pin plug |
Standard domestic household socket | Can be used in emergencies, but charging is very slow. It’s not recommended for regular EV charging as domestic sockets are not designed for sustained charging loads. |
Type 2 |
Public charging points and untethered home chargers | The standard for AC charging. Designed specifically for EV charging and the best option for regular use. |
Find out more about the different socket and EV connector types.
Tip: Most electric vehicles come with a charging cable. However, some manufacturers only include a 3-pin domestic cable. We recommend confirming with your dealer or leasing company that a Type 2 charging cable is included.
If not, or if you’d like a spare, you can purchase one when ordering your Pod Point Home Charger.
How do I choose a charging cable?
EV charging cables connect the chargepoint socket on one end to your vehicle’s charging port on the other.
When choosing a cable for public charging, consider the following:
1. Check Your Vehicle Connector Type
Your vehicle will have either a Type 1 or Type 2 connector.
Most modern EVs in the UK use Type 2, but some older models use Type 1.
Your cable should therefore be:
- Type 2 to Type 2 (most modern EVs)
- Type 1 to Type 2 (older vehicles)
The chargepoint end will always be Type 2 for public AC chargers.
2. Choose the Right Cable Length
Charging cables come in various lengths.
We generally recommend 7.5 metres, as it provides a good balance between flexibility and easy storage.
Shorter cables (5m) are easier to store, and slightly lighter in weight.
Longer cables (7.5–10m) provide more flexibility when parking, and are useful if chargepoints are awkwardly positioned.
3. Select the Correct Current Rating
Charging cables are typically rated at either 16A or 32A.
| Current Rating | Typical Charging Power |
| 16A | ~3.6kW |
| 32A | ~7kW (single-phase) |
Your cable should at least match your car’s maximum AC charging rate.
However, many drivers choose a 32A cable even if their current car only uses 16A, as this makes the cable more future-proof if you upgrade vehicles later.
Safety Tip:
To ensure public chargers remain safe and reliable, only use approved EV charging equipment. Adapters or “smart cables” currently on the market should not be used on public charging networks, as they can pose safety risks and potentially damage charging equipment.
Choosing a charging cable examples
| Car | Car-side connector | Cable length requirement | Max car current rating | Single/three-phase? | Cable choice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Jaguar I-PACE |
Type 2 | Long | 32A | Three-phase | – Type2-Type2 – 7.5m – 32A – 22kW* |
| 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander | Type 1 | Normal | 16A | Single-phase | – Type1-Type2 – 5m – 16A* – 3.6kW* |
| 2015 Nissan LEAF | Type 1 | Very long | 32A | Single-phase | – Type1-Type2 – 10m – 32A – 7kW |
| 2019 MG ZS EV | Type 2 | Normal | 32A | Single-phase | – Type2-Type2 – 5m – 32A – 7kW |
*Although the Mitsubishi Outlander only draws 16A, choosing a 32A cable may be worthwhile if you plan to use the cable with a different EV in the future.
Tip: Check our vehicle guides to see your car’s max charging rate.
If your vehicle supports three-phase charging, it’s worth investing in a three-phase cable.
While most homes only have single-phase electricity, some public chargepoints offer three-phase charging, allowing your car to charge faster when available.