EV charging connector types
Charging splits into AC “slow” plugs and DC “fast” plugs. Regions standardised differently: Europe settled on Type 2 + CCS2, North America is converging on Tesla's NACS, China uses GB/T, while CHAdeMO lingers on older Nissan/Korean models.
| Connector | Current | Typical max power | Region & vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 1 (J1772) | AC | 7.4–19.2 kW | Older North American / Japanese AC charging |
| Type 2 (Mennekes) | AC | 11–43 kW | Europe standard AC — most EU cars |
| CCS1 (Combo 1) | DC fast | 50–400 kW | North America DC (pre-NACS): GM, Ford pre-2024 |
| CCS2 (Combo 2) | DC fast | 50–350 kW | Europe, also used by Tesla in EU with adapter |
| NACS / Tesla (SAE J3400) | AC + DC | 11 kW AC / 250+ kW DC | North America convergence: Tesla, Ford, GM, Rivian adapters |
| CHAdeMO | DC fast | 50–100 kW | Older Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi, early Kia/Hyundai |
| GB/T | AC + DC | 7 kW AC / 250 kW DC | China national standard |
| Wall outlet (Schuko/NEMA 5-15) | AC | 1.8–2.3 kW | Emergency granny charging, any EV with cable |
Notes
- AC plugs depend on the car's onboard charger; DC plugs bypass it — that's why DC is fast.
- Adapters exist but check direction and current rating; NACS-to-CCS1 adapters opened Tesla's Supercharger network to other brands.
- Home charging: a 7 kW wallbox adds roughly 30–45 km range per hour on a typical EV.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between CCS and NACS?
- Both are DC fast-charge standards. CCS1 uses two separate pins and dominates older North American non-Tesla cars; NACS is Tesla's compact plug now adopted by most US automakers.
- Which connector does Europe use?
- Type 2 for AC charging and CCS2 for DC fast charging — mandated across the EU since 2014.
- Can I fast charge on CHAdeMO?
- Only cars with a CHAdeMO inlet (older Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, early Kia Soul EV). New models have moved to CCS or NACS.