What Size Cable for EV Charger? A Simple Guide for Everyday Drivers

EV charging shouldn’t feel like solving a technical riddle, but for many drivers, it does.
One minute you’re buying a cable, the next you’re drowning in talk of amps, phases, and connector types.

No wonder so many people ask:

“What size cable for an EV charger do I need?”

This guide gives you the straight answers you need for safe and efficient charging.

No jargon. No filler. Just a clear explanation of the EV charger cable size that works best at public charging points, workplaces and everyday destinations.

Quick answer

For most drivers using public, workplace or destination chargers in the UK, the right cable is usually:

• Cable type: Type 2 to Type 2 (Mode 3)
• Rating: 32A (suitable for 7kW and up to 22kW AC chargers, depending on your electric car)
• Length: 5m or 7.5m is ideal for most car parks

You usually don’t need your own cable for rapid DC chargers (motorway services, high-power hubs); those almost always have a thick tethered cable already attached.

We’ll break down what all that means in normal language, and how it works at commercial EV charging stations.

This article is written mainly for:

Everyday EV drivers who use public, workplace or hotel chargers

Drivers who need to buy (or replace) their own separate charging cable

Anyone who wants to understand how cable sizes work at commercial EV charging stations without needing technical knowledge

If you run a business or manage a site with chargers, this guide will also help you see things from the driver’s point of view, while still touching on the basics of cable sizing behind the scenes.

2. What does “cable size” actually mean?

What does “cable size” actually mean?

“Cable size” is used in two different ways:

1. The cable you hold in your hand

• This is the loose lead you plug between the charger and your car.
• For most public and workplace AC chargers in the UK, this is a Type 2 to Type 2 cable.
• Its “size” refers to:
  • How much power it can safely handle (e.g. 16A or 32A)
  • How long it is (e.g. 5m, 7.5m, 10m)

2. The fixed wiring in the ground or wall

• This is the heavier cable running from the electrical panel to the charging station.
• Electricians measure this in mm² (cross-section of the copper) and follow UK standards such as BS 7671 and the IET Code of Practice for EV Charging Equipment.

As a driver, you only need to focus on your portable cable. The fixed wiring is handled by qualified installers and companies like ZOLB EV.

3. Choosing the right EV charging cable as a driver

Let’s go step by step.

Step 1 – Check the connector: Type 2

In the UK and across Europe, Type 2 is the standard connector for AC charging at:

• Public charge points
• Workplace chargers
• Most modern home EV charger units

Almost all recent EVs and plug-in hybrids use a Type 2 inlet for AC charging, and most public charge points use a Type 2 socket or tethered lead.

So, in most cases, you want:

Type 2 (charger end) to Type 2 (car end)

If your car is older or imported, it’s still worth double-checking the connector in the handbook or on the manufacturer’s site.

Step 2 – 16A vs 32A: How much power should your cable handle?

You’ll see cables described as:

• 16A (around 3.6kW)
• 32A (up to 7.4kW single-phase, or 11–22kW on three-phase, depending on car and charger)

For everyday use at commercial and workplace chargers, a 32A cable is usually the best choice because:

• It works with typical 7kW chargers (common at homes and many workplaces).
• It can also be used on higher-power AC chargers (11kW or 22kW) if your car supports fast charging.
• You’re less likely to accidentally slow your own charging down.

A 16A cable is fine for slower charging, but will cap your maximum charging capacity even if the charger and car could go faster.

Step 3 – Single-phase vs three-phase cables

A standard UK home supply is usually single-phase, but many commercial EV charging stations and some new builds can offer three-phase power, which allows faster AC charging.

Single-phase 32A cable (often sold as 7kW)

• Ideal if your car only charges up to around 7kW AC.

Three-phase 32A cable (often labelled 11–22kW)

• Useful if your car can accept 11kW or 22kW on AC.
• Good if you regularly use workplace or destination chargers with a three-phase supply.

If you’re not sure what your car can take, check:

• The handbook
• Your car’s app or website
• Typical spec sheets that list “AC charging speed”

If you want to future-proof, choosing a 32A three-phase cable gives you more flexibility, even if your current car only uses 7kW.

Step 4 – What cable length do you actually need?

This is where real-world experience in car parks matters.

Common lengths for Type 2 cables are:

5m

• Good all-round length
• Easy to coil and store

7.5m

• More forgiving in awkward parking spaces
• Useful if your charge port is on the “wrong” side for some bays

10m (or a longer cable)

• Extra reach, but heavier and bulkier
• More risk of trailing on the ground or becoming a trip hazard, especially at busy commercial sites

For most people who regularly use supermarkets, public car parks, hotels and workplaces, a 5m or 7.5m cable does the job.

If you often end up parking nose-in when the car charger is at the rear, or vice versa, 7.5m gives you a bit more flexibility.

Step 5 – Look for quality and safety labels

When you’re browsing cables (online or in-store), look for:

• CE / UKCA marking and compliance with relevant standards
• A decent IP rating (water and dust protection), important for all-weather outdoor use
• A trusted seller or brand with clear ratings and a warranty

If a bargain cable feels flimsy, has very thin insulation, or lacks clear markings, it’s usually not worth the risk.

4. How cable size works at commercial EV charging stations

Now let’s talk about the “invisible” part of electric vehicle charging, the cables that run behind the scenes at hotels, retail parks, stadiums and workplaces.

The simple version

• Bigger chargers (higher kW) and longer cable runs need thicker cables.
• Electricians calculate the correct size so the cables don’t overheat and there isn’t too much voltage drop over distance.
• In the UK, they follow the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) and the IET Code of Practice for EV Charging Equipment.

As a driver, you don’t need to know the mm² of cable buried under the car park. But good cable sizing means:

• Chargers are safe
• They can deliver the power they advertise
• They’re less likely to trip breakers or fail under heavy use

AC vs DC at commercial sites

Most commercial sites use a mix of:

AC chargers (usually 7–22kW)

• Common for workplaces, hotels, tourist attractions and retail destinations
• Often requires you to bring your own Type 2 cable

DC rapid and ultra-rapid chargers (usually 50kW–350kW)

• Found on main routes, service areas and high-throughput sites
• Always have tethered cables already attached, as the cables are very thick and specialised

Behind both types of chargers, the site operator has to make sure the supply cables and protective devices are correctly sized and installed. That’s where companies like ZOLB EV come in, handling the technical design so the driver just plugs in and charges.

5. Real-world scenarios: Which cable should you choose?

Here are a few quick situations to make things concrete.

Scenario 1 – “I mostly charge at supermarkets and in town car parks”

• You’re using AC public chargers in car parks, plus the odd workplace charger.
• You want something that works “pretty much everywhere”.

Good choice:

• Type 2 to Type 2 cable
• 32A (so you’re covered for 7kW and faster AC posts)
• 5m or 7.5m length

That gives you a cable that works with most untethered commercial EV charge points you’re likely to see.

Scenario 2 – “I sometimes use rapid chargers on motorways”

• You use DC rapid or ultra-rapid chargers on long journeys.

Here, you usually don’t need your own cable:

• DC rapid chargers come with their own tethered CCS (Combined Charging System) or CHAdeMO cable built in.

Your Type 2 cable is still useful for:

• Destination chargers near the motorway
• Workplaces, hotels and visitor attractions en route

Scenario 3 – “My car can only charge at 7kW AC”

Many EVs and PHEVs have an onboard AC charger limited to 7kW.

• A 32A single-phase cable is enough to max out your car’s AC charging.
• You can still use a three-phase 22kW-rated cable if you want to future-proof, but your car will just draw 7kW.

Scenario 4 – “I might upgrade my EV in a couple of years”

If you’re planning a future EV that might support 11kW or 22kW AC, it can be worth going straight for:

• A 32A three-phase Type 2 cable, 5m–7.5m

It will:

Be ready for faster AC charging if your next EV supports it

Works fine with your current car

6. What about cable size for home or workplace installations?

A lot of guides talk about cable sizes in mm² for different charger powers, for example, what cable size to run from your consumer unit to a 7.4kW wall box.

These are useful as general guidance, but:

Anything that involves fixed wiring should always be handled by a qualified electrician or EV installer to guarantee a compliant and safe installation.

They’ll take into account:

• Your building’s existing wiring and supply, all while ensuring the work complies with UK wiring regulations.
• The distance from the electrical panel to the charger
• Installation method (in conduit, buried, clipped to a wall, grouped with other cables, etc.)
• Local regulations and manufacturer guidelines

For a commercial EV charging station with multiple bays, that design becomes even more important. The installer may:

• Use larger cables for long runs to reduce voltage drop
• Split the site into multiple distribution boards
• Add load management so the total demand stays within what the supply can handle

From a driver’s viewpoint, the key thing is this:

If you’re just using the chargers, focus on buying the right portable cable and using equipment that looks safe and well-maintained.

If you’re responsible for the building, don’t DIY the wiring.

7. FAQs on EV cable size (for everyday use)

Do I have to use a 32A cable on a 32A charger?

You can plug a 16A cable into a 32A charger, but:

• The system will usually limit charging to around 3.6kW, even if the charger and car could go faster.

If you’re regularly using public or workplace chargers, a 32A cable avoids that bottleneck.

Can I use the same cable at home and at public chargers?

Yes, as long as:

• Both ends of the cable match (usually Type 2 to Type 2)
• The cable is rated for the power level of the charger

Many drivers keep a single 32A Type 2 cable in the boot and use it everywhere: home, work and commercial AC chargers.

Do I need a different cable for rapid DC chargers?

No. Rapid and ultra-rapid DC chargers (with CCS or CHAdeMO) have fixed tethered cables. You just:

1. Park
2. Plug the station’s cable into your car
3. Start the session via app, RFID card or contactless payment

Your own Type 2 cable is just for AC charging.

What should I do if a public cable looks damaged?

If a cable at a commercial station looks:

• Cracked
• Squashed
• Burned or melted at the ends

…it’s safest not to use it. Use a different charger if you can, and report the issue through:

• The number or app on the charger, or
• The site’s reception or customer services

Good operators will repair or replace damaged cables quickly to keep sites safe and reliable.

Before You Plug In and Drive On

If you remember just a few things from this guide, let it be these:

For most drivers using public and workplace chargers, the best all-round choice is a Type 2 to Type 2, 32A cable, around 5–7.5 metres long. You don’t need your own cable for rapid DC chargers; those are tethered.

And the more technical side of cable sizing at commercial EV charging stations is handled by qualified installers following UK regulations, your job is simply to plug in safely and keep an eye out for any obvious damage.

If you’re responsible for a building, car park or site and you’re thinking about installing EV chargers, it’s worth talking to a professional EV installer rather than trying to piece everything together on your own.

The right partner will look at your supply, layout and future plans, then design a solution where the cables, chargers and software all work together seamlessly.

That way, drivers get straightforward, reliable charging, and your business gets a future-ready asset that supports staff, visitors and customers as more people make the switch to electric.

To make that process simple, efficient and future-proof, speak to ZOLB EV, we design, install and maintain EV charging solutions for businesses across the UK.