[dk6780]

Just tried searching for a converter but the ones I found have male/female the wrong way round: not sure who those are targeted at?

People with tethered Type 1 chargers who have got either a replacement or additional car with a Type 2.

In either case, has anyone seen the converter that I would need to plug-in my car with a Type 1 socket?

Yes, I have one! But whether it is worth buying one depends on how often you are going to use it as they are not cheap as they are (short) leads with two proper plugs rather than a cheap moulded item that seem only to be available in the opposite sense.

 

[dk6780]

Fortunately Rapids have tethered chargers which sadly seem to suffer the same fate ......

 

[dk6780]

many people with plug-in hybrids don't have a type 2 cable at all.

Why not? And why should their needs be pandered to causing a disadvantage to others?

 

[dk6780]

why has the EU mandated its own standards that have divided the EV market

Because the Germans know best and have undue influence over the EU. Not just have they created an incompatible standard but it's so poorly defined that it often fails to work. All three of the car manufacturer, the charger manufacturer and the network have to negotiate a compatible product. And don't get me started on the continuing absence of an implemented V2X standard for either AC or DC. Thanks EU!