EV Charging Connector Types: A Complete Guide

Electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow in popularity worldwide due to their clean energy and efficient performance. However, with the increasing number of electric vehicles, ensuring the infrastructure is in place to meet their charging needs is critical. One critical component of charging infrastructure is the EV charging connectors, sockets, and plugs used on EVs and electric vehicle charging stations

These EV connectors can vary significantly by country and also the type of EV and charging station. There, unfortunately, isn’t a one-size fits all EV connector. Therefore it is essential to fully understand the different EV connectors, sockets, and plugs available worldwide. In addition, different charging station levels, such as Level 2 and Level 3 (DC fast charging), require specific EV connectors to ensure safe and efficient charging.

Understanding the various EV charging connectors, sockets, and plugs is crucial for EV owners, charging station providers and installers, and policymakers. This complete guide will explore the differences between the available electric vehicle connector types, what countries they are in, how fast they are, and much more. Below shows a visual summary of the electric vehicle connectors that are currently used in the market.

EV CHARGING CONNECTORS

Several EV charging connectors are available, each with unique features and capabilities. Before we look closely at each connector, we must understand that there are two primary electric vehicle charging methods: AC (alternate current) charging and DC (direct current) fast charging. The electrical power that comes from the grid is always in the form of AC, but the battery of an EV can only store energy in DC form. This means the power must be converted before storing it in the battery.

AC charging relies on the onboard charger in the vehicle to convert the AC power to DC. On the other hand, DC fast charging involves converting AC power to DC at the charging station before it flows into the vehicle. DC fast charging allows for a quicker charging experience as it bypasses the vehicle’s onboard charger, delivering more power directly to the battery. This is shown in the illustration below.

Now that we know the difference between AC and DC charging, let’s take a closer look at each type of EV charging connector:

SAE J1772 CONNECTOR – TYPE 1

The SAE J1772 connector, also known as a J Plug or Type 1 connector, is a charging standard used primarily in North America and Japan. It features five pins and can charge up to 80 amps utilizing 240 volts input, providing a maximum power output of an EV charger of 19.2 kW. The J1772 EV connector supports single-phase AC charging for Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers. The drawback of the Type 1 plug is that it only allows single-phase use and does not have an automatic locking mechanism like the Type 2 (Mennekes) connector used in Europe.

Almost every North American electric car or plug-in hybrid will have a Type 1 plug on their vehicle except for Tesla, which has its own proprietary charging standard. However, they provide a compatible adapter allowing Tesla drivers to charge using a J1772 charger.

MENNEKES CONNECTOR – TYPE 2

The Type 2 connector, also known as the Mennekes connector, is a charging standard used primarily in Europe. It features seven pins and can charge up to 32 amps utilizing 400 volts input, providing a maximum power output of 22 kW. The type 2 connector supports single-phase and three-phase AC charging for Level 2 chargers. The plugs have openings on the side that allows them to lock into place automatically when connected to the EV for charging. The automatic locking between the plug and the EV prevents the charging cable from being removed during charging.

Both type 1 and type 2 EV connectors use the same signaling protocol for communication between the EV charger and the EV itself. As a result of this, electric vehicle manufacturers can produce their vehicles using a uniform process. Then in the final stage of production, they add the appropriate EV connector based on the destination market of the vehicle.

CCS CONNECTOR – TYPE 1

CCS Type 1 (Combined Charging System), or CCS Combo 1 or SAE J1772 Combo connector, combines the J1722 Type 1 plug with two high-speed DC fast charging pins. CCS 1 is the DC fast charging standard for North America. It can deliver up to 500 amps and 1000 volts DC providing a maximum power output of 360 kW.

The Combined Charging System utilizes the same communication protocol as the SAE J1772 Type 1 connector. It enables vehicle manufacturers to have one AC and DC charging port rather than two separate ports.

Most EVs in North America now utilize a CCS 1 plug. Japanese automakers such as Nissan have transitioned from CHAdeMO to CCS 1 for all new models in North America. However, like the SAE J1772 Type 1 plug, Tesla has their proprietary charging standard for North America.

CCS CONNECTOR – TYPE 2

The CCS Type 2 connector, also known as the CCS Combo 2, is the primary DC fast charging standard used in Europe. Like the Type 1 CCS, which combined an AC plug with two high-speed charging pins, the CCS 2 combines the Mennekes Type 2 plug with two additional high-speed charging pins. With the ability to provide up to 500 amps and 1000 volts DC, a CCS 2 charger can also deliver a maximum power output of 360 kW.

Unlike in North America, Tesla 3 and Y owners in Europe can charge their vehicles with a CCS Type 2 charging station, and Tesla S and X owners can use an adapter.

It is important to note that a CCS DC fast charging station will require liquid-cooled charging cables when it delivers more than 200 amps. These liquid-cooled cables would apply to both CCS 1 and CCS 2 electric vehicle chargers.

CHAdeMO CONNECTOR

The CHAdeMO connector is a DC fast-charging standard initially developed by Japanese automakers and released before CCS. It can charge EVs up to 400 amps, providing a maximum power output of 400 kW. To reach the 400 kW output, any CHAdeMO charging stations would require liquid-cooled cables similar to the CCS types. No surprise to see that CHAdeMO is the preferred standard for DC fast charging in Japan. Even so, Japanese auto manufacturers are adapting models to CCS connectors for North American and European markets, so we will likely see fewer CHAdeMO chargers in markets outside of Japan as time progresses. Although not as universal or widespread as CCS, there is still ongoing development with the CHAdeMO protocol to enable even faster charging through their “ChaoJi” technology in partnership with GB/T.

The main difference between CCS and CHAdeMO is that CCS connectors allow car makers to fit only one EV charging port, which can accept AC and DC charging. However, with CHAdeMO, you require a separate charging port for AC, resulting in two charging ports on the vehicle.

GB/T CONNECTORS

In China, there are only two types of EV connectors used. Both are named GB/T, referred to as Guobiao national standards, one is for AC-type charging, and the other is for DC-type charging. The GB/T AC connector can provide up to 7.4 kW of power output with a single-phase input. It resembles the appearance of the Mennekes plug used in Europe. However, the cable configuration inside the connector is in a different order, so they are incompatible. The GB/T DC connector can deliver up to 237.5 kW of power output and is the only DC fast charging protocol currently used in China. As mentioned before, there is a partnership between GB/T and CHAdeMO to develop the next generation of EV connectors capable of 900 kW output power.

TESLA CONNECTORS

Depending on which part of the world you are in and which model of Tesla you drive will depend on which Tesla plug you need. In North America, Telsa utilizes its proprietary NACS (North American Charging Standard), previously named “Tesla SuperCharger,” for both AC and DC charging. The NCAS connector can deliver up to 250 kW and is only compatible with Teslas. However, they have recently made the EV charging connector available to other EV manufacturers.

Tesla can be charged with different EV connectors outside of North America. As mentioned in Europe and much of the world outside of North America, Telsa 3 and Y utilizes a CCS Type 2 connector. However, models S and X use a modified Type 2 plug and socket with notches at the top and center of the pins to prevent insertion into non-Tesla sockets.

All EV charging connectors have built-in safety features to protect against overcurrent, ground faults, overvoltage, and high temperatures. These safety features protect the vehicle and the charging station, preventing electrical hazards. When using an EV charging station, it’s vital to make sure you follow all safety guidelines and use the correct charging connector for your vehicle.

The charging speed and power output of an EV charging connector are determined by several factors, including the connector type, the current and voltage of the charging station, and the capacity of the vehicle’s onboard charger. Each EV connector has pros and cons, so whether you are an electric vehicle owner looking to choose the correct connector type for your vehicle or an EV charging installer looking at the best charging connector configuration for your needs, understanding the different types of EV charging connectors is essential.