What to keep in the car

Type 2 cable (mode 3)

This is the cable you use most. It has a Type 2 plug at both ends and runs from the charger to the car. Choose a 3-phase cable. A 16 A cable can deliver 11 kW, and a 32 A one can deliver 22 kW. If your car can charge at no more than 11 kW, 16 A is enough. 5 metres is long enough in most places. A longer cable is easier when the charger is far from the car's charging port.

Granny charger (mode 2)

A granny charger (mormorlader) plugs into a normal wall socket. It has a small box on the cable that controls and protects the charging. It charges at about 2.3 kW, so it is for emergencies and holiday homes, not everyday use. Some portable chargers can take a blue campsite plug (CEE) instead and then charge faster. Read more in the guide on campsites and holiday homes.

Rapid chargers: the cable is attached

On rapid chargers the cable is always attached, for both CCS2 and CHAdeMO. You do not need to bring anything. You can see which plug your car uses in the guide on plugs and standards.

Adapters

Older cars with a Type 1 plug for AC, e.g. the first versions of the Nissan Leaf, need a cable with Type 2 at one end and Type 1 at the other. Do not use home-made adapters from a wall socket to a Type 2 cable. They have no protection.

Good advice