A guide to all the EV charger connectors.
Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers come with various connector types designed to accommodate different vehicle models and charging capabilities. The most common connector types include the Type 1, Type 2, CHAdeMO, CCS (Combo), and Tesla connectors.
Type 1 connectors are prevalent in North America and Japan, while Type 2 connectors are widely used in Europe. CHAdeMO is primarily found in older Nissan and Mitsubishi models, while CCS (Combined Charging System) connectors are becoming standard for fast charging in Europe and North America.
Tesla’s proprietary connector, now known as the Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS), is used exclusively for Tesla vehicles but is also compatible with adapters for other EVs.
Level 2 Charging:
- Connector Type: Utilizes a higher-powered charging station typically connected to a 240V outlet.
- Common Connector Types: Type 1 (North America), Type 2 (Europe)
Level 3 Charging (DC Fast Charging):
- Connector Type: Requires specialized DC fast charging infrastructure.
- Common Connector Types: CHAdeMO, CCS, Tesla Supercharger
It’s important to note that while Level 1 and Level 2 charging often utilize Type 1 or Type 2 connectors depending on the region, Level 3 charging involves specific connectors such as CHAdeMO, CCS, or Tesla Supercharger, which are capable of delivering high-power DC charging for rapid replenishment of EV batteries.
Understanding these connector types is essential for selecting the right charger for your EV and ensuring seamless charging experiences.