Type 1 - type 2 | 1 phase | 32a | 7.4kW charging cable

No, you should never extend an EV charging cable using a regular extension cord or by adding a cable between the charging station and the vehicle. EV charging cables are engineered to handle high electrical loads safely and must comply with strict international standards such as IEC 62196 and IEC 61851. Using an extension cord not designed for EV charging can lead to overheating, voltage drops, or even serious safety hazards like electrical fires. Therefore, extending an EV charging cable is both technically unsound and not legally allowed in many regions.

If your current EV cable is too short, the safest and most technically appropriate solution is to purchase a longer certified EV charging cable. At Voldt®, for instance, we offer cables in various lengths, ranging from 2 metres up to 40 metres. Our cables are CE and TÜV certified, meaning they meet the highest European safety standards. They are also made in Europe and equipped with extremely weather-resistant connectors suitable for outdoor use throughout all seasons.

It’s also important to note that most mobile EV chargers (like the Voldt® Type 2 to Schuko or Type 2 to CEE models) include features such as temperature sensors, overcurrent protection, and smart communication between the vehicle and the cable. If you add an extension cord, these safety systems may no longer function correctly, which could prevent your vehicle from charging or cause malfunctions. If you need more flexibility, the best approach is to choose a mobile charger with a longer fixed cable length tailored to your needs—without any unsafe extensions in between.

Mode 3 charging for an electric vehicle (EV) is a charging method where the EV is charged via a dedicated charging station or wallbox, with controlled and secure communication between the car and the charging point. It is the most commonly used and recommended way to charge at home and at public charging stations.

Key Features of Mode 3 Charging:

1. Direct connection to a charging station
2. Safety and Intelligence
3. Charging Power
4. Smart Charging

Advantages of Mode 3 Charging:

✔️ Faster charging than a standard household socket (Mode 2).
✔️ Ensures safety with built-in communication and protection mechanisms.
✔️ Efficient energy management with smart charging functionalities.

Comparison with Other Charging Modes:

• Mode 1: No communication between the power source and the vehicle (an outdated and not recommended method).
• Mode 2: Charging via an electrical socket using a special cable where a computer in the cable handles the communication.
• Mode 4: DC fast charging (e.g., CHAdeMO or CCS) where direct current is supplied straight to the battery, often up to 350 kW.

In summary, Mode 3 is the standard and recommended method for daily EV charging, especially at home and public charging points. 🚗⚡

Yes, Voldt® EV charging cables are compatible with all standard public and home charging stations in the United Kingdom that support Type 2 connectors. Type 2 (IEC 62196-2) is the official standard for EV charging infrastructure in the UK and across most of Europe, and all Voldt® charging cables are designed to meet this specification. This ensures seamless connectivity whether you’re charging at a public station, a wallbox at home, or a destination charger.

Voldt® offers a wide range of Type 2 charging cables with different amperage and phase options, such as 1-phase 16A, 1-phase 32A, 3-phase 16A, and 3-phase 32A. These variants ensure optimal charging performance depending on your vehicle's onboard charger and the capacity of the charging station. All cables are CE and TÜV certified and manufactured in Europe, ensuring high quality, safety, and full compliance with UK and EU regulations. The cables also feature industry-leading weather resistance, making them reliable for outdoor use in the UK's variable climate.

In addition to standard Type 2 to Type 2 cables, Voldt® also provides mobile charging solutions such as Type 2 to UK 3-pin plug (BS 1363) adapters. These are particularly useful for charging from regular household sockets in the UK. This flexibility ensures that even in locations without a dedicated EV charger, your vehicle can still be charged safely and efficiently. If you're unsure which cable best suits your vehicle or location, Voldt® provides a helpful cable selection tool and expert customer support.

Charging an electric car typically consumes as much electricity as the size of its battery in kilowatt-hours (kWh), with some additional overhead due to energy loss during charging. For example, fully charging an electric vehicle (EV) with a 60 kWh battery generally requires about 60 kWh of electricity. At an average electricity tariff of €0.22 per kWh, this results in a charging cost of approximately €13.20. However, actual electricity consumption may vary depending on a number of technical and environmental factors.

Here are the key factors that influence electricity usage when charging an EV:

• Battery capacity: Most EVs have batteries ranging from 35 kWh (e.g. Renault Zoe) to over 100 kWh (e.g. Tesla Model S Long Range). The larger the battery, the more electricity is needed to charge it fully.
• Charging efficiency: Energy losses of 5–15% can occur during AC or DC charging due to heat and conversion losses, meaning that you may need to draw more energy from the grid than the battery’s rated capacity.
• State of charge and usage pattern: If you usually charge from 20% to 80%, you will consume less energy per session than a full cycle from 0% to 100%. Preconditioning and battery temperature management can also affect consumption.

For a more accurate estimation, consider the following:

• Multiply your battery capacity (in kWh) by 1.05–1.15 to account for charging losses.
• Check your local electricity rate (per kWh) to calculate charging costs.
• Use smart charging solutions or mobile chargers like those from Voldt® to improve efficiency and track consumption precisely. These offer compatibility with household sockets or industrial power outlets and come with integrated safety features to reduce energy waste.

By understanding your vehicle's battery size and charging habits, you can make informed decisions about electricity usage, costs, and optimal charging methods.