Over a year ago I blogged about tips on the right charging cable for your electric car. There was a lot of feedback, which I really appreciate. An input came about a charging cable that I didn’t know at the time and was supposed to offer the solution to avoid the usual “cable tangle” in the trunk. The Lapp Helix charging cable is intended to help here and is readily available in Switzerland and Germany. I’ve had the cable for a few months now and can now report on it.
Typical picture of a Type 2 charging cable in the trunk
Lapp Helix vs. Spiralkabel
In my report I also talked about spiral cables, but I don’t find them particularly exciting, especially in vehicles. They are rather bulky and tightly wound, but I find them very suitable as a permanently attached cable to the station. The Lapp Helix, in contrast, is more self-winding than a typical spiral cable. So the two variants cannot be compared.
The Helix charging cable rolls itself up…
What makes the Helix special?
What is so special about the Helix cable from Lapp? The cable “cleans itself up” despite being 5m long – this is possible thanks to a so-called “shape memory”. In other words, the cable returns to its original shape after it has been stretched for a charging process, for example. This form is the rolled up state, the tension is just enough and in most cases saves me the hassle of rolling it up.
The Lapp Helix charging cable in use
Conclusion
As mentioned, I have been using the Lapp Helix charging cable with shape memory for a few months now. The shape memory is still the same as it was at the beginning and is a practical companion for on the go. The charging cable can simply be placed in the trunk and rolls itself up very well. I find it rather unsuitable for use at home; I prefer a straight charging cable or a spiral cable. It is ideal if it is lying or being stored somewhere, but this does not apply to a fixed charging station. But for me it became a practical companion on the go, and I can recommend it without reservation:
The Lapp Helix charging cable is available for CHF 164 in Switzerland and €180 in Germany.