As electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity worldwide, understanding the variety of EV charging plug types has become essential. Whether you're charging your EV at home, work, or a public station, one crucial factor remains: the outlet at the charging station must match your car’s inlet. In other words, the cable connecting the charging station to your vehicle needs the correct plug on both ends.
Currently, there are four main types of EV plugs: two for alternating current (AC) charging, supporting up to 43 kW, and two for direct current (DC) fast charging, which supports speeds up to 350 kW. However, since plug types vary across countries and different types of EVs and stations, there isn’t a universal plug standard. Thus, it’s vital to understand the different EV plugs, sockets, and connectors available globally to ensure safe and efficient charging.
This guide will provide a complete overview of EV plug types, covering the countries they are used in, charging speeds, and other key differences, offering valuable insights for EV owners, charging station providers, and installers.
When it comes to EV charging, understanding the different types of charging plugs is key to selecting the right charging setup. Several EV charging connectors are available on the market, each with unique features and capabilities tailored to different charging needs. Before diving into the specific types of connectors, it’s essential to understand the two primary methods for charging electric vehicles: alternating current (AC) charging and direct current (DC) fast charging.
The electrical power that comes from the grid is always in alternating current (AC) form, but the battery of an electric vehicle (EV) can only store energy in direct current (DC) form. This means that AC power must be converted to DC before it can be stored in the EV’s battery. There are two ways to handle this conversion, which define the two main types of EV charging:
With AC charging, the conversion of AC to DC happens inside the vehicle. The onboard charger in the EV handles this task, converting the AC power received from the charging station into DC power that can be stored in the battery. However, because the conversion depends on the capacity of the onboard charger, AC charging is generally slower. This makes it ideal for home or workplace charging where the vehicle has time to charge over several hours.
In DC fast charging, the conversion from AC to DC happens within the charging station itself, not in the vehicle. This method bypasses the onboard charger entirely, delivering high-voltage DC power directly to the battery. Since DC fast chargers are typically much more powerful, they can charge an EV much faster than AC chargers, making them ideal for public charging stations where drivers need to recharge quickly.
Different types of connectors support these charging methods. Here’s an overview of the common EV charging connectors, each designed for compatibility with AC or DC charging needs:
In China, electric vehicle (EV) charging relies on two primary connector types, both designated under the GB/T national standard, also known as Guobiao. These connectors are tailored for different charging types: one for AC charging and the other for DC fast charging. The GB/T AC connector supports single-phase charging with a maximum power output of 7.4 kW. While its appearance is similar to the European Mennekes plug, the internal wiring configuration is different, making it incompatible with Mennekes-based systems.
The GB/T DC connector is China’s standard for DC fast charging, capable of delivering up to 237.5 kW of power. It’s the only DC fast-charging protocol currently used nationwide, providing a robust charging solution for China’s growing EV market. This standardized approach simplifies infrastructure development, ensuring that all EVs in China can rely on a consistent DC charging experience.
Looking ahead, the GB/T standard is evolving through an international partnership with CHAdeMO to develop "ChaoJi," a next-generation connector with an ambitious target output of 900 kW. This new technology aims to bring ultra-fast charging capabilities to future EV models, reinforcing China’s commitment to advancing EV infrastructure and global compatibility.
| EV Connector Type | GB/T(AC) | GB/T (DC) |
| Supply Input | 250 Volts (three-phase) | 440 Volts |
| Output Current Type | AC (Alternate Current) | DC Direct Current) |
| Maximum Output Power | 7.4 kW | 237.5 kW |
| Maximum Output Current | 32 Amps | 250 Amps |
| EV Charging Level(s) | Level 2 | Level 3 (DC fast charging) |
| Primary Countries | China | China |
The SAE J1772 connector, commonly referred to as the J Plug or Type 1 connector, is the standard charging plug for electric vehicles in North America and Japan. This connector features a five-pin design, enabling charging at up to 80 amps with a 240-volt input, which translates to a maximum power output of 19.2 kW. The J1772 connector supports single-phase AC charging and is compatible with both Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, making it a popular choice for home and workplace charging setups.
One limitation of the Type 1 plug is that it only supports single-phase power, lacking the versatility of its European counterpart, the Type 2 (Mennekes) connector, which also includes an automatic locking feature for added security. Despite this, nearly all electric cars and plug-in hybrids in North America are equipped with a Type 1 port, with the notable exception of Tesla vehicles. Tesla uses a proprietary charging connector in North America but provides an adapter that allows Tesla drivers to connect to J1772 charging stations, ensuring compatibility across a wide range of charging infrastructure.
| EV Connector Type | SAE J1772 (Type 1) |
| Output Current Type | AC (Alternate Current) |
| EV Charging Level(s) | Level 1. Level 2 |
| Supply input | 120 Volts or 208/240 Volts (Single-phase only) |
| Maximum Output Power | 1.92 kW (120 Volts) 19.2 kW (208/240 Volts) |
| Maximum Output Current | 16 Amps (120 Volts) 80 Amps (208/240 Volts) |
| Primary Countries | USA, Canada, Japan |
Type 2 connectors, commonly known as Mennekes connectors, are the standard for EV charging across Europe. With a seven-pin configuration, the Type 2 connector can support charging at up to 32 amps and 400 volts, delivering a maximum output of 22 kW. One of its key features is the flexibility to handle both single-phase and three-phase AC power, making it suitable for Level 2 charging in both residential and public charging environments.
A standout feature of the Type 2 plug is its automatic locking mechanism. When the plug is connected to an EV, side openings enable it to securely lock into place, preventing disconnection during charging. This automatic locking not only enhances safety but also provides peace of mind by ensuring a stable connection throughout the charging process.
| EV Connector Type | Mennekes (Type 2) |
| Supply Input | 230 Volts (Single-Phase) or 400 Volts (three-phase) |
| Output Current Type | AC (Alternate Current) |
| Maximum Output Power | 7.6 kW (230 Volts) 22 kW (400 Volts) |
| Maximum Output Current | 32 Amps (230 Volts)32 Amps (400 Volts) |
| EV Charging Level(s) | Level 2 |
| Primary Countries | Europe, United Kingdom, Middle East, Africa, Australia |
Both tvpe 1 and tvpe 2 Ev connectors use the same sianaling protocolfor communication between the Ev charger and the Ev itself. As a result othis, electric vehicle manufacturers can produce their vehicles using a uniform process. Then in the final stage of production, they add theappropriate EV connector based on the destination market of the vehicle.
The CCS Type 1 (Combined Charging System), also known as CCS Combo 1 or the SAE J1772 Combo connector, is North America’s standard for DC fast charging. This connector combines the Type 1 J1772 plug with two additional pins dedicated to high-speed DC charging. Capable of delivering up to 500 amps and 1000 volts, the CCS Type 1 can achieve a maximum power output of 360 kW, enabling ultra-fast charging sessions.
One advantage of the CCS Type 1 is that it integrates both AC and DC charging capabilities into a single port, allowing manufacturers to simplify vehicle design by avoiding separate ports for each charging method. This streamlined approach uses the same communication protocol as the J1772 Type 1 connector, ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure.
Today, most electric vehicles in North America use the CCS Type 1 standard. Japanese automakers like Nissan have also shifted from CHAdeMO to CCS Type 1 for new North American models. Tesla, however, continues to use a proprietary charging system but provides adapters for compatibility with other charging networks.
| EV Connector Type | CCs 1 |
| supply Input | 480 Volts (three-phase) |
| Output Current Type | DC (Direct Current) |
| Maximum Output Power | 360 kw |
| Maximum Output Current | 500 Amps |
| Maximum Output Voltage | 1000 Volts DC |
| EV Charging Level(s) | Level 3 (Dc fast charging) |
| Primary Countries | USA, South Korea, Canada |
The CCS Type 2 connector, often called CCS Combo 2, is Europe’s standard for DC fast charging. Similar to the CCS Type 1 used in North America, the CCS Type 2 combines the Mennekes Type 2 AC plug with two additional pins dedicated to high-speed DC charging. This connector can deliver up to 500 amps and 1000 volts of DC power, reaching a maximum output of 360 kW, making it ideal for rapid charging in public stations.
In Europe, Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles come equipped to charge directly at CCS Type 2 stations, while Model S and Model X owners can use an adapter for compatibility. This alignment with CCS standards allows Tesla owners in Europe to benefit from widespread charging options, ensuring flexibility across charging networks.
| EV Connector Type | CCS 2 |
| supply input | 400 Volts (three-phase) |
| Output Current Type | DC (Direct Current) |
| Maximum Output Power | 360 kW |
| Maximum Output Current | 500 Amps |
| EV Charging Level(s) | Level 3 (Dc fast charging) |
| Maximum Output Voltage | 1000 Volts Dc |
| Primary Countries | Europe, Middle East, Africa, Australia, United Kingdom, |
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
The CHAdeMO connector, initially developed by Japanese automakers, is a DC fast-charging standard that was introduced before the Combined Charging System (CCS). With the capability to deliver up to 400 amps, CHAdeMO can provide a maximum output of 400 kW when using liquid-cooled cables, similar to the CCS standard. As a result, CHAdeMO has become the primary DC fast-charging standard in Japan, favored for its reliability and robust performance.
Despite its popularity in Japan, Japanese automakers have increasingly started to equip their vehicles for North American and European markets with CCS connectors instead. This shift is expected to gradually reduce the presence of CHAdeMO chargers outside Japan, aligning with the more widely adopted CCS standard. Nevertheless, CHAdeMO continues to evolve; recent advancements include collaborations with the GB/T standard to develop "ChaoJi" technology, which aims to boost charging speeds even further.
One key distinction between CHAdeMO and CCS lies in their port design. CCS connectors allow automakers to use a single port that supports both AC and DC charging, streamlining vehicle design. In contrast, CHAdeMO requires an additional AC charging port on the vehicle, resulting in two separate charging ports. This fundamental difference has contributed to the greater global adoption of CCS, which offers a more convenient, unified approach to EV charging.
| EV Connector Type | CHAdeMO |
| Supply Input | 400 Volts (three-phase) |
| Output Current Type | DC (Direct Current) |
| Maximum Output Power | 400 kW |
| Maximum Output Current | 400 Amps |
| EV Charging Level(s) | Level 3 (DC fast charging) |
| Primary Countries | Japan (older model EVs in use globally) |
The type of Tesla charging plug you need varies significantly depending on your location and the specific model of your vehicle. In North America, Tesla employs its proprietary North American Charging Standard (NACS), which was previously known as the "Tesla Supercharger." This connector is designed for both AC and DC charging, capable of delivering up to 250 kW. Initially, the NACS was exclusive to Tesla vehicles, but the company has recently opened this connector to other EV manufacturers, promoting greater compatibility in the charging landscape.
Outside of North America, Tesla vehicles, particularly the Model 3 and Model Y, utilize the CCS Type 2 connector, aligning with the charging standards prevalent in Europe and many other regions. However, the Model S and Model X have a modified Type 2 connector that includes distinctive notches at the top and center of the pins. This design prevents the plugs from being inserted into non-Tesla sockets, ensuring that only compatible charging stations are used.
This dual approach to charging connectors highlights Tesla's adaptability to regional standards while maintaining control over its proprietary technology. As the EV market continues to evolve, Tesla's collaboration with other manufacturers and the integration of various charging standards will likely enhance the overall charging experience for Tesla owners globally.
| EV Connector Type | Tesla NACS |
| Supply Input | Single or three-phase |
| Output Current Type | AC/DC |
| Maximum Output Power | 250 kW |
| Maximum Output Current | 48 Amps (AC)400 Amps (DC) |
| EV Charging Level(s) | Level 2/Level 3 |
| Primary Countries | USA, Canada |
All electric vehicle (EV) charging connectors are equipped with built-in safety features to protect against overcurrent, ground faults, overvoltage, and high temperatures. These safety features safeguard both the vehicle and the charging station, making it crucial to follow all safety guidelines and use the appropriate charging connector for your vehicle when using an EV charging station.
The charging speed and power output of an EV charging connector are influenced 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 its own advantages and disadvantages, so whether you are an electric vehicle owner selecting the right connector type for your vehicle or an EV charging installer assessing the best connector configuration for your needs, understanding the different types of EV charging connectors is essential.
