EV-LEK Ltd · UK Specialist

Which EV Charging Cable Do I Need?

A plain-English guide for EV owners in the UK — no jargon, no technical overload. Find the right cable in under two minutes.

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Quick answer for most people: A 5 Metre, Single Phase, Type 2 cable works with every standard home wallbox and public charge point in the UK. If you're not sure, that's the one to choose.

What is a Type 2 charging cable?

A Type 2 cable (also called a Mennekes cable) is the standard EV charging cable used across the UK and Europe. It has a 7-pin connector and fits the charging socket on all major electric cars and plug-in hybrids sold in the UK since around 2014 — including Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Ford, Mercedes, and many more.

The cable connects your car to a wallbox charger at home or a public charge point (such as those at supermarkets, car parks, and motorway services). Most public charge points have a tethered cable, but most home wallboxes are "untethered" — meaning you supply your own Type 2 cable.

Do I need a Type 2 cable? If your home wallbox is untethered (no cable permanently attached), yes. Check whether your wallbox has a cable before ordering. Most wallboxes installed in UK homes today are untethered, so a Type 2 cable is something the majority of EV owners need.

Single Phase vs Three Phase — what's the difference?

This is the question that confuses most EV owners. Here's the simple version:

Single Phase (7.4kW)

✓ Works with all home wallboxes in the UK
✓ Works with all public charge points
✓ Charges at ~25 miles of range per hour
✓ Right choice if you're unsure

★ Recommended for most people

Three Phase (11kW)

✓ Charges at ~38 miles of range per hour
✓ Faster if your setup supports it
⚠ Requires a three-phase wallbox or charger
⚠ Most UK homes only have single-phase supply

Only choose this if your wallbox specifically supports 3-phase

The majority of homes in the UK have a single-phase electricity supply. Even if your car can accept three-phase charging, your home wallbox almost certainly only supplies single phase. Three-phase charging is more common in commercial premises, business car parks, and purpose-built charging hubs.

Which cable length do I need?

EV-LEK cables come in two lengths — 5 metres and 10 metres. Here's how to choose:

5 Metres

The standard length. Suitable for most home driveways and garages where the wallbox is within a few metres of your parking spot.

★ Most popular — works for most setups

10 Metres

A good choice if your wallbox is mounted further away, your driveway is longer, or you want the flexibility to park in multiple positions.

Good for larger properties or extra reach

Tip: When measuring, account for how the cable will need to route — don't measure in a straight line. Cables need to loop around obstacles, drop down from wallbox height, and reach your car's charging port (which is often on the front, rear, or side of the vehicle).

Find the right cable for your car

All EV-LEK Type 2 cables are compatible with every major electric car and plug-in hybrid sold in the UK. Browse by your vehicle make to confirm compatibility:

Audi BMW BYD Citroën CUPRA DS Fiat Ford Honda Hyundai Jeep Kia Land Rover Mercedes Nissan Tesla VW

View All EV Charging Cables →

Frequently asked questions

Can I use any Type 2 cable with my car?

Yes — all Type 2 cables share the same 7-pin connector and work with every car that has a Type 2 charging socket. This includes all EVs and PHEVs from Volkswagen Group, BMW Group, Stellantis, Hyundai, Kia, Tesla, Nissan, Ford, and most others sold in the UK since 2014.

What's the difference between a Mode 2 and Mode 3 cable?

A Mode 3 cable (like the ones EV-LEK sells) connects to a dedicated wallbox or EV charge point — this is what you use for everyday home charging. A Mode 2 cable connects to a standard 3-pin household plug — it charges much more slowly (8–12 hours for most EVs) and is really for emergency use only.

Does a longer cable charge more slowly?

No. Cable length has no effect on charging speed. A 10 metre cable charges at exactly the same rate as a 5 metre cable of the same phase rating.

Can I leave my cable plugged in overnight?

Yes, absolutely. Most EV owners charge overnight on a timer — the car and charger manage the charging session safely. All EV-LEK cables are CE certified and IP55 weatherproof, making them suitable for outdoor use and extended charging sessions.

My car came with a cable — do I need another one?

Many EVs include a Mode 2 (3-pin) cable for emergency use only. If your home wallbox is untethered (no cable permanently attached), you will need a Mode 3 Type 2 cable like the ones EV-LEK sells. Check whether your wallbox has a cable already fitted before ordering.

Are EV-LEK cables safe to use?

Yes. All EV-LEK cables are CE certified, IP55 weatherproof rated, and carry a 5-year warranty. They are fully compatible with UK domestic and public charge points and meet EU/UK electrical safety standards.

What if I find the same cable cheaper elsewhere?

EV-LEK offers a Price Match Guarantee. If you find the same cable available at a lower price from another UK retailer, contact us and we'll match it. Contact us here →

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Choose by car make, cable length, or charge speed — all cables are CE certified, IP55 weatherproof, and backed by a 5-year warranty.

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