16A evse J1772 Plug to 2 pin eu schuko plug charging cable mode 2

Electric vehicle charging can appear confusing, with a varity of plug types and methods of charging.
We’ve compiled a useful set of Questions and Answers to help with the common enquiries we receive. Please do get in touch if you have further questions that are not answered below.

How do I find the right charging cable for my vehicle?

Simple, select your electric car, van or motorbikes make and model on our websites home page and we’ll show the right charging cable for your vehicle. You’ll have a choice of two: a lead for connecting to an EV charge unit, or a portable charging cable (EVSE) for plugging into a domestic plug socket.

I’m connected to a 32amp power source, my car can take a 32amp charge, but it’s still charging very slowly.

Check the specification of the charging cable, if it’s only 16amp then this is the max power it can take, even if you connect it to higher power source. Sounds like you need to upgrade to a 32amp cable.

What if I just plug my car into a domestic plug socket in my house, how quickly will that charge my vehicle?

Usually between 6 – 8 hours. This is often referred to as ‘trickle charge’. A domestic three pin (UK), 2 pin (EU) will only ever provide 3.7kw of power (10amps). Even if you have a vehicle that will take a much higher rate of charge, it will only ever draw this amount of power, as that’s all that is being offered to the vehicle. For this type of charging you’ll need a portable domestic charging lead (EVSE). Despite the slow speed, the advantage is the convenience of being able to charge your vehicle anywhere you can find a standard plug socket. Some public electric car charging stations only have three pin domestic plug sockets to plug into. Keeping a portable domestic charger in your vehicle, at all times, is a very good idea.

I’m always worried someone might trip over my cable at public charging stations

Some public charging points do leave the cables a little exposed. We recommend you purchase the high vis orange cable to make sure it can be seen.

I need a longer cable than the sizes you offer.

We provide a range of cable lengths up to 10m. We can arrange special orders so please do contact us and we’ll provide you with a price.

What charging cables will I get with my new car?

This will depend on the vehicle manufacturer. As standard most vehicles come with a portable domestic charger that you plug into a standard domestic plug socket. If however you’ve arranged through your car dealer to have a specialist charge point installed at home, then they’re likely to only provide a plug to plug cable to connect to your new charge point. You might find that your new charge point only has a lead permantly attached to it, so you’ll still need another cable for charging at public charge stations. Some dealers might give you both, others might give you nothing at all. They’ll no doubt offer you an upgrade to purchase the leads you need, but these will be expensive. Compare prices on our website to see if you’re getting a good deal.

Is it worth buying a spare cable?

It’s up to you… we have lots of customers that have purchased additional cables, keeping one at work and home, or one at home and one in the boot for charging whilst out and about. We recommend you keep a portable domestic charger and a plug to plug cable in your vehicle. Then you can pull up to any public charing point or a friends house, or place of work and be able to charge your vehicle. We even supply a stylish carry case to keep your cables neat and tidy.

Why do cars and charging points have different inlets?

The Electric vehicle industry has adopted different types of connectors in different countries. Japan, China and Asian manufacturers generally use Type 1 (J1772), with Europe and America favouring Type 2(62196-2). So a European car using a Charge point in a European country will need a Type 2 to Type 2 lead. A Japanese car using a charge point in Europe will need a Type 1 to Type 2 Connector.