Volume IV · Issue 02 · Spring 2026

The Journal

Engineering notes, material studies, field reports and essays on the slow domestication of the kilowatt-hour. Published when we have something worth saying.

All
70 entries

Connector Types · 6 min

Every EV Connector Type Used in the UK: All 8 Explained

Eight EV connector types are in use on UK roads today. We explain all of them: with a full comparison table, prevalence data, and an honest cable-purchase ve...

Jake Wardle · 9 July 2026

Comparisons · 6 min

Mode 2 vs Mode 3 Charging Explained

Mode 2 uses a domestic socket with an in-cable safety device. Mode 3 uses a dedicated wallbox or AC charge point. Here's what that means in practice.

Jake Wardle · 8 July 2026

Comparisons · 6 min

Tethered vs Untethered Charger: Which Wallbox Should You Choose?

Tethered or untethered wallbox? We explain cable length lock-in, theft trade-offs, public charging realities, and total cost, so you choose right first time.

Jake Wardle · 7 July 2026

Granny Chargers · 6 min

What Is a Granny Charger? The Complete Guide to Mode 2 EV Cables

A granny charger plugs your EV into a standard 13A socket. Here's how Mode 2 cables work, how fast they charge, and the safety risks worth knowing.

Jake Wardle · 6 July 2026

Connector Types · 6 min

What Is CHAdeMO Charging? A Plain-English Guide for UK Drivers

CHAdeMO is a DC rapid-charging standard on older UK EVs. Learn which cars use it, why there's no cable to buy, and what you actually need for everyday charging.

Jake Wardle · 5 July 2026

Comparisons · 6 min

CCS vs Type 2 Explained: What's the Difference and Which Cable Do You Need?

CCS and Type 2 are not two competing standards. They are two halves of the same system: AC for everyday charging, DC for rapid. Here's how they work together.

Jake Wardle · 4 July 2026

Connector Types · 6 min

What Is a Type 1 Charging Cable?

A Type 1 cable uses the SAE J1772 standard, five pins, single-phase, legacy in the UK. Here's which cars need one and what cable to buy for British charge po...

Jake Wardle · 3 July 2026

Connector Types · 6 min

What Is a Type 2 Charging Cable?

A Type 2 cable is the UK and European standard for AC charging, seven pins, defined in IEC 62196-2, fits every post-2018 UK EV. Here's what each pin does and...

Jake Wardle · 2 July 2026

Comparisons · 6 min

Type 1 vs Type 2 EV Charging Cable: What's the Difference?

Two connector types, one decision. This comparison covers pin count, standards, UK car compatibility, and the single-phase ceiling that Type 1 owners need to...

Jake Wardle · 1 July 2026

Buying Guides · 6 min

Which EV Charging Cable Do I Need?

Nearly every EV sold new in the UK uses the same connector. But there are still four decisions to get right. This guide walks you through each one.

Jake Wardle · 30 June 2026

Buying Guides · 12 min

The best home chargers of 2026, tested

Our buyers spent three months living with every major UK wallbox. Here's the definitive ranking: and the one we wouldn't recommend at any price.

Jake Wardle · 12 April 2026

Field Notes · 6 min

The quiet revolution of the home wallbox

When we set out to design the Arc Wallbox, the brief was almost embarrassingly simple: a customer should be able to forget it exists.Designing for absenceMos...

Jake Wardle · 12 April 2026