Type 2 Charging Cables: A Guide to Power, Length, and Safety

Choosing the right charging cable is a crucial step for any electric vehicle owner. With various power levels, lengths, and safety standards, the decision can seem complex. This guide is designed to provide clarity and help you find a Type 2 charging cable that is perfectly matched to your vehicle, wallbox, and daily needs. We will focus on the objective criteria that are essential for reliable and safe charging.

What to Look for When Choosing an EV Charging Cable

Before you make a decision, three main technical features should be considered. These determine not only the charging speed but also the practicality in daily use.

1. Charging Power: 11 kW or 22 kW?

The charging power, measured in kilowatts (kW), is a central factor. The most common variants for AC charging (alternating current) at a wallbox or public charging station are 11kW charging cables and 22kW charging cables.

• Vehicle-Side Limitation: The maximum charging speed is determined by your vehicle's on-board charger (OBC). A car with an 11 kW OBC can only charge at 11 kW, even with a 22 kW cable.
• Future-Proofing: A 22kW charging cable is backward compatible and can also be used for vehicles with lower charging capacities. It offers greater flexibility if you plan to switch to a vehicle with a more powerful OBC in the future.
• Phases: Most cables for these power levels are designed as 3-phase charging cables to efficiently transfer the higher power from the grid.

Check your vehicle's technical specifications to determine the maximum supported AC charging power.

2. The Right Cable Length: 5m, 7m, or 10m?

The length of the cable directly impacts the convenience of the charging process. Measure the distance from your wallbox or the typical parking spot at a public station to your car's charging port.

• Type 2 Charging Cable 5m: This length is often sufficient for home charging when the vehicle is parked directly next to the wallbox. It is easy to handle and store.
• 7 Metres: A good compromise that provides enough leeway at most public charging points, even when parking isn't optimal.
• Type 2 Charging Cable 10m: Offers maximum flexibility. This length is ideal when the charging port is far from the charging station, blocked by other vehicles, or the parking situation is awkward.

3. Safety and Material Quality

An EV charging cable is a high-performance product where safety must be the top priority. Look for independent certification marks and high-quality materials.

• Certification: A cable marked as T?V certified has been tested by an independent body for electrical safety, durability, and compliance with standards (e.g., IEC 62196). Other relevant seals include CE and RoHS.
• Protection Rating (IP Rating): A protection rating like IP54 means the cable is protected against dust and splashing water from all directions. This is essential for outdoor use in various weather conditions.
• Cable Sheath: A jacket made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is considered particularly robust, flexible even at low temperatures, and resistant to abrasion and being run over.

Recommended Type 2 Charging Cables

Based on the criteria above, we have compiled a few models that stand out for their technical specifications and safety features.

GONEO Type 2 Charging Cable 11kW, 5 Metres

Why It Stands Out: This cable combines a charging power of 11 kW, suitable for many EVs and plug-in hybrids, with a compact length. The certification by T?V Rheinland underscores its focus on safety. According to the manufacturer, ultrasonically welded and silver-plated contacts ensure optimised conductivity and reduced heat generation.

Advantages:

• T?V Rheinland certified and compliant with CE, UKCA, and IEC standards.
• Robust TPU cable sheath and ergonomic grip.
• Weatherproof with an IP54 rating for use in temperatures from -40°C to +50°C.
• Includes a protective cap and a practical carrying case.

Who It's For: Ideal for drivers of electric cars with an 11 kW on-board charger who primarily charge at their home wallbox or at easily accessible charging stations. The 5-metre length is designed for standard parking situations.

GONEO Type 2 Charging Cable 22kW, 10 Metres

Why It Stands Out: This model offers the maximum AC charging power of 22 kW and an exceptional reach of 10 metres. It is designed for demanding charging scenarios and, thanks to its backward compatibility, provides a future-proof solution for vehicles with lower charging capacities. Its robust construction is confirmed by the T?V certification.

Advantages:

• Maximum flexibility with a 10-metre cable length.
• 22kW charging power, backward compatible with 11kW vehicles.
• T?V Rheinland certified with an IP54 protection rating.
• According to the manufacturer, the plug can withstand being run over by a 2-tonne vehicle.

Who It's For: Perfect for drivers who frequently charge at public stations with unpredictable parking situations. The long length bridges greater distances and makes charging straightforward, even if the charging spot is partially blocked.

GONEO Type 2 Charging Cable 22kW, 5 Metres

Why It Stands Out: This version is the solution for anyone who needs future-proof 22 kW power in a compact and manageable form. It combines high performance with the practicality of a 5-metre cable for daily use at home. Here too, T?V certification and high-quality materials are key features.

Advantages:

• Future-proof 22kW charging power in a compact 5-metre design.
• T?V Rheinland certified and weatherproof to IP54.
• High-quality construction with silver-plated contacts and a TPU sheath.
• Compatible with all vehicles with a Type 2 port, including Tesla, VW, Audi, and BMW.

Who It's For: A great choice for owners of vehicles with a 22 kW OBC who primarily charge at home and prefer an easy-to-handle cable. It is also a smart purchase for drivers of 11 kW vehicles who want to be prepared for the future.

Looking for More Options?

If the models presented here do not exactly meet your requirements or if you are looking for suitable accessories, you can find more products in our range.

? Discover our selection of Cable Organizer Bags and other accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use a 22kW charging cable for a car that only supports 11kW? Yes, that is perfectly fine. The EV charging cable and the charging station communicate with the vehicle. The car's on-board charger regulates the power draw and will only pull its maximum possible power, in this case, 11 kW. The 22 kW cable simply acts as a high-capacity conductor without overloading the vehicle.

2. Why is T?V certification important for a charging cable? A product marked as T?V certified has been tested by an independent inspection organisation for compliance with strict safety and quality standards. This includes electrical safety (e.g., protection against overheating), mechanical durability (e.g., resistance to kinking and breaking), and material resilience. It is an important indicator of a long-lasting and safe product.

3. Does a Type 2 charging cable fit every electric car in Europe? The Type 2 plug is the European standard for AC charging. Therefore, a Type 2 charging cable is compatible with almost all electric cars and plug-in hybrids sold in Europe, including models from Tesla, Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, and Kia. Exceptions include some older models or imported vehicles from other regions (e.g., with a J1772 or CHAdeMO connector).