One of the most common concepts encountered when researching electric vehicle charging equipment is the Type 2 charging cable. The Type 2 standard is preferred for AC charging connections in many electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles used, particularly in Europe.
So, what exactly is a Type 2 charging cable, how does it work, and how can you tell if it is compatible with your vehicle?
In this guide, we cover the key points you need to know about the Type 2 charging cable, its connection structure, charging power, differences from Type 1, and how to choose the right cable.
What Is a Type 2 Charging Cable?
A Type 2 charging cable is one of the connection solutions used for charging electric vehicles with alternating current (AC).
Providing safe transmission of electrical energy between the vehicle and the charging station, the Type 2 connection can be used in both single-phase and three-phase AC charging systems.
Thanks to this feature, Type 2 cables can be used in electric vehicles and charging points with different power levels.
One of the most distinctive features that separates the Type 2 connection from other connection types is its seven-pin connection structure.
Why Is Type 2 So Common?
With the growth of the electric vehicle market, the need for common connection standards among manufacturers and charging infrastructure providers has also increased.
The Type 2 connection has become one of the most widely used standards in AC charging infrastructure, particularly in Europe.
For this reason, today you can encounter Type 2 connections at many:
Home AC charging units,
Workplace charging points,
Shopping mall and parking lot charging stations,
Public AC charging points.
Users with a Type 2 inlet on their vehicle can take advantage of different AC charging points with a Type 2 charging cable of appropriate specifications.
Which Vehicles Is the Type 2 Charging Cable Compatible With?
The Type 2 connection is used in many current electric vehicles sold in the European market.
Many electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles sold in the European market use a Type 2 inlet for AC charging. A Type 2 charging cable is compatible with vehicles that have a Type 2 inlet.
However, choosing a cable based on general information alone is not correct.
Connection and charging specifications may vary in models offered by the same manufacturer in different years or different markets.
Therefore, you must check the AC charging connection type information in your vehicle's technical specifications before purchasing a cable.
How Do I Know If My Vehicle Is Type 2?
There are a few easy ways to find this out.
In your vehicle's user manual or technical specifications, you can check for terms such as:
AC Charging Connector,
Charging Port,
Type 2,
or IEC Type 2.
The charging connection used is also usually specified on the vehicle manufacturer's official technical specifications page.
Physically, the Type 2 vehicle socket can be recognized by its characteristic circular top structure and total of seven connection points.
If you are unsure, checking the vehicle's brand, model, and production year before purchasing a cable is the safest method.
What Is the Difference Between a Type 2 Cable and a Type 1 Cable?
Another connection type that may be encountered in electric vehicles is Type 1.
The Type 1 connection can be seen particularly in older generation electric vehicles or those produced for certain different markets.
Type 2, on the other hand, has become much more common in current electric vehicles and AC charging infrastructure in Europe.
The two connection types are physically different and cannot be used directly in place of one another.
Therefore, if your vehicle has a Type 1 connection, you cannot directly plug a standard Type 2 vehicle plug into the vehicle.
For the correct cable selection, the socket type of the vehicle must be checked.
What Is the kW Rating of a Type 2 Charging Cable?
Type 2 only refers to the connector type.
Therefore, not all Type 2 charging cables have the same power capacity.
Cables with different specifications can be found on the market. Common power levels include options such as:
3.7 kW
7.4 kW
11 kW
22 kW
The power supported by the cable varies according to the number of phases and current capacity.
For example, while a 7.4 kW Type 2 cable is usually associated with single-phase systems, 11 kW and 22 kW cables can be used in three-phase AC charging systems.
What Is the Difference Between Type 2 11 kW and 22 kW?
Both 11 kW and 22 kW Type 2 cables can be used in three-phase systems, but the maximum power they support differs.
If your vehicle has an 11 kW AC charging capacity, using a 22 kW capacity Type 2 cable will not automatically charge your vehicle at 22 kW.
During charging, the system evaluates the following together:
The vehicle's internal AC charging capacity,
The charging station's maximum power,
The capacity of the cable used,
The electrical infrastructure.
The charging power is determined based on the appropriate maximum level among these components.
Therefore, a higher capacity cable does not always mean faster charging.
Can a 22 kW Type 2 Cable Be Used for an 11 kW Vehicle?
If the vehicle and charging point are compatible with the Type 2 connection, a cable with a higher power capacity can be used with vehicles that have a lower AC charging capacity.
For example:
Vehicle: 11 kW
Cable: 22 kW
Charging station: 22 kW
In this case, the vehicle can receive energy up to its own maximum AC charging capacity of 11 kW.
Therefore, some users may prefer a higher capacity Type 2 cable, considering the possibility of switching to a different electric vehicle in the future.
Is a Type 2 Cable AC or DC?
The Type 2 connection is fundamentally a connection type used on the AC charging side.
In DC fast charging systems, the connection structure can be different.
For fast DC charging in many electric vehicles in Europe, one encounters the CCS2 connection.
While the upper part of the CCS2 vehicle socket is based on the Type 2 structure, there are additional connections in the lower part for DC fast charging.
Therefore, Type 2 AC charging and DC fast charging are not the same thing.
When choosing a Type 2 cable, it is important to know that your intended use is AC charging.
Where Is a Type 2 Cable Used?
One of the most important advantages of the Type 2 charging cable is that it is suitable for different areas of use.
Charging at Home
If you are using a wallbox with a socket or a home-type AC charging station, you can use your Type 2 cable between the vehicle and the charging point.
Charging at Work
Users may also need to use their own Type 2 cables at AC charging stations found in offices, plazas, or company parking lots.
At Public Charging Points
At some public AC charging stations, the cable is not fixed to the station.
At such points, the driver needs to have their own Type 2 charging cable with them.
Therefore, it can be practical to keep a suitable Type 2 cable in the vehicle, especially for electric vehicle users who charge at different locations.
What Should Be Considered When Choosing a Type 2 Charging Cable?
When choosing the right Type 2 charging cable, looking only at the connector type is not sufficient.
Maximum AC Charging Power of the Vehicle
First, find out how many kW of AC charging your vehicle supports.
This information helps you determine the cable with the correct power capacity.
Number of Phases
Evaluate whether your vehicle and the charging infrastructure you will use are single-phase or three-phase.
Cable Length
The distance between the vehicle's charging inlet and the charging station is important for daily use.
A cable that is shorter than necessary may limit your usage area.
Current Capacity
The amperage value supported by the cable is one of the key technical specifications that affect the maximum power capacity.
Frequency of Use
If you are going to use the cable every day, it is important to choose a durable product suitable for outdoor conditions and frequent use.
Safety and Product Quality
Electric vehicle charging cables are equipment that carries high electrical power.
Therefore, the product's compliance with relevant technical standards, the robustness of the connection points, and the cable's suitability for usage conditions should be considered during selection.
How Many Meters Should a Type 2 Charging Cable Be?
There is no single ideal cable length.
The right length depends on your area of use.
If you always charge your vehicle at the same point, a shorter cable may be sufficient.
However, if you use different public charging points or need more room to maneuver depending on the position of the vehicle's charging inlet, a longer cable can provide an advantage.
When choosing a cable, it is also necessary to take into account the position of the charging socket on the front, rear, or side of the vehicle.
Do Not Look Only at the kW Value When Buying a Type 2 Cable
When evaluating a Type 2 cable, focusing only on the 7 kW, 11 kW, or 22 kW value written on it is not enough.
For the right choice, the following should be evaluated together:
Connection type + vehicle AC capacity + number of phases + cable capacity + cable length
This approach makes it easier to choose a charging solution that is both compatible with your vehicle and suitable for your daily use.
Choose the Type 2 Charging Solution Suitable for Your Vehicle with Voltobil
The right equipment is an important part of usage comfort in electric vehicle charging.
At Voltobil, you can examine Type 2 charging cables and electric vehicle charging solutions tailored to the needs of different electric vehicles and usage scenarios.
You can choose the Type 2 charging cable suitable for you by determining your vehicle's maximum AC charging capacity, connection type, and usage area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Type 2 charging cable?
Type 2 is one of the connection standards used in AC charging of electric vehicles and is common in Europe.
Does a Type 2 cable fit every electric vehicle?
No. The vehicle must have a Type 2 compatible AC charging inlet. You should check your vehicle's connection type before purchasing a cable.
How many kW does a Type 2 cable support?
Type 2 cables do not have a single power level. Models with different capacities such as 7.4 kW, 11 kW, and 22 kW can be found.
Can a 22 kW Type 2 cable be used in an 11 kW vehicle?
It can be used in compatible systems. However, the vehicle will not charge above its own maximum AC charging capacity.
Is a Type 2 cable a fast charging cable?
Type 2 is primarily an AC charging connection. Different connections such as CCS2 are generally used for high-power DC fast charging in Europe.
Is it necessary to carry the Type 2 cable in the vehicle?
If you are using public AC charging points with sockets, you may need to have your own Type 2 cable with you.
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