Electric Vehicle (EV) Type 2 Charging Cables: The Ultimate Guide
Welcome to this guide on EV Type 2 charging cables, where by the end of this article our aim is to provide you with all you need to know about that there cable that you pick up and plug in, day in, day out. We’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about Type 2 EV cables, including the difference between the female and male plugs, the standard IEC 62196, the pin layout of the connectors, and the history of the Type 2 plug.
Let's start with the basics. Type 2 EV charging cables are the most common charging cables used for electric vehicles (EV’s) in Europe. They are also known as Mennekes connectors, named after the German company that developed them. Type 2 cables are used to connect an EV to a charging station or a wall box, allowing the vehicle's battery to be charged.
Male and Female Plugs (Connectors)
Now, let's talk about the difference between the male and female plugs. The male plug is located on the charging station or wall box and the female plug is located on the charging cable, and is the larger of the two connectors. Both plugs have seven pins, these are CP, PP, N, PE, L1, L2, and L3. Single phase (7.2KW) makes use of five of these pins (excluding L2 & L3), while three phase cables (22KW) utilise all seven pins.
Pin Layout and Application
Let's take a closer look at the pin layout of the connectors. CP stands for Control Pilot and is used for communication between the EV and the charging station or wall box. PP stands for Proximity Pilot and is used to detect the presence of the charging cable. N stands for Neutral, PE stands for Protective Earth, and L1, L2, and L3 stand for the three phases of AC power. The pins used by different applications are as follows:
- CP, PP, N, PE & L1: Used for AC charging up to 7KW (single phase).
- CP, PP, N, PE, L1, L2, and L3: Used for AC charging up to 22 kW (three phase).
IEC 62196 Standard
Now, let's talk about the IEC 62196 standard. This is an international standard that defines the Type 2 charging cable and connector system for AC charging of electric vehicles. The standard specifies the dimensions, performance requirements, and testing methods for the Type 2 connector, ensuring that all Type 2 connectors are compatible with each other.
History of Type 2 Plug
The Type 2 plug has evolved over the years to become the standard charging cable for EVs in Europe. The first version of the Type 2 plug had only five pins and was developed by Mennekes in 2010. In 2013, the IEC 62196 standard was introduced, which defined the Type 2 connector system with seven pins. This allowed for faster charging speeds and improved safety features.
Today, Type 2 charging cables are used by many EV manufacturers, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen. They are commonly found at public charging stations, as well as in homes and businesses with wall box chargers.
In conclusion, EV Type 2 charging cables are an essential part of EV charging infrastructure. They allow EVs to be charged quickly and safely, and are the standard charging cable for EVs in Europe. Understanding the difference between the male and female plugs, the pin layout of the connectors, and the IEC 62196 standard is important for anyone who owns or plans to own an EV. So, make sure you have the right Type 2 charging cable for your EV, and keep on driving electric!
Shop our range of Type 2 EV cables at EVSTOR
3 Metre Type 2 EV Cables
5 Metre Type 2 EV Cables
7.5 Metre Type 2 EV Cables
10 Metre Type 2 EV Cables
15 Metre Type 2 EV Cables
