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Which plug do I need? How to easily start, monitor and stop your charging session
At first glance, charging an electric car can seem complicated — as if you need to be a plug expert. But in reality, it’s much simpler than it looks. Thanks to European regulations, there are now only a few plug types you really need to know. And starting, following and stopping a charging session? It’s as intuitive as can be. Let’s break it all down clearly.
What plug types are there and which one do you need?
When electric cars first appeared, every brand had its own plug. Luckily, that’s a thing of the past. Just like USB cables for your smartphone, EV plugs are now standardised.
In Europe, you’ll mostly come across two types of plugs:
Type 2 plug (Mennekes):
This is the standard for almost all electric and hybrid cars in Europe. You’ll find it on most public charging points and home chargers. A Type 2 cable can charge up to 44 kW. It usually comes with your car — keep it in your boot for easy access.CCS Combo plug:
Looks similar to the Type 2 but with two extra pins that allow fast DC charging. More and more cars and public charging stations use this plug for fast and powerful charging. This plug is attached directly to the charger.
Other plug types are becoming rare:
Type 1 (Yazaki): mostly found on older models and some American or Japanese vehicles.
Tesla plug: older Teslas used a proprietary connector, but the brand has now switched to the CCS/Type 2 combo.
Charging at home how does it work?
At home, you’ll usually use a Type 2 plug as well, and there are two main ways to charge:
Via a regular wall socket (granny charger): slow (max 2.3 kW) but convenient if you drive short distances.
With a fixed home charging station: faster charging, especially with a 3-phase connection.
1-phase or 3-phase charging — what’s the difference?
A 3-phase connection supplies more power than a 1-phase connection, allowing you to run more electrical devices simultaneously.
1-phase: common in older houses, slower charging.
3-phase: the standard for public networks and modern home chargers, enabling faster charging.
How to start a charging session
Charging at a public charging point is easy:
Find a charging point: use the Q8 electric app to locate stations, check plug types, and see available power output.
Connect the cable: first to the charger, then to your car (or the other way around, depending on the model).
Start charging:
With the Q8 electric app: select the charging point and tap “Start”.
With your Q8 charge card or bank card: follow the on-screen instructions.
Your cable locks automatically, and charging begins.
How to stop a charging session
Stop charging:
In the Q8 electric app: tap “Stop”.
With your Q8 charge card or bank card: follow the on-screen steps.
Unlock the cable: usually automatic; if not, use the unlock button on your car key.
Disconnect the cable:
First from the car, then from the charger — this prevents sparking.
Is charging safe?
Yes — as long as you follow the basic instructions, EV charging is very safe.
Did you know the fire risk is actually lower than with petrol or diesel cars?
A few extra safety tips:
Prefer a fixed home charger over a standard socket — it’s safer.
Avoid extension cords and power strips.
Regularly check your charging cable and home charging station.