A charging plug is a connector that is required to place in the electric vehicle socket pretty much like any other appliances. The plug varies based on the country, brand, charging level, the same is the case with electric vehicles’ charging plugs and sockets.
In this blog, we will discuss 12 types of EV charging connectors worldwide.
North American EV charging connector types
J1772 (Type 1)
All EV manufacturers, except Tesla, use J1772 or J-plug connector type for level 1 and level 2 with a power output of 1.44 kW and 19.2 kW respectively. It is also known as a type 1 connector. Tesla provides its own charger for its electric vehicles. We will discuss this later on.
The non-Tesla electric vehicle charging station has a J-plug connector type, where any brand can charge their EVs including Tesla. They provide the adaptor through which Tesla EV can be charged at a non-Tesla charging station.
CCS1
Combined Charging System (CCS) is the enhanced version of the Type AC 1 plug. It is combined with the type AC 1 plug with the high-speed charging pin. It is an accepted standard in North America. Most of the automakers in North America are utilizing CCS plugs with a power output of 50 kW - 350 kW.
Japan’s EV charging connector types
J1772 (Type 1)
J1772 AKA type 1 connector is developed by Japan. It is a single-phase connector that delivers up to 7.4 kW.
CHAdeMO
CHAdeMO, originated in Japan, is an acronym of ‘CHArge de MOve’ meaning ‘charge 'n' go’. The phrase itself says it is a DC fast charger. It was founded by five Japanese automakers. Back in 2005, its research and development were started and in 2010, they launched their first CHAdeMO connector with 62.5kW - 400kW power output.
CHAdeMO association is working on co-developing an ultra-high-power charging standard together with China working named - ChaoJi. That aims to offer 900 kW power.
European EV charging connector types
Mennekes (Type 2)
IEC 62196 Types 2 plug AKA Mennekes is the official standard for the European Union. Mennekes can carry three-phase plugs with a capacity of up to 22 kW for private charging and up to 43 kW for public charging.
CC2
CCS2 is the enhanced version of the Type 2 connector with a power output of 50 kW to 350 kW. To enable DC charging, it has an additional two power contacts.
GB/T - China’s EV charging connector
The GB/T charging standard is developed by China that can deliver up to 237.5 kW. It is suitable for both electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. China Electricity Council (CEC) developed GB - the national standard of China. As discussed earlier, China is working with CHAdeMO Association to co-developing the standard that aims to offer 900 kW power.
Supercharger - Tesla’s EV charging connector
Supercharger was exclusively for Tesla vehicles until November 2021, when Tesla installed a CCS type 2 charger with at 10 charging stations in the Netherlands. These stations have started serving non-Tesla vehicles from mid-February, 2022 via Tesla Application.
The Tesla Supercharger with a power output of 72 kW - 250 kW is for all markets except European Union. However, Tesla offers adapters CCS to Supercharger that allow drivers outside of Europe to charge at non-Tesla DC charging stations.
Indian EV charging connector types
The Committee on Standardization of Protocol for Electric Vehicles (EV) Charging Infrastructure has produced schemes for EV charging specifications that include the Bharat AC 001 charger and the Bharat EV Charger DC 001.
Bharat EV Charger AC-001
Electric vehicles feature onboard charge at up to 3 kW charging rates in slow AC charging. The IEC 60309 Industrial Blue connections are used in Indian electric vehicles, and the Bharat EV guidelines recommend that this plug be utilized.
Bharat EV Charger DC-001
As per Bharat specifications, DC changing has two types provided at the fast charging station.
1. Level 1 - This has a power output of 10 kW to 15 kW.
2. Level 2 - This one has a power output of 30 kW to 150 kW.
Light Electric Vehicle AC Charge Point (LEV AC Charge Point)
BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) has notified about LEVC (Light Electric Vehicle Charge point) in August 2021. The proposed LEV AC Charge Point will serve the charging needs of primarily electric-powered two and three-wheelers. That shall supply up to 3 kW power.
DC EV supply equipment
This standard explains the specifications of DC EV supply equipment in which the secondary circuit is electrically separated from the primary circuit. This shall supply up to 7 kW power.
Final words
All the brands are adopting one of these connectors. Understanding all the connectors types is vital before installing an EV charging station. We offer the best EV infrastructure with the connectors you need.
