Type 2 — The UK Standard
Type 2, also known by its IEC standard name IEC 62196 or by the manufacturer name Mennekes, is the universal AC charging connector for electric vehicles in the UK and Europe. Since 2014, EU regulations have required all public AC charge points to use the Type 2 socket — meaning it's the connector you'll encounter at virtually every home wallbox and public AC charge point in the country.
What Does a Type 2 Connector Look Like?
A Type 2 connector is a seven-pin plug with a distinctive flat top and rounded bottom — roughly D-shaped. The flat edge contains a row of five small circular pins, with two larger pins below. It's larger and more robust than a domestic plug.
The connector has a locking mechanism that prevents accidental disconnection while charging. When plugged in, it clicks into place and can only be released by the car (usually when you press the unlock button on your key fob or in the app).
Which Cars Use Type 2?
Every major electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid sold in the UK uses a Type 2 charge port for AC charging. This includes:
- Audi e-tron, Q4 e-tron, A3 TFSI e
- BMW i3, i4, i5, iX, 3 Series PHEV, 5 Series PHEV
- Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kuga PHEV
- Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Kona EV
- Kia EV6, Niro EV, Niro PHEV
- Mercedes EQA, EQB, EQC, C-Class PHEV
- Nissan Leaf (second generation)
- Tesla Model 3, Model Y (UK/Europe versions)
- Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, Golf GTE
- And all other EVs and PHEVs sold in the UK market
Type 2 to Type 2 — What Does That Mean?
When you see a cable described as "Type 2 to Type 2", it means both ends of the cable have a Type 2 connector. One end plugs into your wallbox socket; the other plugs into your car.
This is the most common home charging cable. Both home wallboxes and EV charge ports in the UK use the same Type 2 socket, so you need the same connector on both ends.
Type 2 vs CCS vs CHAdeMO
You may also see CCS (Combined Charging System) and CHAdeMO mentioned in EV specs. These are DC rapid charging connectors — used at motorway rapid chargers (like Gridserve, Pod Point rapid, and BP Pulse rapid). They are not used for home charging and require a different cable (usually tethered at the charge point).
For home charging and standard AC public charging, Type 2 is always the right connector.
Shop Type 2 Cables
All EV-LEK cables use the Type 2 standard — CE certified, IP55 weatherproof, available in 5M and 10M, single and three phase.
Browse all Type 2 EV charging cables →
Not sure which cable you need? Use our EV cable buying guide to find the right match for your car.