Different Types of Electric Vehicle Charging Connectors

EVs are the way of the future, and understanding their charging connectors is key for EV owners to get maximum efficiency out of their vehicles. This article will provide comprehensive explanations about these EV connectors varying types including design, compatibility details, and more! Get an in-depth look at how different connector styles depend on what region you’re driving around so hop aboard this exciting journey into a world of efficient electric vehicle charging connectors today!

EV Charging Connector Types

There are regional and model-specific variations in the standard for EV charging connectors or EV charging plugs. Whereas there is debate about universal plug technology, the Combined Charging System (CCS) is supported by a significant number of international manufacturers in the United States and Europe, while Japan and its manufacturers utilize CHAdeMO, and China, which is the largest market for electric vehicles, employs GB/T. There are also several power levels accessible in each location, depending on the type of EV charging connector. Let’s quickly explore the various types of EV charging connectors.

J1772 connector Type 1:

The SAE J1772 connector, commonly referred to as a Type 1 connector, is a charging standard for electric vehicles prevalent in North America and Japan. It boasts of five pins and has the capacity to charge up to 80 amps using 240 volts input, with a maximum power output of an impressive rate. This charging solution is suitable for Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers that rely on single-phase AC charging. However, the Type 1 connector lacks an automatic locking mechanism, which makes it less secure than the Type 2 connector used in Europe.

Mennekes connector Type 2:

The Mennekes connector, also referred to as the Type 2 connector, is a popular charging standard in Europe. This connector has seven pins and can charge up to 32 amps with 400 volts input, providing a maximum power output of 22 kW. It is capable of supporting both single-phase and three-phase AC charging for Level 2 chargers. One of its distinguishing features is the automatic locking mechanism, whereby the connector locks into place automatically when connected to the EV for charging. This feature ensures that the charging cable is not accidentally disconnected during the charging process, improving safety and convenience.

CCS CONNECTOR TYPE 1:

output of 360 kW, making it one of the fastest charging options available. The CCS Type 1 connector is an improvement of the J1772 standard, as it adds two high-speed DC charging pins to the J1772 Type 1 plug, allowing for faster charging. This connector is commonly used in North America and is compatible with most Level 2 and DC fast charging stations. With the ability to deliver high power at a fast rate, the CCS Type 1 connector is a popular choice for EV owners looking to charge their vehicles quickly and efficiently.

CCS CONNECTOR TYPE 2:

The CCS Type 2 connector is the primary DC fast charging standard used in Europe, and it’s rapidly gaining popularity in other regions as well. This connector combines the Mennekes Type 2 plug with two additional high-speed charging pins, allowing for faster charging times and greater convenience. With the ability to provide up to 500 amps and 1000 volts DC, a CCS 2 charger can deliver a maximum power output of 360 kW, making it one of the most powerful and efficient charging options available for electric vehicles. The CCS Type 2 connector is designed for use with Level 2 and Level 3 chargers, making it suitable for a wide range of electric vehicle models.

CHAdeMO CONNECTOR:

The CHAdeMO connector is a DC fast-charging standard that was 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. The CHAdeMO protocol is not as universal or widespread as CCS, but ongoing development is taking place to enable even faster charging. However, with Japanese automakers adapting models to CCS connectors for North American and European markets, we may see fewer CHAdeMO chargers in markets outside of Japan in the future.

GB/T CONNECTORS:

The GB/T connectors are the national standards for EV charging in China, with separate versions for AC and DC charging. The AC connector can deliver up to 7.4 kW of power output, while the DC connector is capable of delivering up to 237.5 kW. The GB/T DC connector is currently the only fast charging protocol used in China, with plans to develop a next-generation connector in partnership with CHAdeMO to achieve 900 kW output power. Despite the incompatibility with the European Mennekes plug, the GB/T AC connector’s appearance is similar.

TESLA CONNECTORS:

Tesla connectors vary depending on the region and model. In North America, Tesla uses its proprietary NACS connector, which can deliver up to 250 kW and is only compatible with Teslas. In Europe and most parts of the world, Tesla Model 3 and Y use a CCS Type 2 connector, while Model S and X use a modified Type 2 plug with notches to prevent non-Tesla sockets. However, Tesla recently made its EV charging connector available to other EV manufacturers to promote EV adoption and charging infrastructure development.

EV Connectors Standards In North America

EV owners should be aware that not all electric vehicles adhere to the industry standards of J1772 (Type 1) and CCS Combo 1 connectors. For example, Tesla cars are only compatible with their proprietary charging plug that connects exclusively to their own network.

AC/DC EV Connectors Types

J1772 (Wired):
North American electric vehicle drivers can rely on the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International for their EV charging connector standard. The J1772 (Type 1) is the most common, offering Level 1 and 2 charging capabilities that are compatible with many EVs sold in North America. Tesla provides a compatible adapter for the J1772 connector.

Also Read: Electric Vehicles Benefits

J2954 (Wireless):
SAE International leads the charge in introducing a new, revolutionary standard for electric vehicle charging: SAE J2954. This landmark technology provides three classes of power transfer - WPT 1 (maximum 3.7 kW), WPT 2 (maximum 7.7 kW) and WPT3 at an impressive 11kW level – making it comparable to medium-speed wired counterparts such as SAE J1772 system. For heavy duty vehicles capable of housing larger induction plates, even more powerful technologies are being introduced under the banner “J2954/2” with capabilities up to 500 kW.

Different Levels of EV Charging Plugs

Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 are the different EV charging levels. Since more electricity is provided to the car at higher charging levels, the charging process moves along more quickly. Due to the fact that each EV may take a range of power levels from the charger, various EVs charge at varying rates on each level.

Before the charger is turned on when an electric car is plugged in, there is a communication procedure. In essence, the vehicle checks with the charger how much power it can supply before requesting the maximum amount the station is capable of delivering. You don’t need to be concerned about using a charging station that can supply more electricity than your electric vehicle can manage.

Charging at Level 1

By connecting the charging apparatus to a standard wall socket, any electric car or plug-in hybrid may be recharged on Level 1 at any time. An EV can add between 3 and 5 range miles per hour at Level 1, which is the slowest charging level. Level 2 charging works better for the everyday charging needs of the majority of BEV owners.

For use with a Level 1 charger, the wire that came with your EV is an excellent option. Level 1 adapters are simple to use, affordable, and dependable. Drivers’ demands may be satisfied by a Level 1 charger for a single-family residence. Charge rates for level 1 chargers range from 4-5 miles per hour. They function best when a driver can regularly plug in and leave the car to recharge overnight. Your new car’s components will work with any Level 1 charger.

Also Read: How long does it take to charge an ev

Charging at Level 2

The equipment and cables needed for Level 2 chargers differ from those needed for Level 1 chargers. For Level 2 charging, all-electric cars in North America utilize the J1772 plug.

DC Fast Charging Connectors

CHAdeMO

• Nissan, Mitsubishi, Kia, Fuji, and Toyota vehicles may utilize the CHAdeMO EV charging plug at DC charging stations.

SAE Combo (CCS)

• The SAE Combo (CSS), which is quickly taking over as the industry norm, must be utilized at DC EV charging stations for all planned U.S. and European EVs, as well as BMW, Volkswagen, Chevrolet, and certain Asian electric cars.

Also Read: DC Fast Charging for EV

EV Charging plugs and their speed

Alternating current, often known as “destination charging,” and direct current are the two charging standards. These two fundamental ideas are important to keep in mind:

• Your home’s electrical outlet receives AC electricity from the grid.
• Batteries are used to store DC power.

Using the EV’s internal charger, the current is either changed from alternating (AC) to direct (DC) and then filled into the EV battery, based on the charger type. Or, without the use of an onboard charger, the batteries will simply be recharged using direct current at the DC charging station.

1. Alternating Current

Public charging facilities and household chargers frequently use AC. The onboard charger (OC) capacity and charging station power both affect how quickly batteries charge.

Simply put, an EV battery cannot charge faster than it can support. Even if the charging point’s power is greater than the OC capacity in this instance, your EV won’t charge any quicker since the OC capacity has set restrictions.

Electric cars typically use 7 kW of batteries, while AC charging may accommodate up to 22 kW of charging power.

2. Direct Current

Although 150 and 300-kW fast (rapid) chargers are also being deployed, 50-kW superchargers are the most prevalent.

Both the power of the charging station and the capacity of the EV’s charging socket determines the battery’s performance in DC chargers.

How do I know which connector my electric vehicle uses?

All electric vehicles utilize the connection plug that is accepted as normal in their respective industries for level 1 and level 2 charging. Tesla offers a private infrastructure of Supercharger locations that are solely accessible to Tesla automobiles. In order to utilize Tesla Level 1 or Level 2 charging stations, non-Tesla electric cars must have an adaptor, which may be acquired from a third-party seller. No adaptor will function on these stations for DC rapid charging due to the verification procedure.

There are mobile applications that identify every EV charging station that is open to the public and describe the connection or socket type. The industry-standard connection that your EV utilizes will be included with every piece of charging equipment available in your market. It will be the J1772 in North America and the Type 2 in Europe.

Also Read: Best Electric Vehicle Charging Apps

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does a connection in an EV charger do?
By attaching the electric battery to an exterior socket, it may be recharged. EV Charging Connectors are the terminal connections that are linked to the electric car and the charging cable, respectively, to enable charging.

2. What kind of cable is used to charge EVs?
Currently, mode 3 cables are the most widely utilized for recharging an electric vehicle globally. This kind of charging connection links your automobile to an electric vehicle charging station, which may be located in buildings such as offices, residences, and public and commercial parking lots.

3. Why are there two cords on EV chargers?
These cables connect to your EV on one end and a regular domestic outlet on the other. The cable is equipped with an in-cable control and protection device (IC-CPD), which is in charge of controlling and communicating with the EV while also protecting the regular wall plug.

Conclusion

It’s crucial to understand the distinctions between these different kinds of electric vehicle connectors, regardless of the type of EV you drive. The quantity of electricity that each plug can deliver varies depending on the cars it is compatible with.