FAQs
Electric vehicle charging can appear confusing, with a varity of plug types and methods of charging.
We've compiled a useful set of Questions and Answers to help with the common enquiries we receive. Please do get in touch if you have an further questions that are not answered below.
Do I need a 16amp or 32amp cable?
Our plug to plug cables, used for dedicated charge points are available as either 16amp or 32amp cables. We also provide 3 phase power cables. The majority of early production EV vehicles were fitted with a 3.6KW onboard charger as standard, which require a 16amp cable. More recent models have 7KW onboard charge capability which require a 32amp cable.
The vehicle will always determine the rate of charge and the software will 'scale down' where necessary to protect the battery. All public charge station sockets are universal and designed to mate with the 7 pin plug.
For full help and advise on choosing the correct cable for you, please visit: ev cable selection guide
How do I find the right charging cable for my vehicle?
Simple, select your electric car, van or motorbikes make and model on our websites home page and we’ll show the right charging cable for your vehicle. You’ll have a choice of two: a lead for connecting to an EV charge unit, or a portable charging cable (EVSE) for plugging into a domestic plug socket.
I purchased a 32amp cable so I can charge my car faster, but it’s still very slow, only seems to be charging at 16amp.
You need to check the capability of your car and the source of the power you’re charging from. You can only charge at the rate your car can take, and the rate the power source is providing.
I’m connected to a 32amp power source, my car can take a 32amp charge, but it’s still charging very slowly.
Check the specification of the charging cable, if it’s only 16amp then this is the max power it can take, even if you connect it to higher power source. Sounds like you need to upgrade to a 32amp cable.
What if I just plug my car into a domestic plug socket in my house, how quickly will that charge my vehicle?
Usually between 6 - 8 hours. This is often referred to as ‘trickle charge’. A domestic three pin (UK), 2 pin (EU) will only ever provide 3.7kw of power (10amps). Even if you have a vehicle that will take a much higher rate of charge, it will only ever draw this amount of power, as that’s all that is being offered to the vehicle. For this type of charging you’ll need a portable domestic charging lead (EVSE). Despite the slow speed, the advantage is the convenience of being able to charge your vehicle anywhere you can find a standard plug socket. Some public electric car charging stations only have three pin domestic plug sockets to plug into. Keeping a portable domestic charger in your vehicle, at all times, is a very good idea.
To charge faster than the slowest ‘trickle charge’ rate from the portable charger. You’ll need a specialist charge point installed at home, or you might have one at your work premises, or you can visit a public charging station.
I’m always worried someone might trip over my cable at public charging stations
Some public charging points do leave the cables a little exposed. We recommend you purchase the high vis orange cable to make sure it can be
seen.
I need a longer cable than the sizes you offer.
We provide a range of cable lengths up to 10m. We can arrange special orders so please do contact us and we’ll provide you with a price.
Custom colour cable and plugs and own branded carry cases
We can provide quotes for bespoke colours for plugs and cable, but subject to minimum quantity order.
We can also help with custom printing on carry cases to match own company branding.
Please contact us for more details.
What charging cables will I get with my new car?
This will depend on the vehicle manufacturer. As standard, most vehicles come with a portable domestic charger that you plug into a standard domestic plug socket. If however, you’ve arranged through your car dealer to have a specialist charge point installed at home, then they’re likely to only provide a plug to plug cable to connect to your new charge point.
You might find that your new charge point only has a lead permanently attached to it, so you'll still need another cable for charging at public charge stations. Some dealers might give you both, others might give you nothing at all. They’ll no doubt offer you an upgrade to purchase the leads you need, but these may be expensive. Compare prices on our website to see if you’re getting a good deal.
Is it worth buying a spare cable?
It’s up to you… we have lots of customers who have purchased additional cables, keeping one at and one in the boot for charging whilst out and about. We recommend you keep a portable domestic charger and a plug to plug cable in your vehicle. Then you can pull up to any public charging point, a friends house or place of work and be able to charge your vehicle. We even supply a stylish carry case to keep your cables neat and tidy.
Why can’t I buy a 63amp plug to plug cable from your website?
Simply because you won’t ever need one. If you’re charging your vehicle from a rapid charge point then the cable will be permanently attached (tethered) to the charge point. This is for safety reasons, keeping you well away form this high powered electricity. We do sell some 63amp products on our website, but these are for use by manufacturers who construct the charge points and vehicles. EV Connectors supply many component parts to the EV industry.
Why do cars and charging points have different inlets?
The Electric vehicle industry has adopted different types of connectors in different countries. Japan, China and Asian manufacturers generally use Type 1 (J1772), with Europe and America favouring Type 2 (62196-2). So a European car using a Charge point in a European country will need a Type 2 to Type 2 lead. A Japanese car using a charge point in Europe will need a Type 1 to Type 2 Connector.
Where the charge lead is not attached to the public charge point and with only a few exceptions (France mainly) the charge unit socket is universal, 7 pin type 2 (62196-2)
I seem to have purchased the wrong cable from your website.
No problem, provided it’s unused, simply send it back to us in the original packaging and we'll exchange it for the correct cable for your vehicle. You can find more information about our returns policy in our terms and conditions.
Where else can I purchase your products, apart from the website?
Give us a ring and we’ll take your order over the phone, you can then either send us a cheque or pay by direct bank transfer. You’re welcome to come to our office, just make sure you make an appointment first, so we can check stock and prepare your order.
I’m still a bit confused, I need more information, what shall I do?
Pick up the phone and call us on +31685443636 or email: info@matrixevbox.eu, we’ll go through anything you need to know.