EV plug types explained: Everything you need to know about electric car charging Contact online >>
EV plug types explained: Everything you need to know about electric car charging
Electric vehicle (EV) charging station networks have grown in recent years, but navigating the different types can get confusing. Here we''ll explain types 1, 2, and 3, their connector plugs, and what situations they''re best for.
Before we dive in, we should review some terms. Charging stations are called by multiple names, all of which mean the same thing, which can add to the confusion about which one to pick. For example, a type 2 station could also be called a "level 2" station. It still has the same power output and means the same thing. Other common terms for charging stations include:
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Type 1 chargers are just regular wall outlets, the same thing you''d plug your phone into to charge. As you might expect, it takes a very long time to charge an EV''s battery with a type 1 charger --- about 20 hours for a 120-mile charge.
Type 1 chargers use AC (alternating current) power, and range in output from 1kW to 7.5 kW. They''re also called "single-phase" plugs, and type 1 connectors are standard for EVs made in the U.S. and Japan.
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All EVs are sold with a cable adapter that lets them use level 1 chargers (wall outlets) and a separate cable with a J1772 adapter for use with level 2 charging stations. Teslas use their own proprietary plug for their chargers but also come with an adapter, allowing Tesla drivers to use level 2 public charging stations outside the company''s network.
Type 2 chargers also use AC power and allow for increased charging speed due to their increased power output. These chargers deliver around 240 volts of power and can charge an EV battery anywhere from five to seven times faster than a type 1 charger.
Type 2 chargers use a different type of plug to connect than a type 1 charger because they require a connector plug with additional wires to carry the additional power. That plug is called an SAE J1772 connector and is the standard for all EVs produced in North America as of this writing. Many EVs sold today come packaged with some kind of J1772 connector. If they don''t, you can usually buy one online from the manufacturer.
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Type 2 chargers can also be installed in-home for faster charging without reliance on a public station. It can be expensive, but drastically reduces the hassle of at-home EV charging. The speed of an at-home type 2 charging station will depend on which charger you get installed and your local power grid, among other factors, but you can still expect the same charge time as a public type 2 charging station.
Type 3 chargers, also known as DC fast charging or DCFC chargers, will get you the quickest juice-up of any charging station out there. They use DC (direct current) energy, and require special plugs to connect that are different from the J1772 standard. There are three types of connector plugs that work with type 3 charging stations as of this writing:
A type 3 charging station can get an EV''s battery to around the 80 percent mark in roughly half an hour. While still quite a bit longer than a typical gas fill-up, these chargers are the best option available for longer trips where you may need to charge the battery quickly, like cross-country drives. Their power output is typically between 20 and 50kW, delivering the equivalent of 3-20 miles per minute of charging time. You''ll find type 3 charging stations along major highways at places like restaurants and conventional gas stations, as that''s where they get the most use. They are also becoming more available in public garages and workplace parking lots.
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Unless you have a lot of money lying around, you probably won''t be able to install a type 3 charger at home, as they can cost thousands to put in. However, a level 2 home charger is more than enough for almost any EV driver.
All three charging station types can be viable. If you own a plug-in hybrid that has a small battery pack, type 1 charging could be all you need. For all-electric vehicles, type 2 and 3 will be what you use most of if not all the time. For the typical EV owner, including Tesla drivers, level 2 charging stations will be the most plentiful and convenient to use, especially if you can get a level 2 home station installed. Level 3 stations are good for quick top-ups and to recharge on long trips, as they provide the fastest rate.
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Electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow in popularity worldwide due to their clean energy and efficient performance. However, with the increasing number of electric vehicles, ensuring the infrastructure is in place to meet their charging needs is critical. One critical component of charging infrastructure is the EV charging connectors, sockets, and plugs used on EVs and electric vehicle charging stations
These EV connectors can vary significantly by country and also the type of EV and charging station. There, unfortunately, isn’t a one-size fits all EV connector. Therefore it is essential to fully understand the different EV connectors, sockets, and plugs available worldwide. In addition, different charging station levels, such as Level 2 and Level 3 (DC fast charging), require specific EV connectors to ensure safe and efficient charging.
Understanding the various EV charging connectors, sockets, and plugs is crucial for EV owners, charging station providers and installers, and policymakers. This complete guide will explore the differences between the available electric vehicle connector types, what countries they are in, how fast they are, and much more. Below shows a visual summary of the electric vehicle connectors that are currently used in the market.
Several EV charging connectors are available, each with unique features and capabilities. Before we look closely at each connector, we must understand that there are two primary electric vehicle charging methods: AC (alternate current) charging and DC (direct current) fast charging. The electrical power that comes from the grid is always in the form of AC, but the battery of an EV can only store energy in DC form. This means the power must be converted before storing it in the battery.
AC charging relies on the onboard charger in the vehicle to convert the AC power to DC. On the other hand, DC fast charging involves converting AC power to DC at the charging station before it flows into the vehicle. DC fast charging allows for a quicker charging experience as it bypasses the vehicle’s onboard charger, delivering more power directly to the battery. This is shown in the illustration below.
Now that we know the difference between AC and DC charging, let’s take a closer look at each type of EV charging connector:
The SAE J1772 connector, also known as a J Plug or Type 1 connector, is a charging standard used primarily in North America and Japan. It features five pins and can charge up to 80 amps utilizing 240 volts input, providing a maximum power output of an EV charger of 19.2 kW. The J1772 EV connector supports single-phase AC charging for Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers. The drawback of the Type 1 plug is that it only allows single-phase use and does not have an automatic locking mechanism like the Type 2 (Mennekes) connector used in Europe.
Almost every North American electric car or plug-in hybrid will have a Type 1 plug on their vehicle except for Tesla, which has its own proprietary charging standard. However, they provide a compatible adapter allowing Tesla drivers to charge using a J1772 charger.
The Type 2 connector, also known as the Mennekes connector, is a charging standard used primarily in Europe. It features seven pins and can charge up to 32 amps utilizing 400 volts input, providing a maximum power output of 22 kW. The type 2 connector supports single-phase and three-phase AC charging for Level 2 chargers. The plugs have openings on the side that allows them to lock into place automatically when connected to the EV for charging. The automatic locking between the plug and the EV prevents the charging cable from being removed during charging.
Both type 1 and type 2 EV connectors use the same signaling protocol for communication between the EV charger and the EV itself. As a result of this, electric vehicle manufacturers can produce their vehicles using a uniform process. Then in the final stage of production, they add the appropriate EV connector based on the destination market of the vehicle.
The Combined Charging System utilizes the same communication protocol as the SAE J1772 Type 1 connector. It enables vehicle manufacturers to have one AC and DC charging port rather than two separate ports.
Most EVs in North America now utilize a CCS 1 plug. Japanese automakers such as Nissan have transitioned from CHAdeMO to CCS 1 for all new models in North America. However, like the SAE J1772 Type 1 plug, Tesla has their proprietary charging standard for North America.
Unlike in North America, Tesla 3 and Y owners in Europe can charge their vehicles with a CCS Type 2 charging station, and Tesla S and X owners can use an adapter.
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.
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