Do I need to carry cable?

[Archev]

You need an emergency battery pack then, to complete the set.

Too late - got two - one for the 12 volt and the power station might just add a couple of miles in an emergency?? Oh well it’ll make a cuppa while I sit about crying

 

[tsedge]

They are generally expensive, but if you search for "portable EV charger" you'll get a selection of options. Quite often they are a powerbank with lots of outlets plus a cable to convert to Type 2.

 

[EvTek23]

If you only intend to DC, CCS charge then you could probably do without carrying a type 2 cable. If cost is a consideration, then the price charged at a CCS point is in the region of 85p /kW. If you have more time, then do what I do and connect to a 7kW charger, explore your surroundings, or go for a meal and charge for around 45p/kW. Most of these chargers will require you to provide your own type 2 cable, only a few that I've found have tethered cables.

 

[tsedge]

Most CCS chargers are considerably cheaper than that, especially Tesla ones which can be as low as 40p/kWh (less for members).

However, since I charge at home for pennies normally, the cost of the occasional long journey CCS doesn't really make any difference. It is still far cheaper than ICE overall.

 

[TimothyN]

My thinking is that if I get 1.5p per mile 360 days of the year, paying approximately petrol prices for a rapid charge on the other 5 days is not a big deal. It does sound to me that the cable is superfluous, but now you guys have started me thinking about emergency portable chargers and spare wheels. The list does go on.

 

[Archev]

My thinking is that if I get 1.5p per mile 360 days of the year, paying approximately petrol prices for a rapid charge on the other 5 days is not a big deal. It does sound to me that the cable is superfluous, but now you guys have started me thinking about emergency portable chargers and spare wheels. The list does go on.

I agree but still stubborn enough to attempt self sufficiency

 

[dsimpkins]

I carry Type 2 cable only, but that is because I usually charge at work. Granny charger stays at home, and only gets used occasionaly. I use CCS rapid chargers on long journeys. I do have a small battery booster that fits under the passenger seat. Only used that twice, and both times it was to jump start other people's cars.

I was pleasantly surprised to find the holiday lodge we booked in Cornwall had a 7kW charger (they don't advertise they have chargers, missing a trick I think) It wasn't the cheapest 7kW charger I've used, but it was convienent. It meant I could charge the car overnight for the journey home in the morning. Starting out at 100%, we got home easily without a stop to rapid charge. So I was glad I had the Type 2 cable in the car.

 

[Archev]

“Dave takes it on”is good today.

 

[5teep]

But normally, all the High St/Motorway Service ones have their own cable, right?

Used to be the case on rapid chargers for AC but recently chargers have been coming with sockets for AC instead of fixed cables. It's a cost cutting thing obviously and it's one less cable to get stolen/damaged.

 

[securespark]

Only the CCS (or Chademo too sometimes).
Otherwise you need your own type 2 cable. Personally I always carry it and my Granny charger - you never know

Me too!

 

[Archev]

Me too!

And two “lifeboats” for when I run out of charge and really must get to the coffee shop

 

[MG Clive]

And two “lifeboats” for when I run out of charge and really must get to the coffee shop

Talk about overkill.

 

[emmrecs]

Talk about overkill.

Just being prepared??? "Expect the best but plan for the worst".

 

[securespark]

And two “lifeboats” for when I run out of charge and really must get to the coffee shop View attachment 38883

You were obviously a Scout back in the day...

Always be prepared!

 

[Archev]

You were obviously a Scout back in the day...

Always be prepared!

Nope actually never a Scout myself but agree with that principle

 

[Bam Bam]

Wished I hadn't left my cable in the garage the other week when I found that the free charger in Didcot was actually available for once.

And I was getting low on charge and it was a sunny day so low carbon intensity grid at the time. D'oh.

It is still in the garage. Only need to take it when going on holiday, just in case I go somewhere that doesn't have a cable.

 

[Stella Arch]

I have just bought a type 2 to type 2 charger cable as I got caught out recently and the only charging points working were both un tethered There seems to be a lot more untethered charge points appearing.

 

[EvTek23]

Most 7 kW charge points are untethered. Some Source London offer both tethered and untethered options at the same charge point.
The "up to 22kW" charge points are normally tethered due to the large cable for 3 phase charging. However there aren't many cars that can make use of the 22kW AC charge rate. The MG4 ER (77kW) and earlier phase 1 Trophy models (no rear wiper) are able to accept 11kW, all the rest are 7kW max AC.
I always carry and use my type 2 cable. I'd even use it if like Source London both tethered and untethered options were available. There is nothing like knowing the connector you are going to use, rather one than has been used and abused by lots of people, and if its damaged, causing damage to your own charge charging port....just saying!

 

[dsimpkins]

The phase 1 SE LR also has 11kW 3 phase charging capability. We have 22kW 3 phase chargers at work (untethered), so I made sure I bought a 3 phase Type 2 - Type 2 cable.