Electric vehicles are rocking the automobile landscape due to zero carbon emissions and clean energy technology. Nevertheless, the demand for EV charging infrastructure is growing. Some major charging components include ports, sockets, and EV charging connector types.
These charging connectors are not the same in all countries. They differ from nation to nation, by type of EV, and also according to the charging station. Thus, it is important to understand the different types of EV connectors in detail. This guide is helpful for various EV owners, drivers, EV enthusiasts, and charging station providers for their effective and efficient charging.
In this article, ChargeEco covers AC, and DC charging in the context of Connectors, which type of charging connectors your EV uses, Types of connectors used at Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast chargers, EV cables, and much more.
EV Charging Connector Types
Several charging connectors prevail but main segregation can be done based on charging type. According to the charging classification, it is divided into two types of charging – AC and DC fast charging. The following are the core differences between AC and DC fast charging:-
| AC Charging | DC Fast Charging |
|---|---|
| AC (Alternative Current) charging most common charging type for Levels 1 and 2 in North America. | DC (Direct Current) is another popular charging type for Level 3 charging. |
| AC charging is used in homes with standard outlets. | DC fast chargers are mostly available at charging stations. |
| In North America, SAEJ1772 for Non-Tesla and NACS(North American Charging Standard) is the most common charging Connector for Tesla. | In North America SAE Combo (CCS1), CHAdeMO, and NACS are common connectors in DC fast charging. |
| These connectors are used in Japan J1772 Type 1, North America J1772 Type 2 Mennekes in Europe, and GB/T in China. | These connectors are used by CHAdeMO in Japan, CCS1 in North America, CSS 2 in Europe, and GB/T in China. |
So before comprehending the EV charging connector types we need to properly understand the how battery is charged from AC and DC. When a charger is connected to the standard outlet the first current is converted into DC from AC and then charges the battery.
In other words, in an electric grid, current always flows as an Alternative current but the battery is always charged from DC. Alternative current is converted into direct current through the onboarding charger. Its main function is to bypass the AC power directly and charge the battery.
The difference between AC charging and DC Charging is clear so now it is easy to understand the types of connectors easily:-
Connector Type 1 – SAEJ1772 ( AC)
SAEJ1772 Connector another name is J Plug mainly used in the country of North America and Japan. Its main characteristic of charging input is its 5-pin configuration which can be delivered at a maximum power output level of 19.2 kW with a voltage of 240 Volt. The J1772 EV Plug carries out the single Phase Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers.
The major disadvantage of the Type 1 charger is it does not allow an automatic locking system in the Type 2 Connectors which is used in European countries.
| EV Connector Type | SAEJ1772 (Type1) |
|---|---|
| Output of Current | Alternate Current |
| Supply of Input Current | 120 Volts (Single Phase ) or 240/208 Volts |
| Maximum Output Power | 1.92KW (120Volt) 19.2 KW (240/208) Volt |
| Level of EV Charging | Level 1 and Level 2 |
| Major Countries | Japan, Canada, and the USA |
Connector Type 2 – Mennekes (AC)
Type 2 Connector another name is Mennekes mainly used in the country in Europe. Its main characteristic of charging input is its 7-pin configuration which can be delivered at a maximum power output level of 22 kW with a voltage of 400 Volt. The type 2 connector supports a Single-phase EV Plug that carries out the three-phase AC charging Level 2 EV chargers.
The major advantage of the Type 2 charger is its plugs allow them to open one side and allow them to automatically connect to the EV Charging. The automatic locking system between the plug and the EV prevents the charging cable from being removed during the charging of an EV.
Type and Type 2 connectors use the same waving communication between the EV chargers and the electric vehicles. Thus, in the end, the process manufacturers add the connectors according to the region.
| EV Connector Type | Mennekes (Type2) |
|---|---|
| Output of Current | Alternate Current |
| Supply of Input Current | 230 Volts (Single Phase) or 240/208 Volts with (3 Phase) |
| Maximum Output Power | 7.6 kW (230 Volts) 22 kW (400) Volt |
| Level of EV Charging | Level 2 |
| Major Countries | Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, Middle East, South Africa |
EV Charging CCS Connector Type 1
CCS (Combining charging system) type 1 connector or CCS Combo 1 or J plug combo mixes the J1772 type 1 plug with two high-speed fast charging standards for North America. It uses 1000 volts with a current delivery of 500 AMP power output of 360 kW.
The CCS system uses the same communication protocol as the SAE J1772 Type 1 connector. It allows vehicle manufacturing companies to provide the same charging ports rather than two different ports. Most of the EVs use the CSS 1 plug in North America. It is essential for DC EV charging stations to use liquid-cooled cables when they deliver more than 200 Amps of current.
| EV Connector Type | CCS 1 |
|---|---|
| Output of Current | Direct Current |
| Supply of Input Current | 480 Volts (3 Phase) |
| Maximum Output Power | 360 kW (minimum) to 1000 Volt (maximum) |
| Level of EV Charging | Level 3 (DC fast charging) |
| Major Countries | Canada, South Korea, and the USA |
EV Charging CCS Connector Type 2
CCS type 2 connector which is also known as the CCS combo 2 is the primary charging standard used in Europe. The CCS Type 1 charger combines a standard Type 1 mains plug with two additional pins for high-speed charging, making it suitable for faster charging speeds. The CCS Type 2 charger, on the other hand, features the Mennekes Type 2 connector and two high-speed charging pins, allowing it to provide a higher power output for fast charging.
Therefore, with the ability to provide current up to 500 AMPS and 1000 volts of direct current and the power output of 360 kW. But the scenario with the case of Tesla owners is different they have to use the adapter. It is essential for DC EV charging stations to use liquid-cooled cables when they deliver more than 200 Amps of current.
| EV Connector Type | CCS 2 |
|---|---|
| Output of Current | Direct Current |
| Supply of Input Current | 400 Volts (3 Phase) |
| Maximum Output Power | 360 kW |
| Level of EV Charging | Level 3 (DC fast charging) |
| Major Countries | Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, Africa and Australia |
EV Charging CHAdeMO Connector
CHAdeMo connector is one of the most prominent EV connector types initially developed by Japanese car automakers and released earlier. It can charge EV CHAdeMO up to 400 AMPS and provide a maximum output of 400 amps.
Similar to CCS 1 and CCS 2, the CHAdeMO connector also requires liquid-cooled cables to deliver the current 20 Amps. Japense uses CHAdeMO DC fast charging. Although CCS is not as universal or widespread as CCSs there is still proceeding development with the CHAdeMO.
If someone makes a distinction between CCS and CHAdeMO then CCS allows car manufacturers to provide only fit into one EV Charging port which accepts both AC and DC charging. In addition to it, CHAdeMO requires both charging ports.
| EV Connector Type | CHAdeMO |
|---|---|
| Output of Current | Direct Current |
| Supply of Input Current | 400 Volts (3 Phase) |
| Maximum Output Power | 400 kW |
| Level of EV Charging | Level 3 (DC fast charging) |
| Major Countries | Japan |
EV Charging GB/T Connector
GB/T connector is famous in the Chinese EV market. GB/T stands for Guobiao/ T national standard form of connector which can provide up to 7.4kW of power output with a single phase input. It matches the appearance of Mennekes plugs which are widely used in Europe.
However, the cable configuration is different and incompatible. In China the power output is used is 237.5 kW. Companies are working in GB/T and CHAdeMO connectors to build the next generation of EV Charging Connector Types with a capability of 900kW.
GB/T (AC)
| EV Connector Type | GB/T (AC) |
|---|---|
| Output of Current | Alternative Current |
| Supply of Input Current | 250 Volts (3 Phase) |
| Maximum Output Power | 7.4kW |
| Level of EV Charging | Level 2 |
| Major Country | China |
GB/T (DC)
| EV Connector Type | GB/T (DC) |
|---|---|
| Output of Current | Direct Current |
| Supply of Input Current | 440 Volts (3 Phase) |
| Maximum Output Power | 237.5kW |
| Level of EV Charging | Level 3 (DC fast Charging) |
| Major Country | China |
Tesla Connector
When it comes to EV Charging connector types then Tesla uses a different type of charging connector. In Northern America, Tesla makes use of its NACS (north American charging standard) which is used for both AC and DC charging.
The charger of the Tesla connector can deliver up to 250kW which is only compatible with this. However, outside of North America Tesla 3 and Y use different CCS-type 2 charging connectors.
| EV Connector Type | Tesla NACS |
|---|---|
| Output of Current | AC/DC |
| Supply of Input Current | Single or Three phase Current |
| Maximum Output Power | 48 Amps (AC) to 400 Amps (DC) |
| Level of EV Charging | Level 2 and Level 3 |
| Major Countries | USA, Canada |
Bottom Line
In the end, EV Charging Connector Types and Charging ports are built-in safety features to protect against the overflow of current, temperature, and ground faults. All these safety standards and things are standardized by several factors including various types of connectors, users’ requirements, type of onboarding connector, etc.
Therefore it is very important to understand which type of EV connector type is useful for you on various parameters.
FAQ
What is a charging connector?
The charging connector is a type of instrument that is used to plug the electric vehicle through its charging port to charge the electric vehicle.
What are the different types of connectors for EV chargers?
SAE J1772, CHAdeMO, CCS1, Tesla, and NACS are the different types of connectors.
What is the difference between a J1772 and a CCS plug?
J1772 plug is used for the alternative current charging and the Combined Charging system which is a J1772 charging plug with additional charging pins allows for DC fast charging.
What is the difference between J1772 and NACs?
The main distinction between J1772 and NAC is the charging speed, which type of use, and their compatibility as well.
What are Type 1 and Type 2 charging connectors?
Type 1 uses a single-phase plug with 5 pins with no locking mechanism and it is used in the USA and Asian Markets but Type 2 uses a three-phase plug with seven pins without locking mechanisms.
What are the different types of EV charging plugs?
Various types of plugs are Tesla’s NACS, CCS plug, CHAdeMO, Type 1, Type2, and Tesla connector.
Can you charge an EV with an extension cable?
Yes, it is possible but is not recommended to use an extension cable due to safety concerns, especially overheating and potential fire.
