Type 2 EV Charger UK: Complete Buyer's Guide

Type 2 is the standard connector for AC electric vehicle charging across Europe and the UK. If you drive an EV registered in Britain, your car almost certainly has a Type 2 inlet — and every home wallbox, workplace charger, and most portable units use the same connector. This guide explains what Type 2 means in practice and how to choose the right charger for your situation.

What is a Type 2 EV charger?

A Type 2 EV charger uses the Mennekes-style seven-pin connector mandated as the UK and EU standard for AC charging. Unlike the older Type 1 connector (still found on some imported Japanese models), Type 2 supports single-phase charging up to 7.4kW and three-phase up to 22kW where available.

When you see "Type 2 to Commando" or "Type 2 tethered wallbox" in product listings, it refers to the connector on the vehicle end. The other end connects to your power source — a Commando socket, hardwired circuit, or in rare cases a 3-pin adapter.

Type 2 vs Type 1: which does your car use?

Check the charge port on your vehicle or your handbook. Nearly all EVs sold new in the UK since 2018 use Type 2. Exceptions include some older Nissan Leafs (Type 1) and certain grey imports. If your car has Type 2, any Type 2 charger on the market will physically connect — though charging speed still depends on your car's onboard charger and the power supply.

Tethered vs untethered Type 2 chargers

Tethered chargers have a fixed cable and connector attached to the unit. You uncoil the cable and plug directly into the car. This is convenient but the cable is exposed to theft and weather when the unit is outdoors.

Untethered (socket-only) chargers have a Type 2 socket on the front; you supply your own cable. Public charge points often use this format. The advantage is reduced cable theft risk; the disadvantage is carrying a separate cable.

Portable Type 2 chargers combine a tethered cable with mobility — the entire unit moves between locations. The EVzap portable Type 2 charger includes a built-in Type 2 connector, adjustable amperage (8/10/13/16/32A), and IP65 weatherproofing, and can be stored indoors when not charging.

Charging speeds with Type 2

Type 2 is a connector standard, not a speed rating. Actual power depends on the supply:

• 2.3kW (10A, 3-pin): Emergency or occasional use only.
• 3.7kW (16A, single-phase): Common on older wallboxes and some public posts.
• 7.2kW (32A, single-phase): Standard UK home and workplace speed. The EVzap unit delivers this via a Commando socket.
• 11–22kW (three-phase): Requires three-phase supply, rare in UK homes.

Choosing a Type 2 charger for UK conditions

Beyond connector type, consider these factors:

Installation flexibility

Fixed wallboxes need landlord consent, an electrician, and often a consumer unit upgrade. Reddit discussions among UK flat owners and renters frequently describe months of waiting for permission while relying on slow public charging. A portable Type 2 charger avoids all three barriers if you have access to a Commando socket or can have one installed at lower cost than a full wallbox.

Weather protection

Outdoor Type 2 connectors face rain, frost, and road salt. Look for IP65 or higher on both the control box and connector housing. The EVzap charger is rated IP65 waterproof — suitable for UK driveways and car ports.

Cable length and storage

Measure the distance from your power source to your typical parking position. A 6-metre cable covers most UK driveways. Portable units can be coiled and stored in a garage or boot, reducing overnight theft exposure compared to fixed tethered units.

Safety certifications

Ensure the charger complies with BS EN 61851 (EV conductive charging systems) and carries CE/UKCA marking. Adjustable current limiting — as offered on the EVzap 32A unit — protects older wiring from sustained overload.

Where Type 2 chargers are used in the UK

Type 2 connectors appear everywhere in the UK charging ecosystem:

• Home and workplace: Wallboxes and portable units on Commando sockets.
• Public AC posts: Street lamps, car parks, and retail destinations.
• Destination charging: Hotels, gyms, and NHS car parks.
• Workplace depots: Fleet vans and company cars charged overnight.

If you manage a site considering EV charging, pairing Type 2 hardware with clear bay signage (see our EV charging station sign guide) reduces bay blocking and improves driver experience.

Maintaining your Type 2 charger in the UK climate

Type 2 connectors and cables face constant exposure to rain, frost, and road grime. After each use, inspect the connector pins for moisture or debris before plugging in. Store portable units in a dry garage or boot when not charging. IP65-rated control boxes like the EVzap unit resist water ingress, but keeping connectors clean extends cable life and maintains charging reliability through British winters.

Type 2 on public charging networks

Most UK public AC charge points — including on-street lamp-post chargers and retail car park units — use Type 2. You will need a Type 2-to-Type 2 cable for untethered posts, or simply plug in if the post is tethered. Your portable Type 2 charger is for private/supply-side use, not for connecting to public post sockets (which require an app or RFID to activate).

Common Type 2 buying mistakes

• Buying Type 1 by mistake: Double-check your vehicle port before ordering.
• Ignoring amperage limits: A 32A charger on a 16A circuit will trip the breaker.
• Choosing untethered when you need portability: Socket-only units need a separate cable you must carry.
• Skipping weather rating: Indoor-rated units fail quickly on UK driveways.

Price comparison: what should you expect to pay?

Fixed Type 2 wallboxes range from £400–£800 for the unit alone, plus £500–£1,000 installation. Portable Type 2 chargers typically cost £150–£350 for the hardware with no installation required. The EVzap 32A Type 2 charger is priced at £214.25 with free UK tracked delivery, a 12-month warranty, and 30-day returns.

Shop EVzap Type 2 charger — £214.25

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Type 2 the same as CCS?

No. Type 2 is for AC charging. CCS (Combined Charging System) adds DC rapid-charging pins below the Type 2 portion. Your car may have a CCS inlet that accepts both AC (via the Type 2 top section) and DC rapid charging.

Can I use a Type 2 charger with a hybrid?

Yes, if the plug-in hybrid has a Type 2 inlet. Charging speed will be limited by the smaller onboard charger — often 3.7kW — regardless of the charger's maximum output.

Do I need a smart Type 2 charger?

Smart chargers connect to Wi-Fi for scheduling and energy monitoring. They are required for some OZEV grants but not essential for basic charging. A non-smart portable Type 2 charger delivers the same 7.2kW speed without app dependency.