The UK is charging full speed ahead towards an electric future! So it’s no surprise that electric vehicles (EV) have become an increasingly popular choice. As more people make the switch, the market for second hand EVs is growing rapidly. But there’s more to buying an EV than just a car.
Second hand EV’s may not come with all the accessories. That’s why we’ve put together our own handy guide to help you get to grips with electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). Find out what to look out for when purchasing accessories like charging cables, home chargers, and extension cables for your second hand EV.
What is EVSE?
Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) controls the transfer of electricity from a power supply (usually the grid) to your electric vehicle (EV). This allows the battery to recharge safely and efficiently.1
Understanding EVSE is simple really - an EV is your vehicle, and an EVSE is the equipment that charges it up. Here’s a few examples of EVSEs:
Charging point.
Charging cable.
EV extension cables.
Surge protectors.
Don’t worry if you don’t know where to begin, we’re here to help you understand the world of EVSE.
Different types of EVSE chargers and cables.
Chargers and charging cables come in various types, which can be quite overwhelming at first. Luckily, the type of EVSE you’ll need mostly just depends on the EV you own or plan to buy - you just need to find which are compatible.
Finding compatible EVSE.
Before we get into choosing your EVSE, it's important to understand what a connector is and how it affects the compatibility of your charging equipment.
An EV charging connector is the plug at the end of your cable that connects the supply device (charging point) to the charging port on your vehicle. The type of plug you need depends on the type of EV you have and the power rating of the charging point.
Before buying any EV charging accessories, always check if their plugs fit your EV (and home charger if you have one).
Learn how to identify your EV charging connector.
Choosing an EV home charger.
All chargers come corded or uncorded (sometimes called tethered or untethered). Both corded and uncorded chargers charge your vehicle in exactly the same way. The one key difference is that corded EV chargers have the charging cable permanently attached (a bit like a petrol pump), whereas uncorded EV chargers don’t. So, if you go uncorded, you’ll need to plug the charging cable into your electric car and the charging unit each time you want to charge.
Corded EV home chargers are always ready to use, and give you the security that your cable cannot be lost or stolen. They will typically come with a Type 2 connector to plug into your electric car. This means you’ll need an EV with a Type 2 charging port. There are some EV chargers with Type 1 connectors for car models that still use it, but it’s uncommon in new vehicles.
Uncorded chargers can also be used with Type 1 and Type 2 connectors. However, the cables used here will have connector plugs at both ends. One side will need to be compatible with your home charger. The other will need to be the correct connector type for your EV model. A benefit of having an uncorded charger is that if you get a new EV that has a different connector type, all you need to do is replace the cable. You can also take it with you to use at compatible public chargers.
Choosing a charger doesn’t just stop at deciding between corded or uncorded, you should also consider the charging speed. While 7kW chargers seem to be the most common, they may not be the best option for everyone. If you only use your EV for short trips, a slower charger may be sufficient. However, if you drive your EV daily, you'll need a faster charger to ensure it's fully charged each night.
Choosing the right charging cable for your EV.
With so many charging cables available today, it can be a little overwhelming to find the best one for you. Let’s keep it simple by focusing on the three most important factors to consider when choosing a charging cable.
Length. Is the cable long enough to reach your EV safely?
Connector. Does the connector on your cable match the port on your EV? Check out our guide to connector types for help identifying which type you have.
Cable type. There are two main types of charging cable: Type 1 and Type 2. Your choice can affect your charging compatibility and speed.
The pros and cons of each charging cable type.
Type 1 charging cables. Sometimes referred to as Mode 1, these typically have a connector that’s compatible with your EV on one end, and a three-pin plug on the other. The three-pin plug can be plugged directly into a standard mains outlet making them a handy backup, but charging is very slow. These cables aren’t compatible with any home or public charging stations.
Type 2 charging cables. These cables generally have a type 2 connector on each end (although you may also be able to get a Type 1 to Type 2 cable). Most modern EVs in the UK and Europe use Type 2 connectors. They’re also the connector that’s usually used on home charging units and uncorded public charge points. So, it’s highly likely you’ll want to have a compatible Type 2 cable for your EV.
Extension cables and their uses.
Imagine you’ve driven 10 minutes out your way to charge up and the cable won't reach. Pretty frustrating right? For many EV owners, one of the biggest pain points is those hard to reach charging points (especially at public charging stations). Extension cables (also called cable extenders) are particularly popular for giving you the flexibility to extend the reach of the chargers available.
Here’s a small but mighty list of some of the things an extension charger can do to make your EV life easier:
Enhanced flexibility in situations where your charging cable is just a bit too short to reach. E.g. homes or parking areas with space constraints.
EV extension cables can help you reach the charger without the need for awkward or dangerous parking manoeuvres.
Safety tips for using extension cables.
Here’s some simple things you can do to ensure you remain safe when it comes to your extension cable:
Choose a cable that is specifically designed for EV charging and can handle the electrical load needed for a full charge.
Look for cables that have adequate insulation and weatherproofing.
Regularly inspect your cables for damage or wear.
Avoid using multiple extension cables connected together.
Always keep your EV cables tidy to prevent any tripping hazards.
Investing in a surge protector protects your charging equipment and your EV from power surges, which are sudden increases in voltage that can potentially damage electrical devices. You can get a surge protector installed alongside your charger.
Make sure the condition of your accessories is perfect (especially if buying second hand). Ask yourself questions like is the padding secure? Is there damage to my cables?
Buying EV chargers and accessories.
When it comes to buying a home charger, you can buy them new directly from the manufacturer or at a retailer. We don’t recommend picking one up second hand as they should be safely fitted by a professional. We offer a great range of quality EV chargers here at E.ON Next, with expert installation included. Try combining one with our dedicated EV tariff, Next Drive, and save money with lower priced overnight charging.2
We currently have three EV chargers for you to choose from:
Wallbox Pulsar Max (Corded).
Vestel EV04 (Corded).
Vestel EV04 (Cordless).
Both the Vestel tethered and Wallbox tethered chargers come with a 5 metre built in cable.
You might also want to take your experience one step further by purchasing extra EV charging cables, extension cables, or cable protectors online or at specialist garages. It’s always worth double checking what comes with your EV or EV charger first though. You can also keep an eye out for second hand accessories but, as with any electricals, always ensure they are in safe working order.
The importance of quality EV accessories.
Whether you choose to buy new accessories like extension cables, cable holders, and home portable EV chargers, or shop around and get them second hand, always ensure that your EV accessories are up to scratch. It’s important to purchase quality EV accessories for two reasons. First they offer enhanced durability and can withstand the rigours of daily use. Second, they reduce the potential risk of malfunction or damage to your EV.
The EV future we're gearing up for has made it easier than ever to find quality second hand accessories, and that's great news for both your budget and the planet. Whether you're navigating the complexities of charger types or considering handy add-ons like extension cables, buying pre-owned can be a smart, sustainable choice.
Remember, with a little research and attention to quality, you can confidently equip your EV with second hand accessories and enjoy all the benefits of electric driving.