How to choose the right EV charging cable
1. Plug Type
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Type 1 (J1772): Common in older vehicles, mainly in North America.
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Type 2 (Mennekes): Standard plug used in Europe and modern EVs in many countries.
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CCS (Combined Charging System): For fast charging (DC), available in Type 1 or Type 2 configurations.
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CHAdeMO: Another fast-charging system, commonly used in Japanese EVs.
Check which plug type your car supports. Most EVs use Type 2 plugs for home charging in Europe, but it can vary depending on the region and car model.
2. Charging Speed (AC vs. DC)
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AC Charging: This is the standard home charging option. It typically charges at 3.7 kW to 22 kW, depending on your car and the power supply.
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DC Charging: Fast charging, usually available at charging stations, with power ranging from 50 kW to 350 kW, depending on the station and your car’s capabilities.
Most home chargers will use an AC cable. However, if you're considering using a fast-charging station, ensure your vehicle supports DC charging (such as via CCS or CHAdeMO).
You haven’t found an 11kW charging cable in our store and your EV is equipped with an 11kW on-board charger? Charging an 11kW electric vehicle requires some explanations in order to understand how to choose a compatible charging cable that will allow you to charge to optimum capacity in all circumstances.
11kW cable and charging capacity
There are 3 main cables on the market for charge at charging stations:
- the 7kW charging cable
- the 11kW charging cable
- the 22kW charging cable
To have a finer grasp of charging an electric car equipped with an 11kW on-board charger, let’s take a look at the following comparative overview of the power ratings tolerated. The chart is organised by charging cables currently available on the market and by type of electrical installation (single-phase or three-phase).
Comparative overview of charging cables with an 11kW on-board charger:
| Type de Cable | Charging capacity in kW | Max capacity for a single-phase installation | Max capacity for a three-phase installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7kW cable | From 2,3 to 7 | 7 | 7 |
| 11kW cable | From 2,3 to 11 | 3,7 | 11 |
| 22kW cable | From 2,3 to 22 | 7 | 11 |
11kW charging cables are capable of charging an 11kW EV to full capacity at a three-phase charging station, but when you charge at a single-phase charging station, the maximum charging capacity will only be 3.7kW.
💡 If you come across charging cables boasting a capacity of up to 11kW in single-phase, don’t fall for it – they don’t exist!
The 22kW cable – the best option for an 11kW electric vehicle
Now that you know more about the charging capacities that can really be delivered to an EV equipped with an 11kW on-board charger, you will better understand our decision not to sell 11kW charging cables in our store.
To charge your EV equipped with an 11kW on-board charger at all charging points (single-phase and three-phase) in the best possible conditions, we recommend that you purchase link to 22 kw cables
Single-phase AC charging stations with a capacity of less than 7.4kW represent a significant percentage of charging points around the country. It would therefore be a shame to plump for an 11kW charging cable and therefore fail to benefit from these charging stations on your travels. The 22kW charging cable may be more expensive to buy than an 11kW charging cable, but it does mean you don’t have to purchase two cables to be able charge at all the (single-phase and three-phase) charging points available without any loss of charging capacity.
The 11kW charging cable is misleading for e-drivers because it will only charge at a power rating of 11kW at 3-phase charging stations (above 7kW). For those of you who own an EV equipped with an 11kW on-board charger, the 22kW charging cable constitutes the best solution to top up at all charging points and enjoy the power of your EV to the full. You are now in possession of all you need to know to purchase the right charging cable for your 11kW EV – and at least you know why we don’t stock 11kW cables in our store!