Ring Portable Charging Cable (3-pin UK plug to Type 2) – Review
If you’ve spent any time around EVs, you’ll know this type of cable is affectionately known as a “granny charger” — slow, steady, and always there when you need it. The Ring portable charging cable fits squarely into that category, offering a practical, no-fuss solution for charging your EV from a standard three-pin socket. It’s not glamorous, it’s not fast, but it might just be one of the most useful bits of kit you can chuck in the boot for one of those ‘just in case; moments.
What is it?
This Ring unit is a Mode 2 portable EV charger, meaning it plugs into a regular 240V household socket on one end and your car’s Type 2 port on the other. It’s designed for situations where a dedicated wallbox or public charger isn’t available, like when you’re visiting family, staying at a campsite, or visiting my house!
You get a 5-metre cable, an inline control box, and an IP5 water resistant carry case to stop it rattling around with the dog leads and recovery gear. With IK10 rated cables for the highest protection, build quality feels reassuringly solid, and it’s clearly designed to cope with life in a muddy boot rather than a showroom shelf.
Charging performance (the important bit)
Let’s not beat about the bush, this is slow charging. The Ring operates at up to 13A from a standard UK socket, delivering around 3kW.
In real-world terms, that translates to:
30kWh battery – roughly 10 hours
60kWh battery – roughly 20 hours
90kWh battery – roughly 30 hours
Drop it to 10A (which is often recommended for older wiring or peace of mind), and you’re looking at even longer — up to 26 hours for a 60kWh pack.
So no, this isn’t something you’ll use for a quick top-up before heading to the shops. But for overnight charging or emergency use, it does the job just fine.
Adjustability and usability
One of the nicer touches is the ability to switch between 6A, 10A and 13A.
That’s genuinely useful. Older properties or dodgy extension leads might not appreciate a full 13A draw for hours on end, so being able to dial it back adds flexibility (and peace of mind).
The built-in LCD screen is also handy, showing charge time and energy usage. It’s not groundbreaking tech, but it’s useful when you’re trying to work out whether you’ve added enough juice for the morning run.
Practicality
This is where the Ring cable really earns its keep.
No installation required – plug it in and go
Works anywhere with a socket
Compact enough to live in the boot
Comes with a proper storage case
For anyone who spends time off-grid, travelling, or visiting places without EV infrastructure, it’s a bit of a safety net. It’s also ideal if you’re not quite ready, or can afford, to fork out for a home wallbox.
Verdict
The Ring portable charging cable is one of those products that doesn’t try to be clever, and that’s exactly why it works. It’s simple, reliable, and genuinely useful, especially if your lifestyle involves a bit of adventure or unpredictability.
Charging times are undeniably slow, but that’s the nature of drawing power from a standard plug. Accept that, and it becomes a very handy bit of kit rather than a frustrating one.
For Mud Life readers, it’s the EV equivalent of carrying a jerry can — you hope you won’t need it, but you’ll be very glad it’s there when you do.
Website: https://www.ringautomotive.com/en/product/RPC20A05
Price: Around £200.00