If you’ve just picked up an MG4 or MG ZS EV, or you’re about to, getting the right charging cable is one of the first decisions you’ll make. The good news: every current MG EV uses a Type 2 (IEC 62196-2) inlet, so the connector choice is straightforward. The part that trips people up is the trim. An MG4 Standard Range charges at 7.4kW on AC; the Long Range and Extended Range models charge at 11kW, and that difference changes which cable gives you the fastest possible home charge.
What connector do MG electric cars use?
Type 2 inlet: the single cable standard across MG4 and MG ZS EV
All current UK MG EVs (the MG4 in all trims and the MG ZS EV) use a Type 2 (IEC 62196-2) inlet for AC charging. This is the seven-pin round connector that has become the UK and European standard, and it’s the same port you’ll find on the majority of home wallboxes and public AC charge points across the country.
For DC rapid charging, all current UK MG models use CCS (Combined Charging System). The CCS connector is built into a separate port on the car. When you pull up to a rapid charger, the cable is already attached to the unit, so you don’t need to bring your own.
- Type 2 connector, 7 pins, 3-phase capable, 32A max per phase, used on MG4 (all trims), MG ZS EV
So the connector is settled. What isn’t immediately obvious, and what most generic guides skip, is that the number of phases the cable carries matters enormously for MG4 Long Range and Extended Range owners. More on that below.
MG4 charging cable: why the trim matters
This is the section most guides miss entirely. According to the Manufacturer onboard-charger spec sheets (MG Motor UK), the MG4’s onboard AC charger is not the same across all versions of the car. The trim you chose when you bought it determines how fast you can charge at home.
- Columns: Model | Trim | Battery | Onboard AC | Cable Needed | V2L?
- Row 1: MG4 | Standard Range | 51 kWh | 7.4 kW (single-phase) | 32A single-phase Type 2 | No
- Row 2: MG4 | Long Range | 64 kWh | 11 kW (three-phase) | Three-phase Type 2 | Yes (adapter needed)
- Row 3: MG4 | Extended Range | 77 kWh | 11 kW (three-phase) | Three-phase Type 2 | Yes (adapter needed)
- Row 4: MG ZS EV | Newer models | Varies | 11 kW (three-phase) | Three-phase Type 2 | Yes (adapter needed)
MG4 Standard Range (51kWh): 7.4kW onboard AC
The MG4 Standard Range has a 7.4kW single-phase onboard charger. For this trim, a standard 32A single-phase Type 2 cable is everything you need. There is no benefit to buying a three-phase cable for this car. Its onboard charger simply cannot use the additional phases. If you want to dig into the amperage question, our guide to 16A vs 32A cable covers that decision in detail.
At 7.4kW with a 51kWh battery, a full charge from near-empty takes roughly 7-8 hours, comfortably done overnight. This is a thoroughly practical setup for the majority of UK owners.
If you’re shopping for a cable, our Type 2 charging cables are rated to 32A and compatible with all standard UK home wallboxes. For MG4 Standard Range owners, that is the right starting point and the only cable you need.
MG4 Long Range / Extended Range: 11kW onboard AC (three-phase)
The MG4 Long Range and Extended Range are a different story. Both carry an 11kW three-phase onboard charger, per the Manufacturer onboard-charger spec sheets (MG Motor UK). This is where cable choice has a real, measurable impact.
A single-phase Type 2 cable, even a high-quality 32A one, will cap your charge rate at 7.4kW on these trims. The car can accept three-phase power; the cable is the limiting factor. To reach the full 11kW rate, you need a three-phase (five-pin) Type 2 cable and a wallbox capable of supplying three-phase power.
The difference in real-world terms: at 11kW, a Long Range MG4 (64kWh usable) charges in around 6 hours rather than nearly 9. That’s a meaningful chunk of time if your household has an early start. For a full breakdown of what the speed difference means in practice, see our 7kW vs 11kW charging cable guide.
For Long Range and Extended Range owners, we recommend our 22kW charging cables, which are three-phase rated and will deliver the full 11kW your car supports.
MG ZS EV charging cable
Newer MG ZS EV models: 11kW onboard AC
Newer models also feature an 11kW three-phase onboard charger, the same specification as the MG4 Long Range, according to the Manufacturer onboard-charger spec sheets (MG Motor UK). The cable advice is identical: use a three-phase Type 2 cable to reach 11kW; a single-phase cable will limit you to 7.4kW even if your wallbox can supply more. Our 22kW charging cables are the right choice, paired with a three-phase wallbox.
If you own an older MG ZS EV, check your vehicle handbook for your specific model year, as earlier versions had lower onboard charger ratings.
What cable comes in the box with an MG EV?
Mode 2 granny cable: an included differentiator
One thing MG does particularly well, and that rivals including several premium brands do not, is include a Mode 2 granny cable in the box with every new EV. This is a 3-pin domestic plug to Type 2 cable, compliant with IEC 62752.
It means that on the day you drive home in your new MG, you can plug into any standard UK socket and begin charging immediately, at around 2.3kW (10A). That’s slow, and we’d always recommend a dedicated wallbox for daily use, but as a no-extra-cost inclusion it’s a genuine differentiator. Our own EV Cable Hub first-party data shows that MG owners ask about granny cable compatibility at a notably lower rate than owners of brands that omit one, which tells us MG’s in-box cable is doing its job.
You can also find our branded MG EV charging cables if you want a cable matched to your specific model.
V2L on MG EVs: using your car as a power source
Which MG models support V2L?
V2L, or Vehicle-to-Load, is a feature that lets you use your EV’s battery as a power source for external devices. Not all MG EVs support it, a detail most generic cable guides overlook entirely.
V2L is available on: - MG4 Long Range and MG4 Extended Range - MG ZS EV (newer models)
It is not available on the MG4 Standard Range.
When V2L is active, the car can output approximately 2.2kW (some sources cite up to 3.3kW depending on configuration) from the Type 2 port. That’s enough to run a camping fridge, a power tool, a laptop and phone bank simultaneously, or even a small electric heater for a short period. It’s a genuinely useful capability for outdoor work, camping trips, or as a household power backup.
What V2L adapter do you need?
V2L on MG EVs works through the car’s standard Type 2 inlet port, the same port you use to charge the car. However, the standard charging cable cannot enable V2L. You need a dedicated V2L adapter, which converts the Type 2 socket into a standard socket you can plug appliances into.
Our V2L adapter guide covers what to look for in an adapter, safety considerations, and how to check compatibility with your specific vehicle. You can also browse our V2L adapters directly.
One important note: do not attempt to use a standard Type 2 charging cable as a V2L adapter. The cables are wired differently and this can damage the car’s charging system.
Which MG EV charging cable should you buy?
We’ve covered the technical ground. Here’s the practical summary.
For MG4 Standard Range owners
You need a 32A single-phase Type 2 cable. That’s it. There is no performance gain from buying a three-phase cable for this trim, and you do not need to spend more than necessary. A quality 32A cable from our Type 2 charging cables range will serve you well. If you want to understand why 32A rather than 16A, our 16A vs 32A cable guide walks through the difference.
The granny cable MG includes is a useful backup. We’d still recommend a dedicated wallbox if you’re charging at home daily, but for occasional or emergency use the in-box cable has you covered.
For MG4 Long Range / Extended Range and MG ZS EV owners
You need a three-phase Type 2 cable to unlock your car’s full 11kW onboard charger. A single-phase cable will charge the car, but it leaves roughly 3.5kW of charging capacity on the table, and that compounds over the life of ownership.
Our 22kW charging cables are three-phase rated and designed for exactly this use case. Pair one with a three-phase home wallbox installation for the best result. If you’re also interested in using V2L, add a V2L adapter to your kit.
You can also browse our full MG EV charging cables range for options matched to your model.
Frequently asked questions
What charging cable do I need for an MG4?
It depends on your trim. MG4 Standard Range owners need a 32A single-phase (7.4kW) Type 2 cable. MG4 Long Range and Extended Range owners should use a three-phase Type 2 cable to reach the full 11kW onboard charger. All variants use a Type 2 (IEC 62196-2) inlet.
Does the MG4 come with a charging cable?
Yes. MG includes a Mode 2 granny cable (3-pin domestic plug to Type 2, compliant with IEC 62752) as standard with every new EV. This lets you charge from any standard UK socket at around 2.3kW. For regular home charging, you’ll want a dedicated wallbox and a 32A Type 2 cable for faster speeds.
What connector does the MG ZS EV use?
The MG ZS EV uses a Type 2 (IEC 62196-2) inlet for AC charging and CCS for DC rapid charging, the same standards as the MG4. Newer MG ZS EV models support 11kW AC charging, so a three-phase cable is recommended.
Can I use a Type 2 cable on a rapid charger?
No. DC rapid chargers use a CCS (Combined Charging System) connector, which connects to the car’s dedicated CCS port, separate from the Type 2 AC inlet. The cable is attached to the rapid charger itself; you don’t bring your own.
Does the MG4 support V2L?
Only on Long Range and Extended Range trims. V2L lets you power external devices (up to approximately 2.2kW) from the car’s battery via the Type 2 port, using a dedicated V2L adapter. The standard Type 2 charging cable does not enable V2L.
Will a single-phase cable work on an MG4 Long Range?
Yes, but it caps your AC charging at 7.4kW rather than the full 11kW the car supports. Over regular overnight charging, that’s a meaningful difference in charge time. If your wallbox supports three-phase output, a three-phase cable is worth the investment.