The Short Answer
Most UK homes are single phase. If you're charging at home and your wallbox doesn't specifically say "three phase" or "22kW", you need a single phase cable. Three phase cables only make sense if you have a three phase supply and a wallbox that supports it.
What Is Single Phase Charging?
Single phase is the standard UK domestic electricity supply. It delivers power through one live wire. For EV charging, single phase supports a maximum of around 7.4kW (at 32A on a 230V supply).
At 7.4kW, a typical EV with a 60kWh battery will charge from empty to full in around 8 hours — ideal for overnight charging at home.
What Is Three Phase Charging?
Three phase electricity uses three live wires, delivering power in a balanced rotating cycle. This is common in commercial and industrial settings, and in some larger or newer residential properties.
A three phase 32A supply supports up to 22kW charging — roughly three times faster than single phase. A 60kWh battery can charge from empty in around 3 hours at 22kW.
How to Tell Which Supply You Have
The easiest way: look at your consumer unit (fuse box). A single phase supply typically has one large main switch. A three phase supply has three separate phase switches, or a larger three-pole isolator switch at the top.
If you're not sure, ask your wallbox installer — they will check before fitting.
Does My Car Support Three Phase?
Not all EVs support three phase charging. Many popular models — including most Kia, Hyundai, Nissan and Ford EVs sold in the UK — have onboard chargers limited to 7.4kW single phase. Even with a three phase supply and cable, they will only charge at single phase speeds.
Models that support three phase AC charging include the Renault Zoe (22kW), some Audi e-tron models (11kW), and several BMW and Mercedes EVs (11kW). Check your car's manual or specification sheet for its maximum AC charging rate.
Which Cable Should I Buy?
- Home supply is single phase → buy a single phase cable. A three phase cable will not deliver faster charging on a single phase supply.
- Home supply is three phase AND your wallbox supports it AND your car supports it → a three phase cable makes sense.
- Not sure → buy single phase. It's the correct choice for the vast majority of UK home chargers.
If you need help deciding, call us on 07903 297370 — we'll confirm which cable is right for your specific setup.
Browse by Phase
All EV-LEK cables are available in single phase (7.4kW) and three phase (22kW) variants, in 5M and 10M lengths.