Does Cable Length Affect Charging Speed?
No — and this surprises a lot of people. A 10M cable charges your car at exactly the same speed as a 5M cable. The length has no effect on power delivery. The limiting factor is always your car's onboard charger and your wallbox, not the cable itself.
The only real difference is physical: how far the cable needs to reach from your charge point to your car's port.
When a 5M Cable Is the Right Choice
A 5M Type 2 cable works well when:
- Your wallbox is mounted directly beside your parking space
- You always park in exactly the same spot
- You want a lighter, tidier cable to store and handle
- Storage space is limited — a 5M cable coils up noticeably smaller
Most purpose-installed home wallboxes are fitted with the car's charge port position in mind. If your installer did this correctly, a 5M cable will reach comfortably with a little slack to spare.
When 10M Is the Better Choice
Choose a 10M Type 2 cable when:
- Your wallbox is on the opposite side of the garage or further along a wall
- Your parking position varies — shared driveways, roadside parking
- You want to charge different vehicles from the same point
- You carry a cable in your boot for use at public charge points
- Your car's charge port is rear-mounted or in an awkward position
The extra 5 metres buys you real flexibility. If you're ever unsure which to choose, go 10M. Extra cable is easy to manage — a cable that doesn't reach is useless.
What About Public Charging?
Most public AC charge points in the UK are tethered (cable permanently attached). But a growing number — destination chargers at hotels, workplaces, and car parks — are socketed units where you supply your own cable.
If you plan to keep a cable in your boot for this purpose, 10M gives you the reach to handle varied socket positions comfortably.
The Simple Rule
- Wallbox right next to where you park → 5M
- Wallbox further away, or parking position varies → 10M
- Boot/portable cable → 10M
When in doubt, the 10M is the safer choice. The small extra cost and weight is worth the flexibility.
Shop EV-LEK Cables by Length
All our Type 2 charging cables are available in 5M and 10M. CE certified, IP55 weatherproof, and backed by a 5-year warranty — dispatched from UK stock.