EV charging cable: Type 2 cable, portable charger and choosing the right one
At socketed AC charging stations, you need to plug in your own Type 2 cable; ZES and Voltrun say so explicitly. At DC stations, the cable is attached to the station. For charging from a normal socket at home, a portable charger (Mode 2) is used, but only at low current and without an extension cable. The right cable is three-phase, 32 A and 5–8 metres long.
By: Şarj Rehberim · Updated: · 5 min read
Short answer
AC charging stations come in two types: tethered (the cable is attached to the station) and socketed (there is only a Type 2 socket). At a socketed station, you need to plug in your own Type 2–Type 2 cable (Mode 3 cable). At DC fast charging stations, the CCS2 cable is fixed to the station, so you don't need your own.
A portable charger (Mode 2), on the other hand, is a cable with a control box that plugs into a home or workplace socket. It is suitable for emergencies or occasional use; for regular home charging, a wall-mounted charging unit is safer and faster.
Mode 1, 2, 3 and 4: charging modes
| Mode | What it means | Where it is used |
|---|---|---|
| Mode 1 | From a standard socket, without a protection box | Not used for cars |
| Mode 2 | From a standard or industrial socket, with a protection box on the cable (up to 32 A) | Portable charger |
| Mode 3 | From an AC charging unit permanently connected to the grid, 3.7–22 kW | Wall units and AC stations |
| Mode 4 | From a DC charger outside the vehicle | DC fast charging stations |
Sources (as of 3 November 2026): Schneider Electric: EV charging fundamentals (IEC 61851-1)
When do you need a Type 2 cable?
Under the Charging Service Regulation of EPDK (Energy Market Regulatory Authority), at every station with AC units, at least one unit must be equipped with a Type 2 socket, and AC units may serve either with a Type 2 socket or with a fixed vehicle connector. In other words, some AC stations are tethered and some are socketed.
ZES and Voltrun state in their FAQs that you need your own Type 2 cable to charge at AC stations. Keeping a Mode 3 cable in the boot lets you use every AC station.
Sources (as of 3 November 2026): EPDK Charging Service Regulation (Official Gazette 02.04.2022) · ZES frequently asked questions · Voltrun frequently asked questions
How to choose the right cable
- ADAC recommends buying a three-phase cable even if the car itself charges on a single phase; it will also be useful for your next car.
- Length: ADAC recommends 7–8 metres; a 32 A, three-phase, 7.5-metre cable weighs about 4.3 kg.
- Check for compliance with IEC 61851 and IEC 62196 (TS EN 62196-2 in Türkiye), the IP protection rating and the temperature range.
- Do not add an adapter or extension to the charging cable.
| Cable | Maximum power |
|---|---|
| 16 A, single-phase | 3.7 kW |
| 32 A, single-phase | 7.4 kW |
| 16 A, three-phase | 11 kW |
| 32 A, three-phase | 22 kW |
Sources (as of 3 November 2026): ADAC: charging cables and plug types · Lapp: Mode 3/Mode 2 cable guide (Turkish)
Is a portable charger (Mode 2) safe?
- According to ADAC, a normal household socket (Schuko) is only an emergency solution: sockets can withstand 16 A only for a short time, and worn contacts can heat up and cause a fire; it recommends setting the current to 10 A or lower.
- Choose a device with a temperature sensor in the control box; for regular use, a blue or red industrial socket (CEE) is more suitable.
- Kia's owner's manual says not to use extension cables or adapters and to stop charging immediately if the socket heats up.
- Electrical Safety First, the UK's electrical safety charity, states that a long charging load can strain the home wiring and that the car should be supplied from a dedicated circuit.
Sources (as of 3 November 2026): ADAC: EV charging FAQ · Kia owner's manual: portable charging · Electrical Safety First: electric vehicles
Charging cable and home charger prices (November 2026)
Togg's portable home charging cable does not come with the car; it is sold as an accessory in the Trumore app, and its current price is not published online. For installing a home charging unit, how many kW to choose and the approval process in an apartment building, see our home charging station guide.
| Product | Price | Seller |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Mobile Connector (portable, 6 m) | 11,000 TL | Tesla shop |
| Tesla Wall Connector (22 kW) | 29,670 TL | Tesla shop |
| Vestel EVC04 22 kW socketed / tethered | 31,999 / 32,999 TL | Vestel |
| Eşarj Artemis Basic 7.4 kW | 26,500 TL | Eşarj |
| Wallbox Pulsar Plus 7.4 / 22 kVA | 24,750 / 36,000 TL | Eşarj |
| ABB Terra AC socketed / tethered | 55,750 / 60,000 TL | Eşarj |
Sources (as of 3 November 2026): Tesla shop: charging products · Vestel: EV charging stations · Eşarj: home and workplace solutions · Togg frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need an EV charging cable?
- Yes, at socketed AC charging stations: you need to plug in your own Type 2–Type 2 cable. At DC fast charging stations and tethered AC stations, the cable is attached to the station.
- How many kW is a Type 2 cable?
- It depends on the cable: 16 A single-phase 3.7 kW, 32 A single-phase 7.4 kW, 16 A three-phase 11 kW, 32 A three-phase 22 kW. A three-phase 32 A cable covers them all.
- Is a portable charger safe on a household socket?
- It can be used occasionally and at low current. ADAC recommends setting the current to 10 A, not using an extension cable and choosing a device with a temperature sensor; for regular charging, a wall unit is safer.
- How much does the Tesla Mobile Connector cost?
- 11,000 TL in Tesla's Türkiye shop in November 2026; it comes with a 6-metre cable and a household socket adapter.