Advice on choosing charging cables for electric cars in France

Frank van Buiten @ Oct 09, 2023

As electric vehicles continue to gain popularity, it is essential for electric car owners in France to understand the importance of selecting the right charging cable for their vehicles. Charging cables play a vital role in safely and efficiently transferring power from the charging station to the electric car's battery. In this article, we will explore the different types of charging cables available in the market, their features, compatibility, and factors to consider when selecting the right charging cable for your electric car in France.

Understanding the different types of charging cables

When it comes to electric car charging cables, there are several types to choose from. The most common types include Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 charging cables. Each type has its own unique features and compatibility, making it crucial for electric car owners to have a clear understanding of their options.

Type 2 charging cables - features and compatibility

Type 2 charging cables, also known as Mennekes cables, are widely used in Europe, including France. Pretty much every EV or PHEV nowadays comes with a type 2 plug. These cables are known for their versatility and compatibility with a wide range of electric vehicles. They feature a seven-pin connector and are capable of delivering higher power levels than Type 1 cables, making them suitable for fast charging.

One of the significant advantages of Type 2 charging cables is their compatibility with both single-phase and three-phase charging stations. This flexibility allows electric car owners to charge their vehicles at various power levels, depending on the available charging infrastructure. Varying from 3,7 kW to 22 kW not counting the added CCS2 fast charging capability (that needs an additional 2 pin connector. Additionally, Type 2 cables support smart charging features, enabling communication between the electric car and the charging station for optimized charging sessions.

Type 3 charging cables - features and compatibility

Type 3 charging cables, also known as Scame cables, are less common but still very important when travelling to France. These cables feature a five-pin connector and are primarily used in France. Type 3 cables offer similar charging capabilities as Type 2 cables, but with a more compact design and added safety features. They are compatible with both single-phase and three-phase charging stations, allowing electric car owners to charge their vehicles efficiently.

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Type 3 charging cable

While Type 3 charging cables are not as widely supported as Type 2 cables, they are still a viable option for electric car owners in France. It is important to check the compatibility of the charging stations available in your area before selecting a Type 3 charging cable for your electric car. You would need a charging cable with a type 2 connector on your car end and a type 3 connector on the charging station end.

Mobile charging cables - convenience and versatility

Mobile charging cables, often referred to as portable charging cables, provide an added level of convenience and versatility for electric car owners. These cables are typically included with the purchase of an electric car and are used for charging from a standard household power outlet. In the UK you would know these as the EV Granny charger. While they are not as powerful as dedicated charging stations, mobile charging cables are ideal for emergency situations or when a dedicated charging station is not readily available. Be aware that a household outlet in France is different from the standard 3 pin type G outlet in the UK. In France you will find that household outlets, like most countries in the EU, have a Schuko IEC 60884-1 outlet. So you would need a Mobile charging cable to schuko for your stay in France and the rest of the EU.

It is important to note that mobile charging cables may have limitations in terms of charging speed. They are typically slower than Type 2 or Type 3 charging cables, but they can still be useful for overnight charging or when you need a quick top-up while on the go.

Next to the Household mobile charger you have the option to equip your EV with a portable charging cable that connects to a blue or red commando (or CEE) socket. You will find these i.e. on campsites, company buildings and even some households. These will typically charge your car just as fast as a standard AC charging station or Wallbox will. However these don’t have the added benefits of smart charging options, like load balancing, that require communication between car and charging station. Now for every charging capacity, wether it be a 16A 1 phase or a 32A 3 phase charging capacity, you also need a different plug.

Factors to consider when selecting a charging cable

When selecting the right charging cable for your electric car in France, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you need to ensure compatibility with your electric car's charging port. Different electric car models may have different charging port types, so it is crucial to check the specifications of your vehicle.

Secondly, you should consider the charging capabilities of the cable. If you have access to fast-charging stations, it is advisable to choose a cable that can handle higher power levels for faster charging sessions. However, if you primarily rely on standard household power outlets, a mobile charging cable may be more suitable.

Additionally, you should consider the length of the charging cable. Depending on your parking situation and the location of charging stations, you may require a longer cable to ensure a convenient and hassle-free charging experience.

Conclusion

Travelling to France can be quite a hassle and you could end up needing quite a lot of different charging cables to accommodate for every situation. In this case we would advise you to check out our special Voldt® Booster complete charger sets. These will equipe you with a wide range of connectors to charger your EV in any situation on your travels to France or any other part of the mainland!