The cable that unlocks 3.7 kW from a socket.
The cable that unlocks 3.7 kW from a socket.
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The right cable and the right socket, or you top out at around 2 kW
The right cable
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The cable with a control box, for charging from a socket.
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This is what allows 3.7 kW (16 A single-phase).
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Type 2 connector on the car side, 5 m in most cases.
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Want to charge from a socket? Be careful: on a household socket, a Mode 2 cable stays limited to around 8 to 10 A, i.e. 1.8 to 2.3 kW. To reach 3.7 kW, you need an industrial CEE 16 A socket (blue) on a dedicated circuit, fitted by an approved electrician, and a Mode 2 cable with the matching plug. Here is how to recognise it.
The cable that unlocks 3.7 kW
A dedicated charging socket can deliver 3.7 kW, but only with the right cable. A Mode 2 cable with a CEE 16 A plug, or with interchangeable adapters, sets its control box to 16 A when plugged into a CEE socket. On a household socket, it limits itself to 8 or 10 A, i.e. 1.8 to 2.3 kW. Many cables supplied with the car only have a household plug. Before installing the socket, check the 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 a wallbox: it very often comes with the car, so there is no need to buy it again. Mode 2 (with a control box) is for charging from a socket: this is the one to check, and often to buy, to get 3.7 kW from a CEE socket.
Mode 2 (check/buy) | Mode 3 (often supplied) | |
|---|---|---|
Plugs into | A socket (household or CEE) | A charging station or a wallbox |
Control box | Yes, built into the cable | No, handled by the charging station |
Supplied with the car? | Sometimes, often limited | Very often |
Role on a CEE 16 A socket | Allows 3.7 kW if it has the CEE 16 A plug | Not applicable |
How to recognise the right Mode 2 cable
- It is a Mode 2 cable, with a built-in control box.
- It is rated "3.7 kW / 16 A" with a blue CEE plug, or with interchangeable adapters (household and CEE). Cross-border worker living in France with a Green'Up reinforced socket: choose a cable stated as compatible with that system.
- 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 away. Budget €150 to €400 for a good 3.7 kW Mode 2 cable, more for a model with interchangeable adapters. Never extend a charging cable with an ordinary extension lead.
Dedicated socket + company car: the right combination
Charging a company car from your socket? Get the right cable for full power, then let Voltaback take care of the reimbursement. The principle is simple: as soon as you can charge at home, in Luxembourg or in your country of residence, whatever your installation, Voltaback measures the charging and has it reimbursed at real cost, at the price of your electricity contract (night tariff, dynamic tariff, fixed price…). 100 % software, no hardware, a record per vehicle, accurate to the cent. See how it works for drivers or across a company fleet.
FAQ
Your questions about the charging cable
Because your Mode 2 cable is plugged into a household socket, or it has no CEE 16 A plug. On a household socket, the control box limits charging to 8 or 10 A to prevent overheating. For 3.7 kW, you need a CEE 16 A socket on a dedicated circuit and the matching cable.
Mode 2 (with a control box) for charging from a socket: this is the one to check and often to buy. Mode 3 (for charging stations) usually already comes with the car.
It must be rated "3.7 kW / 16 A" with a CEE 16 A plug or interchangeable adapters, and not limited to 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 generally delivered with the vehicle or offered as an option. The Mode 2 cable for sockets is supplied less often, or in a limited version.
Five metres is enough in most cases. Budget €150 to €400 for a good 3.7 kW Mode 2 cable.
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 Luxembourg, 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.