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Professional Guide

Best Type 2 EV Charging Cables: 2025 Expert Review

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Oli at OR Electrics

Fully Qualified 18th Edition Electrician

Published 17 December 2025

One of the most common frustrations I hear from new EV owners in Leeds is simple: 'The cable that came with the car doesn't reach.' Whether you're parked awkwardly on a shared driveway in Headingley or trying to reach a public post that's been blocked by a petrol car, having the right cable is essential.

But it is not just about length. It is about amperage and build quality. I have seen cheap, uncertified cables overheat at the connectors, creating a serious fire risk. A Type 2 cable carries a massive amount of current—often 32 Amps continuous load—so this isn't the place to cut corners with budget imports.

In this review, I've selected three cables from Ratio Electric. They are a Dutch brand I respect because they manufacture in Europe to strict safety standards. I've broken them down into a budget option (good for spares), a premium long-reach option, and a problem-solver for those tricky parking spots.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "11kW vs 7kW Ratings"

The Theory

"Higher kW rating always means faster charging."

The Reality

Not strictly true. An 11kW cable is usually 3-phase 16A. If you plug this into a standard UK home charger (Single Phase 7kW/32A), the cable will limit the charge to 16A (3.6kW), effectively halving your speed. Always match the cable's Amp rating to your charger.

The Spec: "Cable Length"

The Theory

"Longer is always better for flexibility."

The Reality

A 10m or 15m cable is heavy and cumbersome to coil, especially when wet and muddy. Only buy the length you actually need, or be prepared for a workout every morning.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

Type 2 Charging Cable 11kW | 16A | 6 Metre | 3-Phase

Budget Pick
Type 2 Charging Cable 11kW | 16A | 6 Metre | 3-Phase

Ratio Electric

This is a solid European-made cable that offers great value, specifically if you use public 11kW/22kW chargers often. It is robust and carries the necessary TUV and CE safety certifications suitable for the UK market.

Price£69.95 (at time of writing)
Rating11kW (16A 3-Phase)
Length6 Metres
The Good
  • Excellent price point for a certified European cable
  • Works perfectly with 3-phase public chargers
  • Robust reinforced insulation jacket
The Bad
  • Only rated for 16A - will charge slowly (3.6kW) on a standard single-phase home wallbox
  • 6 metres might still be short for double-parking scenarios

Installer Tip:

Use this primarily as a travel cable for public chargers or a spare. If you use this on your 7kW home charger, be aware it will likely throttle your speed down to 3.6kW because it's a 16A cable. Ideally, check your car's max AC charging rate first.

Priced at £69.95 at the time of writing

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Type 2 Charging Cable 7.4kW | 32A | 15M | 1-Phase

Quality Option
Type 2 Charging Cable 7.4kW | 32A | 15M | 1-Phase

Ratio Electric

When you need to park significantly away from your charge point—perhaps running a cable down a long driveway—this 15-metre beast is the solution. It supports full 32A (7kW) charging, ensuring no loss of speed despite the length.

Price£199.95 (at time of writing)
Rating7.4kW (32A 1-Phase)
Length15 Metres
The Good
  • Massive 15m length covers almost any domestic parking scenario
  • Full 32A rating ensures maximum speed on single-phase home chargers
  • High-quality copper wiring minimises voltage drop
The Bad
  • Significantly heavier to handle and coil up
  • Higher price due to the amount of copper required

Installer Tip:

At 15 metres, voltage drop can become a factor with cheap cables, but Ratio uses quality copper here. Just remember: never leave 15m of cable coiled tightly on a reel whilst charging at full power. Lay it out loosely to prevent induction heating (the coil effect).

Priced at £199.95 at the time of writing

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Type 2 EV Charging Cable 7kW to 7.4kW | 32A | 10M | 1-Phase

Problem-solving Option
Type 2 EV Charging Cable 7kW to 7.4kW | 32A | 10M | 1-Phase

Ratio Electric

This 10-metre cable is often the 'Goldilocks' solution for my clients in Leeds. It provides enough length to reach around a second vehicle or across a garage, without the excessive weight and cost of the 15m version.

Price£159.95 (at time of writing)
Rating7.4kW (32A 1-Phase)
Length10 Metres
The Good
  • 10m length solves most driveway blocking issues
  • Supports full 7.4kW fast charging (32A)
  • Easier to store than the 15m version
The Bad
  • More expensive than the standard 5m cables included with cars
  • Still requires managed storage to avoid trip hazards

Installer Tip:

If you live in a terrace and need to run a cable across a public pavement, please be careful. Even with a high-vis 10m cable, you are liable for trip hazards. Use a proper cable protector mat if you absolutely must charge across a path.

Priced at £159.95 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a 3-phase cable on a single-phase home charger?
Yes, you can, but there is a catch. If the cable is rated 16A (like the 11kW budget option above), it will limit your charging speed to 16A (3.6kW), even if your wallbox can do 32A (7kW). For maximum home speed, you want a 32A rated cable.
Is it safe to leave the cable out in the rain?
Generally, yes. Quality cables like these Ratio ones are water-resistant (usually IP44 or IP54 when plugged in). However, try not to leave the connectors lying in puddles when not in use. I always recommend a simple wall hook to keep the ends dry and off the ground.
Why are some charging cables so thick and heavy?
Safety. To carry 32 Amps continuously without melting, the copper conductors inside must be thick (usually 6mm²). Add in the insulation and protective jacket, and you get a heavy cable. Be wary of cables that feel too light for their rating—they may be unsafe.
Can I use an extension lead for my EV?
No. Never use a standard domestic extension lead for an EV granny charger, and never daisy-chain Type 2 cables. It creates a high resistance point that can easily melt or catch fire. Always buy a single cable of the correct length (e.g., 10m or 15m) rather than joining two shorter ones.
Do I need an electrician to check my charging setup?
The cable itself is plug-and-play, but your wallbox installation must be certified. If you notice your wallbox discolouring or smelling of fish (a sign of overheating plastic), stop using it immediately and contact us at OR Electrics.
What is the difference between 16A and 32A cables?
32A cables are thicker and allow for faster charging (up to 7.4kW on single phase). 16A cables are thinner and lighter but limit charging to roughly 3.6kW. Most modern dedicated home chargers are 32A, so a 32A cable helps you get the fastest charge.

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