When it comes to charging your electric vehicle, whether at home, work, or a public station, it’s crucial that the outlet of the charging station is compatible with your car’s outlet. Specifically, the cable connecting the two needs to have the correct plug on both ends. This makes perfect sense, as there are four types of plugs available – two for alternating current (AC) with a charging capacity of 43 kW, and two for direct current (DC) with a fast charging capacity of 350 kW.
Let’s start with AC. There are two types of AC plugs:
- Type 1 plugs is a common single-phase plug used for EV charging in America and Asia. It enables charging speeds of up to 7.4 kW and its effectiveness depends on both the car’s charging power and grid capacity.
- Triple-phase Type 2 plugs have three additional wires, allowing for faster charging of your car. In a home setting, the maximum charging power is typically 22 kW, while public charging stations can reach up to 43 kW, depending on the car and grid capabilities.
Two types of plugs exist for DC charging:
- CCS: The CCS plug is an upgraded type 2 plug that includes two extra power contacts for efficient charging. It is compatible with AC and DC charging and can reach speeds of up to 350 kW.
- CHAdeMO: This fast charging system was created in Japan and enables high charging capabilities and bidirectional charging. Currently, Asian automakers are at the forefront of providing electric cars that work with a CHAdeMO plug, allowing up to 100 kW of charging power.
Here in Europe, the standard type 2 AC charger features a triple-phase plug and is found at most charging stations. However, be cautious as some stations have a fixed cable. This can be a practical option for locations where you consistently charge the same vehicle, such as at home or at designated employee parking spots. You won’t have to transport a cable with you, making it more convenient. Just be aware that when using a public charging station with a fixed cord, you’ll need to ensure that the cable is compatible with your car’s socket.
As a product or industry expert, one example to consider is the Renault ZOE, a popular European car that can be charged at a public station with a type 2 to type 2 charging cable. In fact, with a maximum charging speed of 43 kW, it’s a convenient and efficient option for European drivers.
For those residing in Europe who own an Asian car, such as the Nissan LEAF, a type 2 to type 1 cable is necessary to connect the charging station to the vehicle’s outlet. This cable can provide a maximum speed of 7.4 kW.
To summarize:
- Four different plug types are available, including two for AC (type 1 and 2) and two for DC (CHAdeMo and CCS).
- The Type 1 plug is commonly used for American vehicles and has a single-phase design, allowing it to charge at a rate of up to 7.4 kW.
- Type 2 is a standard fit for 2018 and newer European and Asian vehicles. It consists of a triple-phase plug and has the capability to charge up to 43 kW.
- CHAdeMO is commonly found in Asian vehicles and enables both high charging capacities and bidirectional charging.
- CCS is a type 2 version with two extra power contacts, allowing for quick charging.