Welcome to the world of electric mobility! If you are a new owner of an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), welcome to our guide to help you explore electric vehicle charging.
The first steps into this new world can be surprising, and one of the key aspects is understanding the type of charging cables and plugs. It's worth knowing that most EV manufacturers provide two essentials: a cable for public charging stations (usually type 2) and a portable 3.7 kW home charger.
In the article, we will also discuss the different types of charger connectors, which are crucial for optimal use of your electric vehicle. You'll learn about the types and how to identify which connector is available for your car.
What cables did I get with the car (and which ones should I buy if I don't have them)?
Almost every electric or plug-in car manufacturer includes 2 things with the car:
A cable for public charging stations, usually Type 2, which has a male plug on one side and a female plug on the other. It allows you to connect to public charging stations or wallboxes that do not have iintegrated cables.
A portable charger for charging at home with a maximum power of 3.7 KWH. It allows you to plug into a typical home outlet (F-type - schuko) and charge with a maximum power of 3.7KWH (most often it is about 15-20 km/h).
What type of charger connector for my car?
Knowing the different types of charger connectors is crucial to maximizing the benefits of owning an electric car. Their multitude can be intimidating to fresh drivers, and we decided to compile the key knowledge in this article. In the article, we will discuss the most important charging plug standards: Type 1, Type 2, CHAdeMO, CCS and GB/T.
How to recognize what kind of connector we have?
At the moment, the type of connector and charging parameters are not yet written in the registration certificate, and we must be guided by car specifications, instructions or prints at the charging connector. Regardless of what kind of charging parameters our car has, you can recognize the connector itself visually by following the list below.
Type 2 (Mennekes): The Type 2 connector, often referred to as Mennekes, is a standard adopted mainly in Europe. It is based on the common red IEC 60309 three-phase plugs and has been recognized as a standard in the EU. It is a more versatile connector compared to Type 1, offering single-phase and three-phase charging2. Every new car purchased in the European Union will have this type of connector.
CCS (Combined Charging System): The CCS system offers Combo 1 (CCS1 as a variant of the Type 1 connector) or Combo 2 (CCS2 for Type 2 connector) connectors for charging electric cars. It allows charging at up to 350 kW (500A and 920V), making it one of the fastest charging standards available on the market. Connector use communication and ground pins from standard Type 2 plug and additional DC pins. Some plug-in or electric cars have a cap in place of the CCS connector because the model does not support DC charging
Type 2 and Type 2 CCS comparison
Type 1 (J1772): The SAE J1772 standard, also known as Type 1, is common in North America and Asian countries (Japan and Korea). It is most commonly found in older electric cars and U.S. imported cars.
CHAdeMO: The CHAdeMO standard was developed in Japan by Tokyo Electric Power Company in cooperation with Nissan, Mitsubishi and Fuji Heavy Industries. It is one of the first standards to enable DC fast charging, with popularity mainly in Japan and some parts of Europe. It is commonly found in the Nissan Leaf.
GB/T: The GB/T standard is popular in China and includes both alternating current (AC) charging and direct current (DC) fast charging. The GB/T AC charging connector is single-phase and offers up to 7.4 kW of power. Designed with the Chinese market in mind, GB/T connectors are available for single-phase and three-phase charging systems.
Can I use an adapter between different type of connectors?
Using adapters between different types of plugs, such as Type 1 to Type 2, can be tempting to increase charging compatibility with different public chargers.
Commonly used adapters:
- Type 1 to Type 2
- CCS 1 Combo to CCS 2 Combo
- Type 1 to Tesla
- Tesla or Type 2 to Chademo
- Type 2 to Schuko (normal AC plug), used when you want to connect a normal plug to charger (for example a scooter charger)
However, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:
- Purchase an adapter that has the proper certifications and quality parameters. A poorly made adapter may not be properly insulated, and may overheat or spark, exposing the user to fire or electric shock.
- Supported current parameters - each adapter should have in its specification certain parameters in which it can operate. Pay attention to the voltage (V) and maximum current (A), or just maximum KWH.
- IP protection - the charging adapter introduces an additional connection between the charger and the car, which affects the entire charging system.