Electric vehicles (EVs) are revolutionising the automotive landscape, and French manufacturers have produced some of the most popular models on the market. Among these, the Renault Zoe and the Peugeot e-208 stand out—each offering unique features and noteworthy charging capabilities. If you’re an EV owner or are mulling over the decision to go electric, understanding which charging cables fit your vehicle is essential.
This blog will take a deep dive into the compatibility of charging cables for prominent French EV models, specifically focusing on Renault Zoe, Peugeot e-208, Peugeot e-2008, and DS3 Crossback. We’ll explore how charging technologies differ across these vehicles, unravel cable specifications, compare charging speeds, and highlight details about French charging infrastructure to optimise your cable selection.
Why Understanding Charging Cables is Crucial
When you plug in your electric car, not all charging cables are created equal. They vary in terms of connectors, power capacity, and overall compatibility with the car and charging infrastructure. Selecting the wrong cable can lead to slower charging times—or worse—no charge at all.
French EVs like the Renault Zoe and Peugeot e-208 have carved out their market share with innovative, adaptable charging systems. However, their compatibility with charging cables hinges on several key factors you must understand before making a purchase.
Charging Cable Compatibility for Renault Zoe
The Renault Zoe is a trailblazer in the EV world, renowned for its impressive range and advanced charging options.
Connector Type
The Renault Zoe features the Type 2 connector (Mennekes) for AC charging—a standard for most European EVs. For DC rapid charging, newer Zoe models are equipped with a CCS Combo 2 port, ensuring compatibility with modern rapid chargers.
Charging Speeds
The charging speed of your Renault Zoe heavily depends on both the cable and the charger it’s connected to:
- Standard AC Charging (3.7kW)
Using a 10A home socket, the charging time is around 25 hours, perfect as an overnight solution.
- Fast AC Charging (22kW)
A Type 2 cable paired with a 22kW public charger can replenish 100% of your Zoe’s battery in approximately 3 hours.
- DC Rapid Charging (50kW)
With a CCS Combo 2 connector, your Zoe can recover up to 80% of its battery in just 1 hour when connected to a rapid charging station.
Recommended Cable
For maximum versatility, invest in a Type 2 to Type 2 cable, capable of delivering up to 22kW power. A cable length of 5 metres is typically sufficient for easier manoeuvrability without compromising compact storage.
Charging Cable Compatibility for Peugeot e-208
The Peugeot e-208 is Peugeot’s response to the growing demand for compact, stylish, and efficient EVs. This model brings both form and functionality to the forefront, but selecting the right charging cable is essential to unlock its full potential.
Connector Type
The Peugeot e-208 features a Type 2 connector for AC charging and a CCS Combo 2 port for DC charging. These are standardised for most European EVs, making it convenient for most owners.
Charging Speeds
The e-208’s charging capabilities cater to both casual and frequent EV users:
- Home Charging (3.7kW)
Using a standard 10A outlet, a full charge may take around 23 hours.
- Fast Charging (11kW – 22kW)
A Type 2 cable connected to a public AC charger will give you a full charge in 5-7 hours.
- Rapid Charging (100kW DC)
Using a CCS Combo 2 connector, the e-208 can charge 80% in just 30 minutes at compatible rapid charging stations.
Recommended Cable
A Type 2 to Type 2 cable capable of supporting 22kW is ideal to maximise flexibility. For quicker home charging, consider pairing a 7kW wall box with the same cable.
What About Peugeot e-2008 and DS3 Crossback?
Two other standout French EVs include the Peugeot e-2008 and DS3 Crossback, both of which share a lot of their charging DNA with the Peugeot e-208.
Peugeot e-2008
This electric SUV also uses Type 2 for AC charging and CCS Combo 2 for DC rapid charging, offering flexibility for both urban and rural settings.
- Charging speeds mirror the e-208, with a maximum DC rapid charge of 100kW enabling an 80% charge in 30 minutes.
DS3 Crossback E-Tense
The DS3 Crossback E-Tense is one of the most luxurious French EVs on the market. Like its counterparts, it comes with Type 2 and CCS Combo 2 ports, allowing seamless compatibility with European charging infrastructure.
- Charging speeds range from 3.7kW (household sockets) to 100kW DC fast chargers, where 80% of the battery can be charged in 30 minutes.
Cable Recommendations for Both Models
We recommend using a Type 2 to Type 2 cable with 22kW capability for both the Peugeot e-2008 and the DS3 Crossback. Stick to a 5-7 metre length for added manoeuvrability at public chargers.
French Charging Infrastructure and Why it Matters
French automakers like Renault and Peugeot are not just innovating EVs—they’re also aligning with the country’s expanding charging infrastructure. France boasts a growing network of over 90,000 public charging stations nationwide, with many offering 22kW AC charging speeds that perfectly complement Type 2 EV connectors.
Key Highlights of French EV Infrastructure
- Accelerating AC Charging Availability
Most public chargers offer 22kW charging speeds, making AC charging cables a crucial purchase for any EV owner.
- Rapid DC Charging Stations
France is rapidly increasing the presence of high-performance DC charging hubs, mainly along highways.
- Standardisation
The standardisation of Type 2 and CCS Combo chargers ensures French EVs benefit from seamless compatibility with global charging infrastructure.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right charging cable isn’t just a technical decision—it’s about improving your overall EV experience. Whether you own a Renault Zoe, a Peugeot e-208, or a DS3 Crossback, investing in a high-quality Type 2 to Type 2 cable with 22kW capacity will guarantee you can harness the full potential of France’s charging infrastructure wherever you go.
