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Type 2 Charging Cables: Buyer's Guide and Recommendations

Choosing the right charging cable for an electric car or plug-in hybrid can be a challenge given the many technical specifications. Charging power, cable length, and safety features are crucial factors that significantly impact the daily charging experience. This guide serves to explain the essential criteria and help you make an informed decision for a reliable Type 2 charging cable.

What to Look for When Buying a Type 2 Charging Cable

To find the right cable for your vehicle and needs, three main aspects should be considered: charging power, length, and safety standards.

Choosing the Right Charging Power: 11 kW or 22 kW?

The charging power of a cable is specified in kilowatts (kW) and should be matched to the maximum charging capacity of your vehicle's On-Board Charger (OBC).

  • 11 kW Charging Cable: A 3-phase charging cable with 11 kW (16A) is sufficient for many electric cars and most private wallboxes in regions like Germany. If your vehicle supports a maximum AC charging power of 11 kW, a 22 kW cable will not speed up the charging process.
  • 22 kW Charging Cable: A cable with 22 kW (32A) is designed for vehicles with a corresponding 22 kW OBC. It offers maximum flexibility and is future-proof, as it also works seamlessly at charging points with lower power (e.g., 11 kW), with the charging power being throttled accordingly. It is a great choice for charging at high-power public charging stations.

The Right Cable Length for Your Parking Situation

The length of the charging cable significantly affects flexibility in everyday use.

  • 5 Metres: This length is often sufficient if you can park directly next to your home wallbox or a charging station. Shorter cables are lighter and easier to handle.
  • 7-Metre Type 2 Charging Cable: A length of 7 metres offers a good compromise. It is ideal for most parking situations, even if the charging station is not located directly next to the vehicle, as is the case with many cables for public charging stations.
  • 10-Metre Type 2 Charging Cable: A 10-metre cable provides maximum reach and is useful when parking spaces are inconveniently located or blocked by other vehicles.

Safety and Durability: Standards and Certifications

A high-quality Type 2 EV charging cable must be safe and robust. Look for the following features:

  • T?V Certification: A T?V-certified charging cable has been tested by an independent body for safety and compliance with applicable standards (e.g., IEC 62196).
  • IP Rating: The IP rating indicates how well the cable is protected against the ingress of dust and water. For example, IP54 means protection against harmful dust ingress and water splashes from all directions, which is sufficient for outdoor use.
  • Materials: A cable sheath made of TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is resistant to abrasion, oil, and weathering. Silver-plated contacts and ultrasonically welded connections in the plug can improve conductivity and reduce heat generation.

Recommended Type 2 Charging Cables

Based on the quality and safety features mentioned, here is a selection of GONEO Type 2 charging cables.

GONEO Type 2 Charging Cable 22kW, 7m, 3-Phase

Why it stands out This cable combines a high charging power of 22kW with a practical length of 7 metres. The construction is designed for durability and safety, confirmed by its T?V Rheinland certification. Features like ultrasonically welded, silver-plated contacts aim for optimised conductivity and reduced heat generation.

Advantages

  • Charging Power: 3-phase with up to 22 kW (32A)
  • Safety:T?V Rheinland certified, compliant with CE, UKCA, RoHS, ISO, and IEC standards
  • Robustness: IP54 rating, drive-over resistant up to 2 tonnes (according to the manufacturer), temperature range from -40°C to +50°C
  • Material: High-quality TPU cable sheath and PA66 plug housing

Who is it for? For drivers of pure electric vehicles (BEVs) with a 22 kW on-board charger who are looking for a versatile and robust cable for home and public charging stations.

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GONEO Type 2 Charging Cable 11kW, 7m, 3-Phase

Why it stands out This version offers the same high build quality and safety certification as the 22 kW model but is designed for a charging power of 11kW. With a length of 7 metres, it is flexible to use and perfectly matches the common 11 kW wallboxes and vehicles in Germany.

Advantages

  • Charging Power: 3-phase with up to 11 kW (16A)
  • Safety:T?V Rheinland certified, compliant with CE, UKCA, RoHS, ISO, and IEC standards
  • Robustness: IP54 rating, drive-over resistant up to 2 tonnes (according to the manufacturer), suitable for extreme temperatures
  • Compatibility: Suitable for all EVs and plug-in hybrids with a Type 2 connector

Who is it for? Ideal for owners of electric cars or plug-in hybrids whose vehicle supports a charging power of up to 11 kW. It is an economical and perfectly sufficient choice for charging at home and at most public AC charging points.

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GONEO Type 2 Charging Cable 22kW, 10m, 3-Phase

Why it stands out This model offers maximum flexibility with a length of 10 metres combined with the full 22kW charging power. It retains all the safety and quality features of the GONEO series, including T?V certification and robust construction.

Advantages

  • Maximum Reach:10-metre cable length for challenging parking situations
  • Charging Power: 3-phase with up to 22 kW (32A)
  • Safety:T?V Rheinland certified and compliant with all relevant standards
  • Durability: Resistant TPU sheath, IP54 protection, and robust plugs

Who is it for? For EV drivers who frequently charge at public stations with unpredictable parking conditions or need to bridge a long distance between their wallbox and vehicle at home.

View Product on Joybuy.de

Looking for More Products?

Once your vehicle is equipped for any charging scenario, you might want to upgrade your leisure accessories as well. For summer activities, we offer a selection of innovative gadgets.

Discover our Electric Watergun category for a different kind of tech accessory.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between an 11kW and a 22kW charging cable?

The main difference lies in the maximum transferable charging power. An 11kW charging cable (16 Amp, 3-phase) is the standard for many private wallboxes. A 22kW charging cable (32 Amp, 3-phase) can transfer double the power, provided the vehicle and charging station support it. However, this only halves the charging time if the car can also charge at 22 kW.

Can I use a 22kW charging cable with an 11kW wallbox?

Yes, that's perfectly fine. The charging system (vehicle and wallbox) communicates and automatically regulates the charging power down to the lowest common denominator. In this case, it would charge at 11 kW. A 22 kW cable is therefore backward compatible and a future-proof investment.

How important is T?V certification for an EV charging cable?

A certification from an independent testing organisation like T?V is an important quality mark. It confirms that the T?V-certified charging cable meets the strict European safety standards for electrical safety, materials, and mechanical stress. This minimises risks such as overheating or electric shocks and ensures reliable operation.