In this guide, Stable explains the difference between different types of EV charging cables and plugs and what each one does.
There are two main types of electric car charging cables available in the UK:
Type 2 to Type 2 (Mode 3): This is the most common type of cable used for public charging. It has a tethered Type 2 connector on one end that plugs into the public charging point, and another Type 2 connector on the other end that plugs into your car.
Type 2 to 3-pin plug (Mode 2): This type of cable is used for slow charging at home. It has a Type 2 connector on one end that plugs into your car, and a standard 3-pin plug on the other end that plugs into a regular household socket.
Tesla uses a different connector in the United States, but in Europe, Teslas use the CCS (Combined Charging System) standard, which is the same as the Type 2 connector. So, you can use a standard Type 2 to Type 2 cable to charge a Tesla in the UK.
Volkswagen IDs use the Type 2 connector as well.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when choosing an electric car charging cable:
Cable length: Choose a cable that is long enough to reach from the charging point to your car comfortably.
Power rating: The power rating of the cable will determine how quickly your car can charge. Higher power rating cables will charge your car faster, but they are also more expensive.
Certification: Make sure that the cable you choose is certified by a reputable organisation, such as the British Standards Institution (BSI).