The cable that unlocks the 3.7 kW of your T23 or CEE socket.
The cable that unlocks the 3.7 kW of your T23 or CEE socket.
On a standard T13 household socket, a Mode 2 cable tops out at around 2 kW. For 3.7 kW you need a T23 or CEE socket and a Mode 2 cable with the matching plug, set to 16 A. Here is how to spot it.
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The right cable, or you stay stuck at around 2 kW
The right cable
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The cable with an in-line control box, for charging from a socket.
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This is what unlocks the 3.7 kW (16 A).
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Type 2 connector on the car side, 5 m in most cases.
Find the right cable
Find the right cable
Choose a Mode 2 cable with a T23 or CEE plug that suits your car and your socket.
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Having a T23 or CEE socket installed? Watch out: with a Mode 2 cable fitted with a T13 plug, you will stay at around 2 kW. To reach 3.7 kW, you need a Mode 2 cable with a T23 or CEE plug (or the matching adapter), set to 16 A. Here is how to spot it.
The cable that unlocks 3.7 kW
A T23 or CEE socket can deliver 3.7 kW on a single phase, but only if the cable has the right plug and is set to 16 A. On a standard T13 household socket, a Mode 2 cable is limited to 8 or 10 A, around 1.8 to 2.3 kW. Before you even have your socket installed, make sure you have the right cable.
Mode 2 or Mode 3: which one should you buy?
Two cables, two uses. Mode 3 (Type 2 to Type 2, no control box) is for charging at a charging station or wallbox: it very often comes with the car, so there is no need to buy another one. Mode 2 (with a control box) is for charging from a socket: this is the one to check, and often to replace, to get the 3.7 kW of a T23 or CEE socket.
Mode 2 (check/buy) | Mode 3 (often supplied) | |
|---|---|---|
Plugs into | A socket (T13, T23 or CEE) | A charging station or wallbox |
Control box | Yes, built into the cable | No, handled by the charging station |
Supplied with the car? | Sometimes, often with a T13 plug | Very often |
Role on a T23 or CEE socket | Unlocks 3.7 kW with a T23 or CEE plug set to 16 A | Not relevant |
How to spot the right Mode 2 cable
- It is a Mode 2 cable, with a built-in control box.
- It has a T23 or CEE plug (or the matching adapters) and is rated “3.7 kW / 16 A” (not 8-10 A).
- Type 2 connector on the car side (European standard).
- CE / TÜV certified, with a good ingress protection (IP) rating.
Length and price
Five metres is enough in most cases; only go longer if the socket is far from where you park. Expect a few hundred francs for a good Mode 2 cable with a T23 or CEE plug. Never extend a charging cable with an ordinary extension lead.
T23 or CEE socket + company car: the right combination
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FAQ
Your questions about charging cables
Because it is plugged into a standard T13 household socket or set to 8 to 10 A. To reach 3.7 kW, you need a T23 or CEE socket installed by a licensed electrical installer and a Mode 2 cable with the matching plug, set to 16 A.
Mode 2 (with a control box) for charging from a T13, T23 or CEE socket: this is the one to check and often to replace. Mode 3 (for charging stations) usually comes with the car.
It must have a T23 or CEE plug (or the matching adapter) and be rated “3.7 kW / 16 A”, not 8-10 A. It is a Mode 2 cable with a control box and a Type 2 connector on the car side.
Very often, yes. The Mode 3 cable (Type 2 to Type 2, for charging stations) is usually supplied with the vehicle or offered as an option. The Mode 2 cable for sockets is supplied less often, or in a power-limited version.
Five metres is enough in most cases. Expect a few hundred francs for a good Mode 2 cable with a T23 or CEE plug.
Type 2 has been the European standard since 2013 and is fitted to almost all recent cars. Type 1 is found on older models. In Switzerland, choose Type 2.
No. An ordinary extension lead is not suitable and creates a risk of overheating. Buy a cable of the right length from the start.