A charging cable (A) used for charging the battery of an electric drive vehicle comprises: a power supply plug (14) that is attachably/detachably connected to a power supply socket (12) of a commercial power supply; a charging coupler (16) that is attachably/detachably connected to an electric drive vehicle (C); a temperature sensor (14a) for detecting the temperature of an electrical path between the power supply plug (14) and the charging coupler (16); and a charging device (20) having a control means (20a) for controlling the value of current flowing from the power supply plug (14) to the charging coupler (16). Charging time can be significantly reduced, and in addition durability between the charging cable and the socket and durability between the charging cable and the charging coupler is improved.