Charging cables

Type 2 charging cables for electric cars have become the standard in Europe. The type 2 charging cable is suitable for almost all electric cars available in Europe, namely those with a type 2 connection and charging stations with a type 2 socket.

Type 2 Charging Cable for Your Electric Car: Shape and Materials

Type 2 charging cables come in different materials and shapes.

There are spiral cables and smooth charging cables with more or less resistant plastic sheaths. The disadvantage of the spiral cable is that it is rather impractical for longer distances between the charging station and the connection on the car, as the cable and car can be affected by the tension. Depending on the position and voltage, it can happen, for example, that the spiral cable rests on the e-car, causing damage to the paintwork.

This cannot happen with a smooth charging cable, as it usually lies directly on the ground and you normally place it around the electric car. Therefore, it is even more important to always keep a good parking position with the coiled cable. The smooth charging cable, on the other hand, has the disadvantage that it can get dirty more easily because it rests on the ground. For longer distances, however, it is much more pleasant to handle, as it does not twist and, because there is no tension, it does not damage either the cable or the car.

Charging Cable: The Lengths

However, you should not reduce the Type 2 cable to its appearance alone, because there are far more important factors that are decisive when buying a charging cable.

One very important factor is the length. You should be able to plug in the charging cable quickly and easily without having to puzzle over whether you have parked your electric car close enough or not.

Type 2 charging cables are available in various lengths.

1 metre would definitely be too short and 10 metres would be oversized in most cases. go-e, for example, offers type 2 charging cables with 2.5 m, 5 m and 7.5 m. Longer cables are usually not necessary. Longer cables are usually not necessary. The most popular length is 5 m.

At home, you will probably need a shorter cable. However, if you often charge in public at AC charging stations, it is important that the charging cable is at least as long as the sum of the vehicle length and width. For a four-metre long and two-metre wide electric car, for example, the sum is six metres. In this case, you would therefore need a charging cable with a minimum length of six metres, which in turn means that the 7.5 metre cable would be ideal for you.

Charging Power of the Charging Cable

In addition to the length of the charging cable, the charging power also plays an important role. Most electric cars can charge at AC charging stations with up to 11 or 22 kW. Therefore, there are often cables that are suitable for either a maximum of 11 kW or a maximum of 22 kW and thus also for three-phase charging. However, there are also charging cables with which only single-phase charging is possible.

By the way, the charging cables are downward compatible. This means that you can use a 22 kW cable for single-phase charging with, for example, 7.4 kW if your car only allows single-phase charging.

When buying a charging cable, pay attention to the charging power and, importantly, the phases it supports. Depending on the coding of the cable, the charging power may be lower, such as a maximum of 4.6 kW for a single-phase cable that is coded for 20 A. I recommend buying a charging cable that is suitable for a maximum of 22 kW and thus supports three phases. This way you can really use the maximum charging power of your electric car and the charging station. The 22 kW charging cable is a little heavier and thicker than the 11 kW charging cable, but it simply gives you more flexibility in terms of charging power for different cars.

Our Charging Cables

• Type 2 charging cable 2.5 m

You can park your e-car right next to the charging station? Then this cable is the perfect choice for you. It can remain permanently connected to the wallbox or be taken along on your travels to charge at any wallbox or public charging station.

• Type 2 charging cable 5 m

The go-e cable for a maximum charging power of 22 kW is easy to handle. It is suitable for all electric vehicles with a type 2 plug. It can be used at both stationary and mobile charging stations.

• Type 2 charging cable 7.5 m

Practical solution for situations where a car cannot be parked directly next to the charging station. The cable length allows two cars to be charged without having to move one of them.