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In this article, you’ll learn about the different types of charging connectors for electric vehicles, how they work, and which ones are best suited for your EV.
Understanding the connector types helps you choose the right charging option — whether at home, at work, or on the road.
Main Charging Connector Types
Type 1 (SAE J1772)
Use: Common in North America and Japan
Power: Up to 7.4 kW (single-phase)
Notes: Mostly used by older and Asian EV models
Type 2 (IEC 62196 / Mennekes)
Use: Standard in Europe
Power: Up to 22 kW (single- or three-phase)
Notes: Universal AC connector; found at most public and home charging points
CCS (Combined Charging System)
Use: Widely used in Europe and North America
Power: Up to 350 kW (DC fast charging)
Notes: Combines Type 2 for AC charging with extra DC pins for fast charging — supports both modes in one connector
CHAdeMO
Use: Originated in Japan, still common globally
Power: Up to 100 kW (and up to 400 kW in future versions)
Notes: Dedicated DC fast-charging system, used by many Japanese automakers such as Nissan and Mitsubishi
Tesla Supercharger / NACS (North American Charging Standard)
Use: Specifically designed for Tesla vehicles
Power: Up to 250 kW
Notes: Proprietary system offering ultra-fast charging at Tesla Supercharger stations
Note: Tesla is gradually opening parts of its Supercharger network to non-Tesla EVs.
Pros and Cons of Each Connector
Connector Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Type 1 | Common in North America and Japan | Single-phase only, slower charging |
Type 2 | European standard, flexible (AC) | Requires CCS for DC fast charging |
CCS | Very high charging power, supports AC & DC | Larger connector, more complex |
CHAdeMO | High charging power, robust | Less common in Europe, needs separate AC port |
Tesla / NACS | Ultra-fast charging, simple use | Proprietary (limited compatibility, needs adapter) |
Which Connector Does My Vehicle Use?
Your vehicle’s connector depends on its make, model, and market region.
Most modern EVs now support multiple charging types — for example, Type 2 for AC charging and CCS for DC fast charging.
Check your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website to confirm which connectors are compatible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use different connectors for the same vehicle?
Yes. Many EVs can charge via Type 2 (AC) and CCS (DC) depending on the charging station.
2. How do I find out which connector fits my car?
Check your vehicle’s documentation or the manufacturer’s specifications online.
3. Are adapters available for different connectors?
Yes. Adapters exist for certain models — for example, Tesla drivers can use adapters to charge at Type 2 or CHAdeMO stations.
Conclusion
Understanding the different charging connector types ensures that you can make the most of the available charging infrastructure — wherever you go.
With the right connector or adapter, you’ll be ready to charge safely, efficiently, and flexibly.
👉 Need help? Our StromNow Support Team is always here for you via in-app chat or at [email protected].