EV Charging Cables & Connectors: The Complete UK Guide
Type 1, Type 2, CCS, CHAdeMO — the connector landscape can be confusing. Here's exactly which connector your car uses and when you need which cable.
The UK Connector Landscape
The UK has largely standardised on Type 2 for AC home and destination charging, and CCS (Combo 2) for DC rapid charging. But legacy connectors are still on the road, and it's worth knowing the full picture.
| Connector | Type | Max Power | Common On | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 (Mennekes) | AC | 22kW | All new UK EVs | UK standard |
| CCS Combo 2 | DC | 350kW+ | All new UK EVs | UK DC standard |
| CHAdeMO | DC | 150kW | Older Nissan, Mitsubishi | Legacy — declining |
| Type 1 (J1772) | AC | 7.4kW | Older Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi Outlander | Legacy — declining |
| NACS (Tesla) | AC + DC | 250kW | Tesla vehicles | Tesla proprietary in UK |
| 3-pin (BS 1363) | AC | 2.3kW | Emergency granny charging | Not recommended daily |
Tethered vs Untethered Chargers
Home charge points come in two forms:
- Tethered: The cable is permanently attached to the unit. Convenient — just plug in and go. Less flexible if you change vehicles.
- Untethered (socketed): The unit has a Type 2 socket. You use your own cable. More flexible, and the cable stays in the car boot ready for public charging too.
| Tethered | Untethered | |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Cable always there | Need to carry cable |
| Flexibility | Fixed to one connector type | Works with any Type 2 vehicle |
| Cable wear | Fixed to unit (harder to replace) | Replace cable independently |
| Security | Cable can be cut | Cable removable when not in use |
| Best for | Single-EV household, older drivers | Multiple vehicles, public charging users |
Which Cable Does My Car Use?
The vast majority of EVs sold in the UK from 2020 onwards use Type 2 for AC home charging and CCS Combo 2 for DC rapid charging. Exceptions:
- Older Nissan Leaf (pre-2018): Type 1 (AC) + CHAdeMO (DC)
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: Type 1 (AC) + CHAdeMO (DC)
- Tesla vehicles: Type 2 socket in Europe/UK, but Tesla-branded cables and proprietary Supercharger connector. Most Teslas include a Type 2 cable.
If your car was new from 2020 onwards and isn't a Tesla, it uses Type 2 for home charging. A 7.4kW home charge point with a Type 2 socket or tethered Type 2 cable will work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy a separate cable for a home charger?
It depends. Tethered chargers have a cable built in — no separate purchase needed. Untethered (socketed) chargers require you to supply a Mode 3 Type 2 to Type 2 cable (or Type 2 to Type 1 for older vehicles). Many EVs include a suitable cable in the box.
Can I use a Type 2 cable on a CHAdeMO socket?
No. CHAdeMO and Type 2 are physically incompatible. CHAdeMO is a DC rapid charging connector. Type 2 is an AC connector. They cannot be interchanged.
Is NACS coming to the UK?
Tesla uses NACS (its own connector) for its Supercharger network in North America. In the UK and Europe, Tesla uses Type 2 / CCS, so NACS is not currently relevant for UK drivers.