When it comes to refueling a conventional car with an internal combustion engine (ICE), you only need to differentiate between the gas pump and diesel pump. However, for electric vehicle (EV) drivers, there are more choices to consider. This is due to two main factors: the ongoing evolution of the EV industry towards standardization and the need for different charging speeds and power loads. Here’s how you can identify the appropriate EV plug for three types of EVs that require a plug-in charger: plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and vehicles using proprietary chargers.
The Evolution of EV Plug Types
As you travel the world, you'll notice that each continent, and sometimes each country, appears to have its unique plug design for connecting devices to the power grid. When using your devices overseas, you'll often require an adapter or even a transformer to access power. A similar lack of standardization is evident in the EV market, partly due to circumstance and partly by design. EV manufacturers created vehicles before an internationally consistent charging infrastructure was established, and some manufacturers, such as Tesla, intentionally devised proprietary solutions tailored exclusively to their own vehicles.
Understanding Different EV Plug Types
This led to the current situation where EV plug types differ based on geographical location, power source (e.g., slow vs. fast charging), and the specific type of vehicle.
Type 1 - SAE J1772
In North America and Asia, the standard for Level 1 and 2 charging involves a 5-pin plug that can draw power up to 19.2kW from a single-phase alternating current (AC) source. Typically, when driving an EV in the USA, you would connect to home or public charging stations using a Type 1 plug.
Type 2 - Mennekes
In Europe, the standard for Level 1 and 2 charging differs from North America and Asia. The default power source for charging is a triple-phase alternating current. The European standard utilizes a 7-pin plug, which enables charging at up to 43kW. Unlike the Type 1 plug, the European plug features an automatic locking mechanism to prevent accidental disconnection.
CCS1
This 7-pin EV plug is used for DC fast charging (up to 350kW) in North America. It can also be used for slow AC charging. The CCS1 plug is essentially a Type 1 plug with two additional high-speed DC charging pins added. It is commonly used at public charging stations where quick charging is desired.
CCS2
The CCS2 plug is the European equivalent of CCS1. It is a 9-pin plug based on the Type 2 plug design and allows for charging up to 350kW. Similar to CCS1, it can accommodate both AC and DC charging.
CHAdeMO
Initially developed in Japan, the CHAdeMO plug is a 10-pin plug. The first generation supported up to 50kW, while the second generation can deliver up to 400kW. CHAdeMO plugs also enable bidirectional vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging. Although popular in Japan, CHAdeMO is gradually being phased out internationally, especially in Europe where CCS2 has been mandated for DC charging.
GB/T
The GB/T plug is the standard AC and DC plug used in China. It is utilized by a majority of EV drivers in the world. GB/T delivers 7.4kW for AC charging and 237.5kW for DC charging.
Tesla Supercharger
Tesla vehicles use a proprietary EV plug that enables Level 1, 2, and 3 AC and DC charging. While the North American version uses a NACS (Tesla-specific) charger, all Tesla vehicles come with an adapter that connects to the Type 1 J1772 plug. In Europe, Tesla cars now utilize CCS2 charging.
Open Protocols and Interoperability
The introduction of new national standards for federally funded EV chargers in the US, if accurate, is a positive step towards ensuring uniform consistency and compatibility across charging stations. By establishing these standards, it becomes easier for drivers to find compatible charging options and eliminates one of the barriers to widespread EV adoption.
Please note that I encourage you to refer to the latest news and official sources for the most up-to-date information on EV charging standards and developments in the industry.
The Next Generation of EV Plugs
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International is pushing for the development of a wireless power transfer (WPT) charging solution in North America that will be equivalent to the J1772. Three charging speeds are currently in development:
Although wireless technology is still in the trial phase, it could be a regular feature as early as 2025. However, only one manufacturer in the US (BMW) currently offers a vehicle with wireless charging capability.
Choosing the Right Plug Type for Your Needs
Just as the choice between petrol and diesel is intuitive if you pay attention to the aperture size, so the choice of EV plug is easy to establish. The vehicle will draw the power level from the charger that it needs, so you’re not at risk of overpowering your battery with more current than it can handle.
For North American drivers, it’s a simple choice. All vehicles can use the Type 1 plug for Level 1 and 2 charging, whereas you’ll need the CCS1 for fast Level 3 charging. While all EV vehicles can use Tesla 1 and 2 stations with an adapter, only Tesla vehicles can use the DC Supercharger.
The EV Connect Driver App lets you find a compatible connector by filtering in the Map for Charging Level (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3) and selecting a station to see the available connector types.
In this blog post, we've explored the world of EV plug types, highlighting the evolution of various standards and their advantages. By understanding the unique features of each plug type, businesses and drivers can make informed decisions when it comes to EV charging infrastructure. We encourage you to explore our other related blog posts, such as our coverage of smart charging and the most common EV charging myths. Stay connected, and together let's drive towards a greener future!
