1 phase EV charging cables
In the truck workshop and across the trailer industry, electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly common part of daily operations. Terminal tractors, electric light commercial vehicles, and service vans are now frequently found alongside conventional HGV fleets at transport companies, trailer builders, and body builders. To keep these vehicles charged and operational, single phase charging cables with a Type 2 connector are the most widely used solution for AC charging across Europe.
The Type 2 connector, defined under IEC 62196-2, is the European standard for AC charging and is compatible with virtually all electric vehicles available on the European market. Single phase charging operates at 230V and draws from the standard electrical supply available in most workshops, depots, and outdoor facilities. This makes it straightforward to integrate charging into existing infrastructure without significant modifications, which is particularly relevant for businesses in the trailer and HGV sector that are transitioning part of their fleet to electric.
Single phase charging cables are available in two current ratings that are practically significant. A 16A cable delivers approximately 3.7 kW, which suits situations where overnight charging is acceptable and speed is not critical. A 32A cable delivers approximately 7.4 kW, considerably reducing charge time and making it a more practical option in an active truck workshop where a vehicle may need to return to service within a few hours. For trailer builders, HGV workshops, and transport companies with in-house service facilities, the 32A variant is generally the more operationally relevant choice.
Beyond current rating, cable construction is another practical consideration. A straight cable of 5 metres offers flexibility and suits fixed charging points where space is not a constraint. A spiral cable provides compact storage and keeps the cable off the ground during use, reducing tripping hazards and keeping the work area clear. In a busy workshop environment where multiple tasks are carried out simultaneously, this matters. A spiral charging cable at the side of a trailer being fitted out or next to a service bay in a HGV workshop maintains order and reduces interference with other work.
In the trailer industry and among body builders and semi-trailer specialists, single phase charging cables also serve functions beyond simply charging a vehicle. They are used during functional testing of on-board electrical systems that are powered via the vehicle's onboard charger, for conditioning batteries after storage or overhaul, and for stable charging cycles during vehicle commissioning. In all these situations, having the right Type 2 cable with the correct current rating is an operational requirement rather than an optional convenience.
For any truck workshop, trailer builder, or HGV fleet operator looking to accommodate electric vehicles without committing to complex infrastructure, single phase Type 2 charging cables offer a direct and practical solution. They connect to existing 230V supplies, support the full range of European electric vehicles, and are available in configurations suited to both fixed installations and flexible daily use in the workshop or on-site at a trailer or semi-trailer facility.