These adaptors are compatible with the Audi Compact Charging System and Tesla gen 1 Mobile Connector. For the Tesla gen 2 Mobile Connector click here, and for all other EVs using a 13A plug use our 13A standalone adaptors.
Charging options and challenges
Audi
The Audi Compact Charging System is the portable charger, often known as the 'granny charger' supplied as standard with each car. The unit has two interchangeable cables:
- UK 13A plug adaptor, which enables connection to any suitable UK 13A socket. Audi state that the empty to full charge time using this method, which is limited to 10A, is 47 hours.
- CEE IEC 60309 32A plug, often known as a 'Commando' plug, which enables the unit to be connected to 230v 32A industrial sockets. This allows the car to be charged at 32A, with an empty to full charge time of 13:30 hours.
Tesla
The Mobile Connector (previously known as the Universal Mobile Connector/UMC) is the portable charger supplied with each Tesla. The gen 1 unit was supplied until around January 2019. The unit has two interchangeable cables:
- UK 13A plug adaptor, which enables connection to any suitable UK 13A socket to achieve a maximum charge rate of 10A.
- CEE IEC 60309 32A plug, often known as a 'Commando' plug, which enables the unit to be connected to 230v 32A industrial sockets, with a maximum charge rate of 32A.
If you are unsure whether you have a gen 1 or 2 unit, see our guide. As a simple check, if the blue plug is 57mm in diameter, then it is the 32A gen 1 unit.
Overcoming the 32A plug challenge
Whilst the 32A CEE plug enables much faster charging, the challenge in the UK is that 32A sockets are rarely found other than in commercial/industrial premises. However, the smaller 16A CEE IEC 60309 socket (43mm in diameter compared to 57mm for the 32A variant) is commonly found at commercial premises, campsites and marinas across the UK and Europe.
Although a simple 16A plug to 32A socket adaptor could be used, as the charging rate can be increased to 32A on the Audi (or has to be reduced from 32A on the Tesla), if this is accidentally set then the charger will try to pull 32A. If the supply is not properly protected by a 16A circuit breaker, this could lead to significant overloading (and therefore over heating) of the adaptor.
The standalone adaptor finally provides a more satisfactory solution. The IP55 rated Italian made GEWISS enclosure contains a thermal circuit breaker. Should the user ever forget to dial the current down to below 16A, the circuit breaker button will pop up, disconnecting the power. Simply wait around 1 minute and press the circuit breaker button back down to reset. The unit's indicator light turns off if the circuit breaker trips.
Using the Charger in Europe and Scandinavia
Using the charger in the UK is relatively simple, as there are generally only domestic 13A or commercial 16A CEE sockets. In contrast, charging abroad can be a confusing minefield, with a need to navigate a range of different sockets which look deceptively similar, yet may be in incompatible with some plugs, even when they physically fit together.
Following extensive research and customer feedback, we developed the Audi Compact Charger and Tesla gen 1 Mobile Connector standalone adaptor range to enable the charging of an EV using domestic and commercial sockets across the UK, Europe and Scandinavia. It provides a unique, simple and cost effective solution:
- Plug the charger's 230v 32A plug into the adaptor socket.
- Connect the adaptor to the supply socket.
Typical Applications
1. The picture below illustrates a typical application with an Audi Compact Charger connected to a Schuko socket using the Schuko/French universal adaptor. Charging is limited to 16A.
2. The Tesla Mobile Connector is is connected to a 415v 32A socket using the 415v 32A to 230v 32A adaptor, enabling charging at 32A.
Adaptor Options
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Schuko
French
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Universal Schuko/French Adaptor The universal CEE 7/7 adaptor fits both Schuko and French types sockets and is the main adaptor required for the majority of Europe and Scandinavia. |
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Traditional Italian Socket New Bipasso Socket
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Italian Adaptors 10A and 16A Historically Italy has had its own specific socket, available in 10A and 16A versions. However, many buildings now have the Bipasso/Schuko socket, which can be used with both Italian (10A & 16A) and Schuko plugs. The universal Schuko/French adaptor will therefore work anywhere in Italy where the Bipasso/Schuko socket is available. However the challenge may be in older buildings, where only traditional Italian sockets are provided. Whilst many sockets in Italy will accept both 10A and 16A plugs, some will only accept one type, so for complete peace of mind both adaptors would be required. For 10A sockets, it is safer and more cost effective to use the standalone 13A adaptor. |
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Swiss Adaptor Switzerland and Liechtenstein use their own specific socket, available in 10A and 16A versions. 10A plugs can be inserted into 16A sockets, but the reverse is not possible. For complete peace of mind both adaptors would be required. For 10A sockets, it is safer and more cost effective to use the standalone 13A adaptor. |
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Danish Adaptor Denmark and Greenland use their own 16A socket. Whilst the socket looks similar to a Schuko/French socket, they must not be used together. Although they will fit, the earth will not be connected, which is extremely hazardous for EV charging. The Danish adaptor must be used for these sockets. From 2008 French sockets were allowed to be fitted in Denmark, with Schuko sockets supported from 2011. The universal Schuko/French adaptor will therefore work in Denmark where either of these sockets are fitted. Data on their prevalence is not available, and so it is likely that in many places a Danish adaptor will still be required. |
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230v 16A CEE Adaptor Found at campsites and marinas across the UK. |
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230v 32A CEE Where a 32A socket is available, higher charging rates can be obtained by connecting the charger directly, using a 32A extension lead to extend the length if required. No adaptor is required. |
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415v 16A CEE Adaptor Commonly used in industrial locations and power installations at temporary sites. The adaptor is only compatible with 5 pin sockets (L1, L2, L3, N and E), as EVs require a neutral connection. |
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415v 32A CEE Adaptor Where a 32A socket is available, higher charging rates can be obtained by connecting the charger using the 415v 32A to 230v 32A standalone adaptor. The adaptor is only compatible with 5 pin sockets (L1, L2, L3, N and E), as EVs require a neutral connection. |
The Electrical Safety First website provides a fantastic resource to check the type of sockets used in any county worldwide. For more technical information, the Digital Museum of Plugs and Sockets provides a fascinating resource.
Specification
16A Adaptor Specification
- Splash proof IP44 rated 230v 32A socket, compatible with the Audit Compact Charger and Tesla gen 1 Mobile Connetor's 32A plug.
- Weatherproof IP55 rated (when lid shut) Italian made GEWISS enclosure containing a 16A Thermal resettable circuit breaker and power indicator light.
- Appropriate plug.
- Industrial specification H07RN-F rubber cable, specifically manufactured for harsh environments with high mechanical, chemical, water and UV resistance. Flexibility and performance is retained over a wide temperate range (-25 to 55°C). Find out what’s so special about this cable.
- PAT tested.
32A Adaptor Specification
- Splash proof IP44 rated 230v 32A socket, compatible with the Audit Compact Charger and Tesla gen 1 Mobile Connetor's 32A plug.
- Appropriate plug.
- Industrial specification H07RN-F rubber cable, specifically manufactured for harsh environments with high mechanical, chemical, water and UV resistance. Flexibility and performance is retained over a wide temperate range (-25 to 55°C). Find out what’s so special about this cable.
- PAT tested.
If you require an adaptor which is not listed, please do get in touch, as we can make adaptors for almost any international socket, many from stock.