Type 2 EV Charging Cable Australia Guide: 7kW vs 22kW Explained

Introduction

If you drive an EV or plug-in hybrid in Australia, there’s a good chance you’ll need your own charging cable at some point. A Type 2 to Type 2 EV charging cable is usually the cable drivers keep in the boot for public AC charging stations, workplace chargers, apartment charging setups, and home wall chargers with a socket rather than a fixed lead.

That’s an important distinction. Many home chargers come with a tethered cable already attached, so you don’t need to buy a separate portable cable for that setup. But if your charger has a Type 2 socket, or you regularly use public AC chargers, having the right cable matters.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a Type 2 to Type 2 charging cable is, how 7kW and 22kW options differ, whether you really need 3-phase charging, and what to look for when choosing a cable for everyday use in Australian conditions.

What is a Type 2 to Type 2 EV Charging Cable

A Type 2 to Type 2 EV charging cable is a portable AC charging cable with a Type 2 plug on both ends. One end plugs into your vehicle, and the other plugs into a Type 2 socket on a charging station.

In Australia, this type of cable is most commonly used for untethered public AC chargers, workplace chargers, apartment or strata charging stations, and home wall chargers that have a socket instead of a built-in cable.

It is not usually needed for a tethered home charger, because tethered units already have one end permanently connected to the charger. In that case, the cable is part of the charger itself and stays mounted at home.

For many EV owners, a Type 2 to Type 2 charging cable is the practical cable kept in the boot so they’re ready to plug into public or shared AC charging points whenever needed.

7kW vs 22kW EV Charging – What’s the Difference

When buying a Type 2 to Type 2 charging cable, the two most common options are 7kW and 22kW. The main difference is the power setup they support.

A 7kW cable is designed for 32A single-phase charging. This is the most common setup for many Australian residential properties and a practical choice for drivers who mainly use single-phase charging infrastructure.

A 22kW cable is designed for 32A three-phase charging. It supports higher AC charging capability where the charger, property, and vehicle all allow it.

In simple terms, a 7kW cable suits many everyday charging situations, while a 22kW cable gives you more flexibility for three-phase capable setups and some public AC chargers. It does not automatically mean your car will always charge at 22kW, because actual charging speed depends on your vehicle’s onboard charger as well.

Do You Need 3-Phase Charging

Not every EV owner needs 3-phase charging. Three-phase power is more common in commercial sites, some newer homes, and some upgraded residential properties. It allows higher AC charging power than standard single-phase.

But whether you need a 22kW cable depends on more than just the charger. Your vehicle also needs to support higher AC charging speeds through its onboard charger. If the vehicle is limited to a lower AC input, it will only charge up to that limit even if the cable and charging station are rated higher.

For many Australian drivers, a 7kW cable is enough. If you mainly charge at public AC stations, workplace chargers, or properties with three-phase power, a 22kW cable can be a smart choice for broader compatibility and future flexibility.

The simple way to think about it is this: buy based on the charging setups you actually use and the AC charging capability of your vehicle, not just the highest number on the cable.

Best EV Charging Setup for Australian Homes

When it comes to home charging, the best setup depends on the type of charger installed.

A tethered wall charger has a fixed cable permanently attached. This is very convenient for everyday home charging, but the cable stays with the charger and isn’t something you normally take with you.

A socketed wall charger has a Type 2 socket instead of a fixed lead. In that case, you need your own Type 2 to Type 2 cable to connect the car each time. This setup offers more flexibility, especially if multiple vehicles may use the same charger or if you want to replace the cable separately later.

For many EV owners, the ideal arrangement is a home charger for daily use plus a portable Type 2 to Type 2 cable kept in the boot for public AC charging and travel.

Choosing the right cable length also matters:

• 5m is a good option for tighter parking spaces and close charging points
• 7m is a popular all-rounder for everyday flexibility
• 10m is helpful for larger driveways, awkward parking layouts, or shared charging areas

If you’re unsure, a little extra length can make charging easier in real-world situations without needing to reposition the car too precisely.

What to Look for When Buying an EV Charging Cable

Not all EV charging cables are built the same. A good cable should be safe, durable, easy to handle, and suited to the charging setups you actually use.

Here are the key things to check before buying:

• Compatibility with Type 2 vehicles and charging stations
• The right power rating for your charger and vehicle setup
• Appropriate cable length for public, workplace, or home charging use
• Strong safety and compliance credentials
• Weather resistance for outdoor use
• Flexible materials that are easier to coil, store, and handle daily
• Protective details like dust caps and a carry bag for transport and storage

For many Australian EV owners, this cable is not just something used at home. It’s often handled regularly, packed away in the boot, taken to public chargers, and used in different weather conditions, so build quality matters a lot.

Why This Cable is Built for Australian Conditions

Australian EV owners often charge in open car parks, shared basements, driveways, and outdoor areas where cables are exposed to heat, dust, moisture, and regular handling. That’s why durability matters just as much as charging performance.

This Type 2 to Type 2 EV charging cable is built with a tough TPU outer sheath that helps the cable stay flexible while standing up to everyday wear. The plug housing uses nylon and glass fibre reinforcement for added strength, while the plug material is UL94-V0 flame-retardant for extra safety.

The connectors are IP67 rated, which helps protect against dust and water ingress when used in outdoor or exposed environments. For drivers who rely on public AC chargers or keep a cable in the boot for regular use, these details make a real difference over time.

Safety, Certifications and Compliance

When buying an EV charging cable, safety and compliance should never be an afterthought. This cable includes a strong mix of recognised standards and testing credentials that help give buyers confidence.

• RCM compliant, which shows it meets Australian electrical regulatory requirements
• TÜV Rheinland tested, meaning it has been independently assessed for safety and performance
• IEC 62196-2 compliant, covering the connector standard used for EV charging plugs
• IEC 61851-1 compliant, covering EV conductive charging system requirements
• IP67 rated connectors for strong protection against dust and temporary water exposure
• CB certified, supporting international recognition of electrical safety testing
• UKCA compliant for relevant UK product conformity requirements
• CE compliant for relevant European conformity requirements

For the everyday driver, this simply means the cable is built to recognised standards rather than being a generic unknown option. That matters whether you’re plugging in at home, at work, or at a public AC charger.

Why Choose EEVA Store’s Type 2 EV Charging Cable

There are plenty of charging cables on the market, but the right one should do more than just fit the socket. It should be built properly, easy to live with, and backed by support you can rely on.

EEVA Store’s cable is a strong option for Australian EV owners because it combines practical features with solid safety credentials. It is available in 7kW (32A single-phase) and 22kW (32A three-phase) versions, with 5m, 7m, and 10m length options to suit different parking and charging setups.

It also includes protective dust caps and a carry bag, making it a practical cable to store in the boot and take with you for public or shared charging.

• Designed for Type 2 EVs and plug-in hybrids
• Suitable for public AC chargers, workplace chargers, and socketed home wall chargers
• Strong safety, testing, and compliance credentials
• Durable materials for frequent handling and outdoor use
• Ships from Australia with local support from EEVA Store

If you want a portable cable that’s built for real-world Australian use, you can view the full product here.

Compatibility

This cable is compatible with Type 2 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids that use Type 2 AC charging connections. It is designed for use with Type 2 socket-based charging points, including many public AC chargers, workplace chargers, apartment charging stations, and home wall chargers with a Type 2 socket.

The 7kW version suits 32A single-phase setups, while the 22kW version suits 32A three-phase compatible setups. As always, actual charging speed depends on the vehicle, the charger, and the available power supply.

If your home charger has a fixed tethered cable, you generally would not use this as your main everyday home cable. But it remains a very useful portable option for public and shared charging.

Conclusion

A Type 2 to Type 2 EV charging cable is one of the most useful accessories many EV owners can keep in the boot. It’s the cable commonly used for public AC charging stations, workplace charging, apartment setups, and socketed home chargers where a fixed cable isn’t provided.

Choosing the right one comes down to understanding where you charge, whether you use single-phase or three-phase infrastructure, and how much durability you want for everyday use. Length, flexibility, weather resistance, and compliance all matter.

If you’re looking for a well-built, portable charging solution with strong safety credentials and local Australian support, shop the charging cable here.