Type 2 charging cables for electric vehicles: features and power

Type 2 standard charging cables (Type 2 to Type 2) are designed for connecting electric vehicles with a Type 2 charging port to charging stations that support this standard. It is the most common type of electric vehicle plug in Europe, making Type 2 cables universal and compatible with the majority of electric vehicles available on the market.

Maximum cable power

The maximum power of Type 2 charging cables can reach up to 22 kW (32A), significantly accelerating the charging process. These cables enable fast charging of electric vehicles, which is particularly relevant for commercial charging stations and users with access to a strong electrical network. However, it is important to note that to effectively utilize a 22 kW cable, both the electric vehicle and the charging station must support this power level.

Type 2 to Type 2 cables also fit hybrid cars

Type 2 charging cables are suitable not only for electric vehicles but also for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) with a Type 2 connector. Since most modern hybrid vehicles use this charging standard, these cables provide a safe and universal charging option for both public and home charging stations.

However, there are important nuances: Most hybrids support only single-phase charging. This means that even if a Type 2 cable can transmit power in three phases, hybrids will charge using only one phase.
Single-phase charging limits the maximum power available to hybrids. Typically, the charging power for such vehicles is 3.7 kW or 7.4 kW, depending on the cable's capacity and the car's capabilities. Therefore, even if a Type 2 cable can deliver up to 22 kW in three phases, hybrids will only use the single-phase mode, making the charging process slower compared to fully electric vehicles that support three-phase charging.