EV charging cables and accessories
Most EV owners only ever need two cables: the portable charger for a normal power point (usually supplied with the car) and a Type 2 to Type 2 cable for public AC chargers that don't have one attached. Fast DC chargers always have their own cable. For the Type 2 cable, a three-phase 16 A, 5 m cable suits most cars and costs about $150–300; buy 32 A if you want it to suit any future car.
Which cables you need
| Cable | What it's for | Do you need one? | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable charger ("granny charger") | Charging from a normal power point at home or away | Usually comes with the car. Check: some brands now charge extra | $300–700 to buy |
| Type 2 to Type 2 cable | Public AC chargers without an attached cable (shopping centres, hotels, councils) | Worth having. Many cars don't include one | $150–400 |
| CCS2 / DC fast charging | Fast chargers on highways | No. Fast chargers always have their own cable attached | – |
| Home wall charger | Faster overnight charging at home | Optional; see home charger costs | $1,000–3,000 installed |
Every new EV sold in Australia uses the same Type 2 plug for AC charging and CCS2 for fast DC charging, so you don't need adapters for different brands of charger.
Choosing a Type 2 to Type 2 cable
| Cable rating | Single-phase charger | Three-phase charger | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 A | up to 3.7 kW | up to 11 kW | Most EVs (most can only take 7–11 kW on AC) |
| 32 A | up to 7.4 kW | up to 22 kW | Future-proofing; a few cars take 22 kW, and single-phase 7 kW posts need 32 A |
- Match your car. Your car's maximum AC charging rate (in its specs, often 7 or 11 kW) sets the most it will ever use. A cable rated higher is fine; one rated lower slows charging.
- Three-phase works on single-phase too. A three-phase cable works on any charger, so it's the safer buy.
- Length: 5 m suits most bays. 7.5 m helps if your charging port is on the far side from where chargers usually are, but it's heavier.
- Buy certified. Look for testing to IEC 62196 (the plug standard), a recognised test mark such as TÜV, and a local seller and warranty. Avoid no-name marketplace cables: a poor cable carrying 32 A can overheat.
Portable chargers and power points
- Check yours is RCM-marked. That's the Australian electrical safety mark. The one supplied with the car will be.
- Plug straight into the wall. Don't use a household extension lead or power board; they aren't made for hours at full load. See power point vs wall charger.
- 10 A vs 15 A. A normal 10 A point gives about 2.4 kW. If you rely on a power point every night, a 15 A outlet installed by an electrician (with a 15 A portable charger) is safer and a little faster.
- Check the plug and socket. If either gets hot, discoloured or loose, stop using it and get an electrician to look at it.
Other useful accessories
| Accessory | Typical price | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Type 2 to Type 2 cable, 5 m | $150–300 | Shorter and lighter. Fine for most public chargers. |
| Type 2 to Type 2 cable, 7.5 m | $200–400 | Reaches awkwardly placed chargers and the far side of the car. |
| Cable storage bag | $20–50 | Keeps a dirty, wet cable off your boot carpet. |
| Wall hook or holder for the home cable | $20–60 | Stops the cable being driven over or tripped on. |
| Tyre repair kit or space-saver | $40–300 | Many EVs have no spare tyre. Check before a road trip. |
| Vehicle-to-load (V2L) adapter | $100–250 | Runs appliances from the car's battery, for cars that support it. Use the maker's or a certified adapter. |
| Charging apps | Free | Chargefox, Evie, NRMA, Tesla, BP Pulse and PlugShare. Set them up before your first trip. |
Common questions
Do I need a Type 2 to Type 2 cable?
Only if you'll use public AC chargers that don't have a cable attached, such as many at shopping centres, hotels and council car parks. Fast chargers always have a cable. Many owners buy one for peace of mind.
Which Type 2 cable should I buy for an MG4?
The MG4 charges at up to 11 kW on AC, so a three-phase 16 A Type 2 to Type 2 cable is enough. A 32 A cable also works and suits future cars.
Can I use an extension lead to charge my EV?
It's not recommended. Household extension leads and power boards aren't designed for hours at full load and can overheat. Plug the portable charger straight into a wall socket.
Does a fast charger need my own cable?
No. DC fast chargers (CCS2) always have their cable attached.
More guides
More in Charging
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How we work it out, and our sources
Weekly cost = the car's energy use × 250 km × your electricity or fuel price, with 90% of charging at home. Prices are list prices at October 2026; check with the dealer.
- Electricity: 2026–27 default rates (AER, Victorian Default Offer, state retailers). Public charging: Sydney network prices, July 2026.
- Petrol and diesel: ACCC capital-city averages, 21 October 2026.
- Cars: maker figures via CarExpert, Drive, CarsGuide and EV Central. Plug-in electric range is taken as 80% of the claim.
- Servicing: published capped prices; marked as an estimate where not yet published (CarExpert comparison).
- Tyres: an EV set lasts about 35,000 km, a petrol or hybrid set 50,000 km (RACV); prices from Gridly.
- Home charger: about $2,000 installed ($1,000–$3,000). Novated leases: PwC summary.
Printed from EV Pick · evpick.com.au. Prices and costs are estimates; check with the dealer. © 2026 EV Pick (T. Crouch). For personal use only; not to be copied, republished or sold without permission.