EV Charging Cable Types Explained: Type 1, Type 2, CCS2 and CHAdeMO

The quick answer

• You will usually need a Type 2 to Type 2 cable for an untethered home wallbox and many public AC chargers.
• You do not need to buy a CCS2 or CHAdeMO cable because rapid chargers have these cables attached.
• A Mode 2 portable charger allows slower charging from a suitable domestic socket.
• If your home charger is tethered, the cable is already attached and you may not need a separate cable for everyday home charging.

EV charging cable types at a glance

Which EV charging cable do I need?

The answer depends on the type of charger you use.

Tethered home charger

A tethered wallbox has a cable permanently attached.

You do not need a separate charging cable for everyday home charging. You simply remove the connector from the wallbox and plug it into your vehicle.

You may still want to carry a Type 2 cable for public AC chargers or keep a portable EV charger for occasional backup use.

Untethered home charger

An untethered charger has a socket rather than a fixed cable.

For most modern electric vehicles in the UK, you will need a Type 2 to Type 2 cable. One end connects to the wallbox and the other connects to the vehicle.

Public AC destination charger

Many workplace, hotel, car park, supermarket and destination chargers are untethered.

These chargers have a socket, so you will usually need to bring your own Type 2 cable.

Public DC rapid charger

You do not need to bring your own cable.

Rapid and ultra-rapid DC chargers have thick tethered cables attached to the unit. Most modern UK EVs use CCS2, while some older vehicles use CHAdeMO.

Suitable domestic socket

To charge from a suitable UK three-pin socket, you need a Mode 2 portable EV charger.

This includes a domestic plug, an in-line control box and the correct connector for the vehicle, usually Type 2 for a modern EV.

Portable charging is slower than using a dedicated wallbox. It may be suitable for occasional charging, some plug-in hybrids or drivers covering relatively low daily mileage, provided enough charging time is available and the electrical installation is suitable.

What should most UK EV drivers buy?

For most modern UK electric vehicles, the most useful charging cable to own is a Type 2 to Type 2 charging cable.

It can be used with:

• Untethered home wallboxes
• Public AC destination chargers
• Workplace chargers
• Hotel and car park chargers
• Other untethered Type 2 charge points

If you already have a tethered home charger, you may not need a separate Type 2 cable for home use. It can still be useful to keep one in the vehicle for public AC charging.

You do not need to buy a CCS2 or CHAdeMO cable because these are attached to public rapid chargers.

A portable Mode 2 charger may also be useful for backup or occasional charging from a suitable domestic socket.

Type 2 charging cables

Type 2 is the standard AC charging connector for the vast majority of modern electric vehicles sold in the UK and Europe.

It is commonly used for:

• Untethered home wallboxes
• Workplace chargers
• Public destination chargers
• Hotel and car park chargers
• Some on-street AC charging points

A Type 2 connector has seven pins and can support single-phase and three-phase AC charging.

In many UK homes, a Type 2 cable is used with a 7kW single-phase wallbox.

When do you need a Type 2 cable?

You will usually need one when the charger has a socket instead of a permanently attached cable.

If the charger is tethered, the cable is already attached.

What Type 2 cable should you buy?

The main factors to consider are length, current rating, phase compatibility and build quality.

Cable length

Measure from the charger to the vehicle’s charging port before choosing a cable. Allow enough slack so the cable does not need to be pulled tight.

• 5 metres: suitable when the charger is close to the vehicle.
• 7 metres: a flexible everyday option for many driveways.
• 10 metres: useful where parking positions vary or the charger is further away.
• 15 to 20 metres: suited to long driveways or vehicles parked behind one another.
• 25 metres or more: generally intended for specialist situations where the cable remains near one regular charging location.

Longer cables provide more flexibility but are heavier and take up more storage space.

Avoid leaving unnecessary loops across pavements, paths or access routes where they could create a trip hazard.

Cable rating

For a standard 7kW home charger, you will typically need a Type 2 cable rated to at least 32A single-phase.

If you use an 11kW or 22kW AC charger, you may need a suitable three-phase cable.

Not every EV can accept 11kW or 22kW AC charging, so check the vehicle specification before paying more for a higher-rated cable. A more powerful cable will not increase charging speed if the vehicle or charger cannot support it.

Build quality

A charging cable may be used several times a week and regularly exposed to outdoor conditions.

Look for:

• Clear current and power ratings
• Weather-resistant construction
• Durable connector housings
• Reliable locking mechanisms
• Good cable flexibility
• A suitable warranty
• Relevant UK and European compliance information

Choose a cable that is compatible with the vehicle, charger and expected charging speed.

Once you have chosen the right length and power rating, browse Type 2 charging cables for home and public AC charging.

Type 1 charging cables

Type 1, also known as J1772, is an older AC charging connector.

It is more common in Japan and North America but was also used on some earlier electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids sold in the UK.

Examples include some first-generation Nissan Leaf models and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV models.

Type 1 has five pins and supports single-phase AC charging. It is commonly limited to around 7.4kW.

Most newer electric vehicles sold in the UK now use Type 2 instead.

If your vehicle has a Type 1 inlet, you may need a Type 2 to Type 1 cable to use a UK or European AC charger with a Type 2 socket.

CCS2 charging connectors

CCS stands for Combined Charging System.

CCS2 is the dominant DC rapid-charging connector for modern electric vehicles in the UK and Europe.

A CCS2 vehicle port combines the upper Type 2 section with two additional DC pins underneath. This allows the same vehicle inlet to support Type 2 AC charging and CCS2 DC rapid charging.

For a fuller explanation of the difference between the two charging methods, read our AC vs DC EV charging guide.

Do you need to buy a CCS2 cable?

No.

CCS2 rapid chargers have the cable permanently attached to the charging unit. These cables are thick and heavy because they are designed to carry high levels of DC power.

At the charger, you simply remove the CCS2 connector from the unit and plug it into the vehicle.

CHAdeMO charging connectors

CHAdeMO is an older DC rapid-charging standard originally developed in Japan.

It was used on vehicles including some older Nissan Leaf models and certain Mitsubishi vehicles.

CHAdeMO charge points are still available, but the connector is less common on new vehicles. CCS2 has become the main rapid-charging standard for modern EVs in the UK and Europe.

Drivers of CHAdeMO-equipped vehicles should check suitable charger availability before longer journeys.

Do you need to buy a CHAdeMO cable?

No. Like CCS2, CHAdeMO cables are attached to public rapid chargers.

Mode 2 portable EV chargers

A Mode 2 portable charger allows an electric vehicle to charge from a suitable domestic socket.

It typically includes:

• A UK three-pin plug
• An in-line control box
• A vehicle connector, usually Type 2 for modern EVs

A portable charger normally provides around 2.3kW, making it considerably slower than a dedicated 7kW home wallbox.

The actual range added per hour depends on the vehicle, weather, charging losses and driving efficiency.

When is a portable charger useful?

• Backup charging
• Occasional charging away from home
• Plug-in hybrid vehicles
• Overnight stays and family visits
• Holiday accommodation
• Drivers covering relatively low daily mileage
• Locations where a wallbox is not available

A portable EV charger should be connected directly to a suitable socket.

Do not use extension leads, multi-socket adapters or damaged sockets for EV charging. If there is any doubt about the socket or circuit, have it checked by a qualified electrician.

Explore portable EV chargers for backup and occasional charging from a suitable domestic socket.

Type 2 vs CCS2: what is the difference?

Type 2 is primarily used for AC charging.

CCS2 is used for DC rapid and ultra-rapid charging.

Most modern EVs have one combined charging inlet. The upper Type 2 section supports AC charging, while the full CCS2 inlet includes two additional DC pins for rapid charging.

This is why many EV owners need to buy a Type 2 cable but do not need to buy a CCS2 cable.

Type 2 vs Mode 3: are they the same?

No, but the terms are related.

Type 2 describes the physical connector.

Mode 3 describes controlled AC charging through a dedicated EV charge point, such as a home wallbox or public destination charger.

A Type 2 to Type 2 cable used with a wallbox is commonly described as a Mode 3 charging cable.

Tethered vs untethered chargers

Whether you need to buy a separate cable depends on whether the charger is tethered or untethered.

A tethered charger has a cable permanently attached. You do not need a separate cable for that charger.

An untethered charger has a socket, so you provide your own cable. For most modern EVs, this will be a Type 2 to Type 2 cable.

Tethered chargers are generally more convenient for everyday use. Untethered chargers allow you to choose and replace your own cable and may provide a tidier appearance when the charger is not in use.

Read our full tethered vs untethered EV charger guide for a detailed comparison.

Frequently asked questions

What type of cable does my electric car use?

Most modern EVs sold in the UK use Type 2 for AC charging and CCS2 for DC rapid charging.

Some older vehicles may use Type 1 for AC charging or CHAdeMO for DC rapid charging. Check the vehicle specification or charging-port design if you are unsure.

Can I use a Type 2 cable at any charge point?

You can use a Type 2 cable at compatible AC charge points with a Type 2 socket.

You do not use your own Type 2 cable at a DC rapid charger because those chargers have tethered CCS2 or CHAdeMO cables attached.

Do I need to bring my own cable to a public charger?

It depends on the charger.

Public DC rapid chargers have cables attached. Slower public AC chargers may have a socket only, so you may need to bring your own Type 2 cable.

What is the difference between CCS2 and CHAdeMO?

Both are DC rapid-charging connector types.

CCS2 is the dominant standard for modern EVs in the UK and Europe. CHAdeMO is older and is mainly found on some earlier Nissan and Mitsubishi vehicles.

Is a Type 2 cable the same as a Mode 3 cable?

Not exactly.

Type 2 describes the connector, while Mode 3 describes AC charging through a dedicated charge point. A Type 2 to Type 2 cable used with a wallbox is commonly called a Mode 3 cable.

Do I need a CCS2 charging cable?

No. CCS2 rapid chargers have the cable attached to the charging unit.

What cable do I need for an untethered home charger?

For most modern UK EVs, you will need a Type 2 to Type 2 cable.

Choose a length that comfortably reaches the charging port and make sure the cable is correctly rated for the charger and vehicle.

Can I charge a Type 1 car from a Type 2 charger?

Often, yes.

A Type 2 to Type 1 cable can allow a Type 1 vehicle to use an untethered Type 2 AC charger. Compatibility should always be checked before purchasing.

Shop EV charging cables

EV Extras stocks charging equipment for home, workplace, destination and occasional charging, including:

• Type 2 charging cables in a range of lengths and ratings
• Type 2 to Type 1 charging cables for compatible older vehicles
• Portable EV chargers
• Dedicated home EV chargers
• CEE plug charging equipment
• EV charging accessories

For most modern EVs, a Type 2 cable is the main cable needed for untethered AC charging. Rapid public chargers already provide CCS2 or CHAdeMO cables.

Choose equipment that is compatible with your vehicle, charger, parking arrangement and expected charging speed.

EV Extras offers free UK delivery on all orders, a 30-day returns policy and products supported by more than 1,400 five-star Trustpilot reviews.