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Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Charging Cable for Your Electric Car

Choosing a charging cable for your electric or plug-in hybrid car may initially seem complicated, with kilowatts (kW), amps (A), phases, and different plug types.

Updated 20/08/2026

Plug Type & Connection

Type 2 to Type 2 (AC Charging): The European standard for connection to public AC chargers or home wallboxes without an integrated cable. Compatible with all modern electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Type 2 to Schuko (Portable Charger / "Brick"): Connects the vehicle directly to a standard household outlet. Includes an integrated transformer/safety controller.

Type 2 to Type 1: Used exclusively in older Asian or American models (pre-2018).

Note: For fast DC charging (Fast Charging / CCS), you do not need to buy a cable, as it is always integrated into the charging station.

2. Charging Power, Phases & Amperes

Charging speed is determined by the weakest link in the chain: Charger – Cable – Car.

Cable Type	Power (kW)	Current (A)	Phases	Ideal Use
Schuko (Portable)	2.3 kW – 3.0 kW	10A – 13A	Single-phase	Emergency charging at home / holiday home
Single-phase Type 2	3.7 kW – 7.4 kW	16A – 32A	Single-phase	Plug-in Hybrids (PHEV) & small EVs
Three-phase Type 2	11 kW	16A	Three-phase	Most fully electric vehicles (EVs)
Three-phase Type 2	22 kW	32A	Three-phase	EVs with 22kW three-phase OBC & future-proof coverage

11kW vs 22kW cable: A 22kW cable will normally charge an 11kW car, but it is noticeably thicker and heavier. In contrast, an 11kW cable cannot exceed 11kW, even if the charger provides 22kW.

Length & Construction Type

Length:

5 meters: The ideal choice for most cases. It covers the distance without taking up much space in the trunk.
7.5 – 10 meters: Necessary if you park in shared garages or if the car’s charging port is on the opposite side from the charger.

Shape:

Spiraled: It retracts automatically and stays suspended in the air, but requires force to stretch over long distances.
Straight: More flexible and lighter, but it rests on the ground and can get dirty.

Safety & Certifications

Ingress Protection Rating (IP Rating): Choose a cable with IP54 or IP55 certification (resistant to rain, splashes, and dust).
Schuko Protection: Portable Schuko chargers must have a thermal sensor in the plug for automatic shutdown in case of socket overheating.
Quality Certifications: Look for the CE and TÜV markings for guaranteed durability of the conductors and insulation.

Quick Selection Guide

Do you have a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)? You need a single-phase Type 2 cable up to 7.4kW or a portable Schuko charger.
Do you have a fully Electric Vehicle (EV)? The safest choice is a three-phase Type 2 cable at 11kW (or 22kW), 5 to 7.5 meters long