What is a Type 2 EV charging cable?
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A Type 2 electric vehicle charging cable is the European standard plug type used in all new EVs. It features seven-pin connectors on both ends, making it compatible with home charging stations and most public charging stations. This cable supports slower AC charging (up to 43kW) rather than DC fast charging, which requires a CCS connector.The Type 2 cable allows you to recharge your battery at standard public charging stations, commonly found at shopping centers, gyms, and city parking lots. Tesla vehicles are an exception; while they use a Type 2 connector for ultra-fast charging, this applies only to the Tesla Supercharger network.
When using a public Type 2 charger (including all providers except the Tesla Supercharger network), a Tesla will charge at the same rate as any other EV. All fully electric vehicles come standard with a Type 2 socket and cable. Plug-in hybrids also have a Type 2 socket, but some manufacturers charge extra for the cable.
You can purchase a Type 2 EV charging cable from various trusted online stores. Prices typically range from 130 to 330 euros. While most manufacturer-supplied cables are around five meters long, eight-meter Type 2 cables are also widely available. These are especially useful when the distance between the charger and parking spot is inconvenient. Aside from a potential tripping hazard, a longer cable does not affect safety or charging speed.
How Does Type 2 Differ from Others?
Type 2 charging cables are well-known in Lithuania as they follow the European standard. However, during the development of the EV industry, manufacturers experimented with different connectors, leading to a lack of standardization. Fortunately, standards have now been adopted, simplifying compatibility with charging stations and connectors.
Type 1 Charging Cable. A Type 1 charging connector is single-phase and supports charging at 3.7–7.4 kW AC, providing about 20-40 km of range per hour. This design has 5 pins and is commonly used with vehicles produced in parts of Asia, though less so in Europe.
CCS. The CCS connector is a modified and enhanced version of the Type 2 connector. It adds two additional power pins for faster charging. These chargers support both AC and DC charging, with power ranging from 50kW to 350kW. The standard is 50kW, though higher power levels are still under testing.
CHAdeMO. These cables and connectors offer ultra-fast charging with power up to 50kW DC, enabling approximately 120 km of range in just 30 minutes. They are typically found at public charging stations. This connector is compatible with various vehicle brands, including Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, and Mitsubishi. Tesla can also use this system with a modified Type 2 "Mennekes" plug. While originally developed in Japan, this connector type is also widely used in Europe, especially in the UK.
There is no "good" or "bad" connector type—only the one your EV requires for charging. The type of charging cable needed for your vehicle can be identified visually or by checking your car's manual.
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