European EV charging cables explained: EN 50620 types such as H07BZ5-F, AC Mode 3 leads, DC charging cables and what charger makers should check.
Europe’s charging network is expanding rapidly, driven by vehicle sales and by EU rules such as the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), which sets deployment targets for public charging along major roads. Every wallbox, public AC post and DC fast charger needs cables — both inside the charger and in the charging lead that connects to the car. Those cables face daily handling, being run over, rain, UV and temperatures from Nordic winters to Mediterranean summers.
In Europe, the reference standard for EV charging cables is EN 50620. It covers flexible cables for AC charging (modes 1 to 3) and defines harmonised-style types such as:
These cables combine elastomer-type insulation with a tough, flexible thermoplastic elastomer sheath that resists abrasion, crushing, UV and ozone, and stays flexible at low temperatures. They include power cores, an earth core and smaller control/signal cores for the communication between vehicle and charger. Our AC charging cable H05BZ5-F / H07BZ5-F follows this design.
DC charging cables (mode 4) are covered by a separate standard, EN IEC 62893-4.
Most home, workplace and destination charging in Europe is AC “Mode 3” charging with Type 2 connectors (IEC 62196-2). The charging lead is either fixed to the wallbox (tethered) or supplied separately with the vehicle. Typical currents are 16 A or 32 A, single-phase or three-phase, so cables usually have five power and earth cores plus control cores, with cross-sections chosen for the current and the cable length.
DC chargers deliver much higher currents directly to the vehicle battery. Charging cables for DC need larger conductors, additional signal cores and, at very high power, active cooling. For lower-power DC chargers, air-cooled cables such as our DC charging cable are used. For high-power chargers, cable design is closely tied to the connector and cooling system supplied by the charger manufacturer.
The cable feeding the charger from the distribution board is a normal installation cable, chosen for current, voltage drop, installation method and the local wiring rules. If it is permanently installed in a building, it also falls under the CPR — read our CPR guide. For temporary or mobile chargers, robust flexible cables such as H07BQ-F with PUR sheath are a good option.
We supply EN 50620 charging cables to charge-point manufacturers and installers across Europe, in standard cross-sections and on drums or cut lengths. Browse our EV charging cables or request a quote with your current, core configuration and annual volume.
EN 50620 is the European standard for charging cables for electric vehicles. It covers AC charging cables and defines types such as H07BZ5-F for Mode 3 charging leads. DC charging cables are covered by EN IEC 62893-4.
Mode 3 is AC charging from dedicated charging equipment, such as a wallbox or public post, with control and safety communication between the charger and the vehicle. In Europe it usually uses Type 2 connectors.
DC fast chargers deliver much higher currents, so the conductors must be larger. At very high power, cables are actively cooled to keep their size and weight manageable.
EV Charging CablesThese cables suitable for trailing EV plug connections to vehicle. The charging cables are applicable for charging modes 1-3 of EN 61851-1.
EV Charging CablesThese cables suitable for trailing EV plug connections to vehicle. The charging cables are applicable for charging mode 4 of EN 61851-1.
Industrial CablesThese cables are flexible power cords of electrical tools and equipments, agricultural machines and for sea vessels power connection in marinas and shipyards. Thanks to it’s construction it is suitable…
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