When purchasing an electric vehicle, it will definitely come with a standard charging cable, but many drivers find reasons to buy additional cables. Sometimes it's a matter of preference, while other times it's simply a necessity.
New electric vehicles always come with a basic charging cable used to connect to a home electrical outlet as part of the standard specifications, and increasingly, they also include the relevant Type 1 or Type 2 fast-charging cables (such as CCS or CHAdeMO). However, some manufacturers include only one cable by default and offer the other as an optional extra for an additional cost. So, in any case, the driver will need to purchase the necessary set of charging cables.
Some manufacturers who do not include portable fast-charging cables by default claim that many buyers choose to install a home charging station, in which case the station may still come with its own cable.
Such a cable is permanently attached to the charging station, so it is always ready for use. This reduces hassle, and the tethered cable is also less likely to accidentally get damaged or wear out, as you don't plug and unplug the connector multiple times a day—at least not at the wall-mounted end of the cable. This is one of the advantages of a charging station with a tethered cable.
On the other hand, this is a clear limitation when you can't take the tethered cable with you on trips when you need to charge your electric vehicle away from home. This is when a separate charging cable becomes an essential accessory, as many public fast chargers require drivers to bring their own cable. So, if you plan to ever connect to a charging station at work, on the street, at a shopping mall, or at a gas station, it's often necessary to have a portable charging cable ready to use.
Of course, even if you buy a car with a supplied fast-charging cable, there are various reasons you might want to purchase another, additional one. You might prefer to have one cable permanently attached to the wall box at home, much like a tethered cable, so you don't need to pull it out of the trunk every time you charge the car.
Others may find that the cable included with the car is too short for their parking situation, while some might want to upgrade the cable to be able to charge more than one vehicle. Sometimes the cable can get damaged when driven over or bent, and other times people may want a spare simply because they fear being stranded if something unexpected happens—this could be accidental damage, theft, or malfunction.
When purchasing an electric vehicle charging cable, it is crucial to choose the right one. There are three main factors to consider: the types of connectors, power and phase ratings, and the cable length. Electric vehicles typically use different types of charging cable connectors, and if you're unsure which ones are compatible with your car, you can easily identify them by appearance, and this information is also usually provided in the car's manual.
The seven-pin Type 2 connector has become the most popular standard in Europe for fast charging, but many older cars use the five-pin Type 1 connector. CCS is the most common fast-charging connector in Europe and can be recognized by its two plugs. The CHAdeMO connector uses a single round socket. Tesla vehicles use a modified version of the Type 2 connector that is compatible only with the Tesla Supercharger network.
While charging cables are designed for outdoor use, leaving them exposed to the elements, especially under constant sunlight, can cause them to wear out more quickly. They are also at greater risk of accidental damage or even theft. As a result, many cable manufacturers provide storage bags or neat clips, which not only help keep cables tidy in the car's trunk but also offer some protection from wear and tear.
