Type 2, standardised as IEC 62196-2 and often called Mennekes after the German manufacturer that developed it, is the European standard for AC charging. Virtually every new electric car sold in Europe has a Type 2 inlet, and every public AC charge point uses it. The connector has seven pins and handles both single-phase and three-phase supply, with public posts and home chargers delivering up to 22 kW.

Voldt® makes Type 2 to Type 2 cables in four ratings: 3.7 kW (single-phase 16A), 7.4 kW (single-phase 32A), 11 kW (three-phase 16A) and 22 kW (three-phase 32A).

Choosing between them catches people out here, because UK homes are single-phase. The rating describes the conductors, not a limit your car imposes. An 11 kW cable carries 16A per phase, so on a single-phase wallbox it tops out at 3.7 kW. A 22 kW cable carries 32A, which on that same wallbox gives you 7.4 kW. So for a car that draws 32A on a single phase, and most 11 kW cars do, the 22 kW cable is the right buy in the UK. A few models are strictly 3×16A and stay at 3.7 kW either way, so it is worth checking your car's spec.

Type 2 cables come in lengths from 2 to 40 m, IP67 rated, CE, UKCA and TÜV certified with a 3-year warranty.