Type 2 | 1 phase | 32A | 7.4kW charging cable

No noticeable power loss, even with longer cables

No, Voldt charging cables do not experience any significant power loss due to their length. Voldt uses only high-quality copper conductors with low resistance, ensuring that even longer cables (such as 10 or 15 metres) can efficiently transmit current without noticeable voltage drop. The cables are designed according to international standards (such as IEC 61851 and IEC 62196), which specify maximum allowable voltage drop and heat development, so charging performance remains optimal.

Optimal conductor size prevents voltage drop

In theory, longer charging cables could lead to some power loss, particularly if the cable has a thin conductor or is made from lower-quality materials. Voldt prevents this by using conductors with appropriate cross-sectional area depending on the cable’s maximum current rating (e.g. 6 mm² for 32A 3-phase cables). This keeps voltage drop to negligible levels—typically less than 1%—which is well within regulatory limits. This is crucial for both safety and charging efficiency.

Tested for performance and safety

Finally, all Voldt cables are rigorously tested for electrical performance, temperature rise, and reliability under load. Customers can trust that even a 15-metre cable performs just as well as a shorter one. This makes Voldt cables ideal for situations where the charging point is further away from the vehicle, without compromising on speed or safety.

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• Mode 1: No communication between the power source and the vehicle (an outdated and not recommended method).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.

The difference between the male and female sides of an EV charging cable plug lies primarily in their intended connection points and technical design. The male side of the cable, often referred to as the charging station plug, is the end that connects to the EV charging point or wallbox. This side typically has exposed pins that deliver power and communication signals. The female side, commonly called the vehicle connector, is designed to plug into the electric vehicle's charging port and features recessed contacts to enhance safety.

Both sides conform to international standards like IEC 62196-2 (commonly known as Type 2 in Europe), but their configuration and purpose are not interchangeable. The female vehicle connector includes several safety mechanisms such as proximity detection and locking pins, which ensure a secure and tamper-proof connection with the car. In contrast, the male plug lacks these vehicle-specific features but is optimized to fit the infrastructure side of the charging interface.

This male/female distinction is also critical for regulatory and safety reasons. It prevents users from connecting two cables together to create an unauthorized extension, which could lead to overheating, communication errors, or electrical hazards. By ensuring the cable only connects from the station to the car in one direction, the EV charging system maintains proper current flow, grounding, and handshake protocols, which are essential for safe and efficient charging.