Choosing the Right EV Charging Cable for Your Car

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the different cable types and charging terminology, don’t worry. Three steps is all it takes to make the right choice.

Step 1: Identify Your Car’s Charging Connector

The first thing you’ll need to check is which charging connector your vehicle uses.

Most electric cars sold in the UK today use a Type 2 connector, which has become the European standard for AC charging. Popular models such as the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and MG4 all use Type 2 connections.

However, some older electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids use a Type 1 connector instead. If you drive an older Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, or an imported EV, it’s worth double-checking your vehicle before buying a cable.

You can usually confirm your connector type by checking your owner’s manual or looking at the charging port on the vehicle itself.

Step 2: Check Whether Your Home Charger Is Tethered or Untethered

Next, consider the type of home charger you have or are planning to install.

A tethered charger comes with a charging cable permanently attached, so you won’t need to buy a separate home EV charger cable for home charging.

An untethered charger, on the other hand, has a socket rather than a fixed cable. This means you’ll need to purchase a compatible charging cable separately.

Some of our clients choose untethered chargers because they offer more flexibility if they change vehicles in the future. Our range of Ohme chargers is available in both tethered and untethered options, giving you more options for your home charger needs.

Step 3: Choose the Right Cable Length and Power Rating

Finally, think about how and where you park. A cable that’s too short gets frustrating fast, while a cable that’s longer than necessary is heavier and harder to store neatly.

You’ll also want to choose a cable that supports your vehicle’s charging speed. For most UK homes with a standard single-phase electricity supply, a 32A cable capable of charging at up to 7.4kW will be perfectly suitable.

Once you’ve worked through these three steps, you’ll have a much clearer idea of which EV charging cable is right for your car and home charging setup.

What Is a Type 2 EV Charger Cable?

Type 2 is now the standard connector for AC charging throughout the UK and Europe.

Recognisable by its seven-pin design, a Type 2 EV charger cable supports both single-phase and three-phase charging. So it can work with everything from a standard 7.4kW home charger to faster 22kW AC charging points you’ll find at public stations.

Almost every new electric car sold in the UK today uses a Type 2 connector, including:

• Tesla Model 3 and Model Y
• Hyundai Ioniq 5
• Kia EV6
• Volkswagen ID.4
• BMW i4
• MG4 EV
• Polestar 2

If you’re installing one of ProEV’s Ohme home chargers alongside a modern EV, a Type 2 cable is going to be the best choice.

Type 1 vs Type 2: At a Glance

If you’re still unsure, check your vehicle handbook or get in touch with our EV charging experts who will make sure you purchase the right cable.

Just because a smart EV charger cable is higher rated doesn’t mean you’ll get faster charging. In reality, your charging speed depends on your home’s electricity supply, your charger, and your vehicle itself.

Single-Phase Charging Explained

The vast majority of UK homes have a single-phase electricity supply. If you’re having a home charger installed at a typical residential property, it’s likely to deliver charging speeds of up to 7.4kW.

A 7.4kW charger can usually fully charge an EV overnight, so it’s ideal for most drivers who charge at home.

If you’re installing an Ohme Home Pro or Ohme ePod through ProEV, you’ll typically be charging at up to 7.4kW, depending on your vehicle’s onboard charger.

Three-Phase Charging Explained

Some larger homes have access to a three-phase electricity supply which allows compatible chargers and vehicles to charge at speeds of up to 22kW AC.

Even so, three-phase supplies are relatively uncommon in UK residential properties and are usually only installed where there’s a specific need for faster charging.

And even if your home has a three-phase supply, your vehicle must also support three-phase charging to take advantage of these higher speeds.

Can You Use a Three-Phase Cable on a Single-Phase Charger?

A three-phase EV charger cable will work perfectly with a single-phase home charger. The cable will simply charge at the maximum speed available from your home’s electricity supply.

Some of our clients choose a three-phase cable because it offers a degree of future-proofing should they upgrade their electrical supply or plan on buying more EVs.

What Is a Tethered EV Charger?

A tethered charger has a charging cable permanently attached to the unit. When you want to charge your car, you simply take the cable from the charger and plug it into the vehicle.

Most of our clients love our tethered chargers because they’re incredibly convenient. There’s no need to take a cable in and out of the car each day, so overnight charging is quick and hassle-free.

However, because the cable is fixed, you’ll need to ensure it’s compatible with your current vehicle. If you change cars in the future, you may need an adapter or, in some cases, a different charging solution.

What Is an Untethered EV Charger?

An untethered charger has a socket rather than a built-in cable. This means you’ll need to supply your own EV charger cable whenever you want to charge.

While this adds an extra step, untethered chargers offer more flexibility. If you change vehicles in the future, you can swap the cable rather than replacing the entire charger.

Untethered chargers also tend to look neater when not in use, as there isn’t a cable permanently wrapped around the unit.

Which Option Is Best for UK Homeowners?

For drivers who charge the same vehicle every day and want maximum convenience, a tethered charger is usually the easiest option.

On the other hand, if you expect to change vehicles in the future, own more than one EV, or simply prefer a tidier-looking installation, an untethered charger could be the better choice for you.

Our range of Ohme home chargers come in both tethered and untethered versions, so you can choose a setup that best suits your vehicle and future plans.

Ultimately, both options can deliver the same charging speeds. The decision comes down to convenience versus flexibility.

A cable that’s too short makes charging awkward or even impossible, while an unnecessarily long cable is heavy and harder to store neatly.

Before buying an EV charger cable, think about where your charger will be installed and how you typically park your car on the driveway. How far does the cable need to stretch?

5 Metre EV Charging Cables

A 5 metre EV charger cable is the most popular choice for UK homeowners and is usually sufficient when you have a driveway or garage that lets you park close to the charger.

Best for:

• Standard driveways
• Cars parked directly next to the charger
• Homeowners who always park in the same position

7 Metre EV Charging Cables

A 7 metre cable gives a little extra flexibility and can be a good option if parking positions vary.

Many of our clients opt for a slightly longer cable simply to avoid any risk of coming up short.

Best for:

• Larger driveways
• Households with multiple EVs
• Drivers who don’t always park in exactly the same place

10 Metre EV Charging Cables

A 10 metre EV charging cable is reserved for more challenging parking arrangements, such as detached garages, long driveways or situations where the charger can’t be installed close to the vehicle.

While longer cables provide maximum flexibility, they are much heavier and are tougher to store.

Best for:

• Detached garages
• Shared driveways
• Properties with restricted charger locations
• Vehicles parked some distance from the charger

We always recommend measuring the distance between your proposed charger location and your vehicle’s charging port before ordering. If you’re unsure, it’s worth choosing a slightly longer cable to give yourself extra flexibility.

When ProEV installs an Ohme home charger, our team can also give you advice on the most practical cable length based on your property’s layout and where you usually park.

Choosing the right EV charger cable is usually much simpler than it first appears. Once you know your car’s connector type, the charging speed you need and the best cable length for your setup, you’re most of the way there. For many UK EV drivers, a Type 2, 32A cable will tick all the right boxes.

If you’re not completely sure which cable is right for your vehicle, it’s worth getting advice before you buy. A quick conversation can save you from compatibility headaches and help you get the fastest, most convenient charging experience possible.

At ProEV, we’re here to help you find a charging setup that works for your car, your home and the way you drive. Whether you’re buying your first EV charger or upgrading an existing installation, explore our range of Ohme smart chargers and accessories to find the right fit.