The state-of-the-art development of HTS cables is described. The structure and basic performance of HTS cables for a distribution network with voltage level of 35 kV and below are examined. Structures of the “3-in-one” and the tri-axial core type HTS cable are analyzed. Models of the two kinds of HTS cable are constructed. The electrical characteristics of different structures of the HTS cables are compared and calculated. A practical calculation method for power frequency parameters is proposed, and those parameters of the two kinds of HTS cable are calculated. Given the need to employ an HTS cable in distribution network, a simulation analysis is carried out, and the transient electrical characteristics of the HTS cable in practical application are presented. This work is supported by Science and Technology Project of the Headquarter of State Grid Corporation of China (No. 520940180014) “Key Technologies and Demonstration Application Research for Domestic km-grade HTS Cable System”.