Buying a charging cable

This is what you should consider before buying a charging cable! - Guide.


The right charging cable is an essential component when charging an electric car. Without this accessory, recharging may be possible, but it can be challenging. In order to find the right charging cable, it is important to know your own needs and requirements.


There are different types of charging cables that differ in terms of their charging power, connection and length. An important factor when choosing a charging cable is the maximum charging power that the electric car supports. You should make sure that the cable not only supports the required power, but is also compatible with the connection of the electric car.


Another important consideration is the length of the cable. If you regularly charge your car in different locations, a longer cable may be necessary to allow optimal positioning of the car. However, keep in mind that the longer the cable, the higher the resistance and the longer the charging time.


For electric cars with a charging power of up to 22 kW, a Mode 3 charging cable is the best choice. These cables are equipped with a Type 2 plug, which is usually found at public charging stations. For electric cars that can charge with a charging power of more than 22 kW, permanently installed charging cables at the charging station are the best option.


Overall, it is important that you know your needs exactly when purchasing a charging cable and choose a high-quality and reliable product that meets the necessary safety requirements.






- Where do I charge my electric car?


There are two options for charging an electric car: public charging stations or your own wallbox with a Type 2 connection. There are smooth or twisted spiral cables as charging cables, depending on your taste and needs. The Type 2 cable is most commonly found at public charging stations and enables charging power of up to 43 kW.


The Combined Charging System (CCS) adds contacts for fast charging to the Type 2 plug, enabling charging capacities of up to 350 kW. Although charging is possible using a conventional socket, experts advise against it as there is an increased risk of short circuits and cable fires.





- What types of charging cables are there?


Over the years, different types of plugs for charging electric vehicles have been developed worldwide:

● Type 1 plug


● Type 2 plug


● CCS connector


● CHAdeMO plug


● Tesla Superchargers


● SchuKo plug (household socket)

- Pay attention to the cable length!


Choosing the right cable length depends on various factors. The position of your charging port and the size of your vehicle play an important role. The charging cable should be at least long enough to be laid around the vehicle up to the charging point without any tension.


However, you should note that the longer a charging cable is, the higher the line losses can be. It is therefore sensible to limit the cable length to a necessary minimum. A length between five and seven meters is usually not a problem, but you should not choose an unnecessarily long cable.



As an example, if the vehicle is parked in the first charging position and has its charging connection at the rear left, the cable must be routed to the charging station over the entire length (eg four meters) and width (eg two meters) of the vehicle. This would require a cable with a length of at least 7.5 meters.



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