While Type 3 charging cables are not as widely supported as Type 2 cables, they are still a viable option for electric car owners in France. It is important to check the compatibility of the charging stations available in your area before selecting a Type 3 charging cable for your electric car. You would need a charging cable with a type 2 connector on your car end and a type 3 connector on the charging station end.

Mobile charging cables - convenience and versatility

Mobile charging cables, often referred to as portable charging cables, provide an added level of convenience and versatility for electric car owners. These cables are typically included with the purchase of an electric car and are used for charging from a standard household power outlet. In the UK you would know these as the EV Granny charger. While they are not as powerful as dedicated charging stations, mobile charging cables are ideal for emergency situations or when a dedicated charging station is not readily available. Be aware that a household outlet in France is different from the standard 3 pin type G outlet in the UK. In France you will find that household outlets, like most countries in the EU, have a Schuko IEC 60884-1 outlet. So you would need a Mobile charging cable to schuko for your stay in France and the rest of the EU.

It is important to note that mobile charging cables may have limitations in terms of charging speed. They are typically slower than Type 2 or Type 3 charging cables, but they can still be useful for overnight charging or when you need a quick top-up while on the go.

Next to the Household mobile charger you have the option to equip your EV with a portable charging cable that connects to a blue or red commando (or CEE) socket. You will find these i.e. on campsites, company buildings and even some households. These will typically charge your car just as fast as a standard AC charging station or Wallbox will. However these don’t have the added benefits of smart charging options, like load balancing, that require communication between car and charging station. Now for every charging capacity, wether it be a 16A 1 phase or a 32A 3 phase charging capacity, you also need a different plug.

Factors to consider when selecting a charging cable

When selecting the right charging cable for your electric car in France, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you need to ensure compatibility with your electric car's charging port. Different electric car models may have different charging port types, so it is crucial to check the specifications of your vehicle.

Secondly, you should consider the charging capabilities of the cable. If you have access to fast-charging stations, it is advisable to choose a cable that can handle higher power levels for faster charging sessions. However, if you primarily rely on standard household power outlets, a mobile charging cable may be more suitable.

Additionally, you should consider the length of the charging cable. Depending on your parking situation and the location of charging stations, you may require a longer cable to ensure a convenient and hassle-free charging experience.

Conclusion

Travelling to France can be quite a hassle and you could end up needing quite a lot of different charging cables to accommodate for every situation. In this case we would advise you to check out our special Voldt® Booster complete charger sets. These will equipe you with a wide range of connectors to charger your EV in any situation on your travels to France or any other part of the mainland!