Cheapest charging cable

yllw.ldbttr · 10-05-2025 05:03PM #1

Moved to a new house and it has an untethered zappi (I previously had a tethered one) and yes I'm lazy and couldn't be arsed getting the cable out of the boot and sticking it back in every time I charge.

Saw a cable on Amazon for around 85 euros (8 metre)... Anyone recommend a cable?

I'm conscious that cheapest might not be the best or safest...

Buddy Bubs · 10-05-2025 07:55PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058409504/cheapest-charging-cable

I wouldn't blame you i much prefer tethered too.

Is it ok to leave a cable plugged in an untethered unit full time or would you just leave it hanging up somewhere near it?

Asking because I have 2 untethered and 1 tethered point in work and nobody likes using the untethered for same reason, thinking of getting a cable to leave at the untethered points to save the hassle of staff getting cables out of boots all the time.

Gumbo · 10-05-2025 08:34PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123435547#Comment_123435547

I’ve an untethered zappi and leave a spare type 2 cable plugged in and in an outdoor parking spot 24/7. It’s there so no matter what car pulls in, they can charge.

Been that way over 3 years.
I just makes they out the little rubber cover over the connection point after using it.

It’s been left out in hail, wind, rain and snow. 👍

MarkN · 11-05-2025 10:14AM

I wouldn’t personally charge a car with a cable that cost €85.

https://www.epower.ie/product/ev-charging-cable-type-2-to-type-2/

joe1303l · 11-05-2025 11:11AM

I’d suggest you buy a good quality OEM cable like this one;

yllw.ldbttr · 11-05-2025 12:22PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123436685#Comment_123436685

I'm not convinced that an OEM cable has anything extra over a generic one that complies with the standard, other than a nice hefty margin for the dealer.

Reminds me of the gold plated HDMI cables for 70 euro.

MarkN · 11-05-2025 01:17PM

yeah there could be a bit of that but I’ve often seen Dublin Fire Brigade use cheap cables as social media examples of fire courses. A used OEM one as someone has shared above might a nice compromise.

...Ghost... · 11-05-2025 01:26PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123437094#Comment_123437094

Probably because the OEM would sue them for using their brand in a fire situation on social media

yllw.ldbttr · 11-05-2025 02:49PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123437094#Comment_123437094

Cheap charger cables? Never seen them use a cheap EV cable. Often seem them use an unbranded 5v charger, and to me this is more about the brick than the cable, in most cases.

Buffman · 12-05-2025 01:08PM

A cable is a cable, there are so many safety mechanisms built in that if there's any issue the car won't charge at all.

While I wouldn't recommend getting it from AliExpress without due diligence, anything from Amazon should be fine.

Just be aware of the specs you need (presumably 32A 7kW), some of the 'cheaper' ones are only 16A (20A) which are only really suitable for PHEVs, they'll work with BEVs but you'll only get half charging speed at around 3.5kW.

All leads and chargers are designed to be used in all weathers, wouldn't be much use otherwise, so no problem leaving the cable plugged in permanently.

I would recommend getting a holder/cradle for the car end when not in use and not just fecking it on the ground as I see so many doing.

On the length, I'd advise sticking to the minimum requirement, if you need 8m then fair enough but if you'll get away with 5m stick with it as the longer the cable, the greater the transmission losses and the more it costs you to charge.

CMOTDibbler · 12-05-2025 01:16PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123440315#Comment_123440315

+1 on the Amazon cables. I bought one about six months ago for around €115. Plugged in all the time, never any issues. Just make sure to check the reviews, some cables are better than others.

Edit: It was actually €128. It's now €84. 😪

Cheapest charging cable

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