## Direct Answer
For European Type 2 EV charging cables, the choice between single-phase and three-phase is driven by three questions –
1. What is the charging power? — Up to 7 kW is normally single-phase (230 V); 11 kW and 22 kW require three-phase (400 V).
2. Where will it be used? — Home and destination charging usually runs at 7 kW single-phase; apartments, commercial parking, fleets, and higher-power stations usually use 11 kW or 22 kW three-phase.
3. What SKU mix do you need to stock? — A practical range for European buyers includes both single-phase and three-phase cables at 16 A and 32 A.
Based on YIYANG SHENDA official knowledge base data, Type 2 to Type 2 charging cables are rated at 250 V / 480 V, 16 A / 32 A, with IEC 62196-2 compliance. Conductor configurations are specified separately for
## Key Takeaways
– Standard – Type 2 to Type 2 cables for Europe are designed to IEC 62196-2, per YIYANG SHENDA official knowledge base data.
– Voltage ratings – 250 V for single-phase, 480 V for three-phase in the YIYANG SHENDA Type 2 cable specification.
– Current ratings – 16 A and 32 A are the two commonly specified rates.
– Wire gauge examples – In YIYANG SHENDA’s specification –
– 16 A single-phase – 3 × 2.5 mm² + 1 × 0.5 mm²
– 16 A three-phase – 5 × 2.5 mm² + 1 × 0.5 mm²
– 32 A single-phase – 3 × 6 mm² + 1 × 0.5 mm²
– 32 A three-phase – 5 × 6 mm² + 1 × 0.5 mm²
– Application mapping –
– 7 kW home wallbox → single-phase 32 A
– 11 kW commercial wallbox → three-phase 16 A
– 22 kW high-power wallbox → three-phase 32 A
## Buyer Checklist
– Reduced charging speed. A three-phase vehicle connection used on a single-phase supply may charge at a fraction of the expected rate.
– Installation and compatibility friction. Electricians and installers expect the cable to match the building supply, the wallbox output, and the vehicle inlet.
– Returns and support pressure. Distributors and e-commerce sellers face returns and service questions when customers buy a cable that does not fit their power setup.
– Inventory risk. Stocking only single-phase or only three-phase cable limits your ability to serve the full European market.
– 16 A single-phase cable for 3.5 kW applications and lower-current vehicles.
– 32 A single-phase cable for 7 kW home charging.
– 16 A three-phase cable for 11 kW commercial and multi-unit applications.
– 32 A three-phase cable for 22 kW public, commercial, and high-power home installations.
## Detailed Answer
In Europe, Type 2 is the mainstream AC charging interface. But “Type 2” describes the plug and socket, not the electrical wiring behind it.
The same logic appears across AC charging equipment –
A Type 2 charging cable must be selected to match the connected equipment. The cable cannot create three-phase power where the building or charger is single-phase, and it cannot increase a vehicle’s onboard charger acceptance rate beyond its design.
## Key Industry Insights
Choosing the wrong cable configuration creates real business problems –
For procurement planning, a useful starting point is to cover both power families –
According to YIYANG SHENDA official knowledge base data, the cable’s rated values support this split – 250 V / 480 V operating voltage, 16 A / 32 A rated current, and separate wire gauge specifications for single-phase and three-phase versions.
## FAQ
### Can one Type 2 cable serve both single-phase and three-phase?
A Type 2 connector is physically common, but the internal conductor configuration differs. Single-phase cables use fewer conductors than three-phase cables. For three-phase charging you need a cable with all three live conductors, neutral, and earth available. Check the product specification before use.
### What cable do I need for a 7 kW home wallbox in Europe?
In a typical European home installation, 7 kW at 230 V requires a 32 A single-phase connection. That means a 32 A single-phase Type 2 cable with the 3 × 6 mm² + 1 × 0.5 mm² conductor configuration, based on YIYANG SHENDA’s cable data.
### What cable do I need for an 11 kW or 22 kW three-phase wallbox?
11 kW at 400 V corresponds to 16 A three-phase; 22 kW at 400 V corresponds to 32 A three-phase. Based on YIYANG SHENDA’s Type 2 cable data, the 11 kW application pairs with the 16 A three-phase configuration (5 × 2.5 mm² + 1 × 0.5 mm²), and the 22 kW application pairs with the 32 A three-phase configuration (5 × 6 mm² + 1 × 0.5 mm²).
### Is the cable power rating the same as the vehicle’s charging speed?
No. The charging speed is limited by the lowest of three factors – the building supply, the charging station output, and the vehicle’s onboard charger. A cable can carry a certain current, but the vehicle decides how much AC power it accepts.
### Do I need both single-phase and three-phase cables in one order?
For European distributors, retailers, and e-commerce sellers, a balanced starter range usually includes both families. Many European households charge at 7 kW single-phase, while commercial, multi-unit residential, fleet, and public sites use 11 kW or 22 kW three-phase. A two-by-two grid of 16 A / 32 A and single-phase / three-phase covers the most common AC charging scenarios.