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EV Charging Cables Compared: Which Type Powers Your Car Fastest?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are taking over the roads, and for good reason—they’re green, cost-effective, and stylish. But for EV owners, one crucial question remains: Which charging cable powers your car the fastest? Whether you’re charging at home, at work, or on the go, the type of cable you use directly impacts how quickly you’ll be back on the road.

This blog breaks down the charging speeds, compatibility, and costs of popular cable types—including Type 1, Type 2, CCS, and CHAdeMO—and even explores their real-world accessibility across the UK. If you’ve been wondering which cable is worth your investment, keep reading for all the insights you need.

What are the Different Types of EV Charging Cables?

Before we dissect the charging speeds, it’s essential to understand the cables commonly used for EVs in the UK. Each type has its own design, functionality, and ideal use case.

Type 1

  • Connector Style: Five pins, single-phase charging 
  • Charging Speed: Up to 7.4kW 
  • Vehicles That Use It: Mostly older models, such as the Nissan Leaf (pre-2018) and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Type 1 cables are a standard in early EV models. They provide a decent charging speed for single-phase systems but are gradually being phased out in favour of Type 2 for broader compatibility.

Type 2

  • Connector Style: Seven pins, supports single-phase and three-phase charging 
  • Charging Speed: Up to 22kW for home use, 43kW for public charging (AC) 
  • Vehicles That Use It: Widely adopted by European manufacturers like Tesla, BMW, and Volkswagen.

Type 2 connectors dominate the market in the UK and Europe due to their versatility and ability to handle faster AC charging speeds. They are commonly found in home and public charging stations.

CCS (Combined Charging System)

  • Connector Style: A Type 2 base with two additional DC connectors 
  • Charging Speed: Up to 350kW 
  • Vehicles That Use It: Newer EV models like the Volkswagen ID.4, Kia EV6, and Porsche Taycan.

CCS connectors are the gold standard for fast charging. They combine AC and DC power capabilities, making them ideal for both quick boost charging and slower, overnight fills.

CHAdeMO

  • Connector Style: Dedicated DC charging connector 
  • Charging Speed: Up to 100kW (though some upgraded versions can hit 400kW) 
  • Vehicles That Use It: Mostly Japanese models like the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander.

While CHAdeMO supports decent charging speeds, it’s less widely supported in the UK compared to CCS. However, CHAdeMO cables are still a reliable choice if your EV is compatible.

Which Cable Powers Your EV Fastest?

Real-World Charging Speeds

  • Type 1: 10–15 miles per hour of charging (6–8 hours for a full charge on a 40kW car battery). 
  • Type 2 (AC 7kW): Adds 25–30 miles per hour (ideal for overnight home charging). Public chargers using 43kW AC can deliver up to 150 miles in one hour. 
  • CCS (DC): Can add up to 200 miles in just 20 minutes when using ultra-rapid chargers (100–150kW). Some hubs are now equipped with 350kW chargers delivering even faster results to CCS-enabled cars. 
  • CHAdeMO (DC): Provides around 150 miles in 30 minutes using 100kW chargers. Upgraded CHAdeMO specifications promise even faster charging, but compatibility varies.

The Fastest Cable

For those in a hurry, CCS cables reign supreme. With their ultra-rapid charging speeds, they overshadow alternatives, especially when paired with the latest EV models designed for high-capacity batteries.

How Cost-Effective Are EV Charging Cables?

Manufacturer Cables vs. Certified Alternatives

When purchasing EV charging cables, you have two options:

  1. Official Manufacturer Cables: These are often expensive but guarantee perfect compatibility with your vehicle. Prices range between £200-£500.
  2. Certified Alternatives: Reliable third-party cables cost around £100-£250, delivering great performance at a more affordable price.

Certified alternatives can save you significant money without sacrificing functionality, but always ensure the cable meets official safety standards (look for markings like CE or TÜV certification).

Installation Costs for Home Charging

Pairing your cables with a home charging station (like a 7kW Type 2) typically costs £800-£1,000, including installation. Many UK EV drivers opt for government grants to offset these costs, such as the EV ChargePoint Grant.

Cable Availability in Public Charging Stations Across the UK

Public EV charging continues to expand in the UK, with over 45,000 charging points at 25,000 locations as of 2023. However, availability by cable type varies:

  • Type 2 AC Chargers are the most commonly installed, especially at shopping centres, car parks, and hotels. 
  • CCS Chargers dominate at motorway services and dedicated EV charging hubs, where fast charging is essential for long-distance travellers. 
  • CHAdeMO Chargers are less widespread but still found at older charging sites and in areas with a higher concentration of Japanese EVs.

Charging Times at Public Stations

  • Slow Chargers (3kW–7kW): Ideal for overnight parking, adding around 25-30 miles of range per hour
  • Fast Chargers (22kW AC): Common in city centres, delivering approximately 70 miles per hour
  • Rapid Chargers (50kW DC): Found at motorway services, providing up to 150 miles in 30 minutes
  • Ultra-Rapid Chargers (100kW–350kW DC): Perfect for shortstops, adding 200+ miles in 20-30 minutes for compatible vehicles.

Should You Choose a CHAdeMO or CCS Cable?

CCS charging cable has become the dominant standard for DC rapid charging in Europe and increasingly across the globe, thanks to better adoption rates among EV manufacturers. Unless your EV specifically relies on CHAdeMO (e.g., Nissan Leaf), investing in a CCS cable ensures compatibility with the fastest charging infrastructure.

CHAdeMO still holds its ground for select vehicles and markets but is lagging due to its more niche adoption rate.

Key Takeaways for EV Drivers

  1. Type Matters: Use Type 2 cables for AC charging and CCS for ultra-fast DC charging.
  2. Public Stations Provide Wide Compatibility: However, CCS cables give you access to the UK’s largest network of ultra-rapid stations. 
  3. Third-Party Alternatives Save Money: Certified cables offer reliability at reasonable prices but always check for safety certifications.
  4. Plan for Long-Term Compatibility: With more manufacturers and stations leaning toward CCS, it may soon become the universal standard.

Power Your EV with Confidence

Picking the right EV cable doesn’t just save you time—it ensures you get the best performance from your vehicle. Whether you’re prepping for a long commute or a road trip across the UK, knowing your cable options gives you a head start.

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