Connector types are the different standardized plugs and interfaces used to transfer power (and sometimes data) between an EV charger and an electric vehicle. In EV charging, connector types define physical compatibility, charging power capability (AC vs DC), regional standards, and how charging sessions are authorized and controlled.
What Are Connector Types?
A connector type is a combination of:
– A physical plug design and pin configuration
– Electrical capability (single/three-phase AC, high-power DC)
– Communication method and safety signaling
– Regional adoption and regulatory alignment
Connector types are a core part of charger specification because they determine which vehicles can charge and what power levels are possible.
Why Connector Types Matter
Choosing the right connector type affects user access and site performance. It matters because it:
– Determines vehicle compatibility and reduces “arrive-and-fail” charging events
– Influences typical charging speed and site dwell-time fit
– Impacts hardware design, cable management, and maintenance cost
– Affects roaming compatibility, user experience, and tender compliance
For public charging, connector choice directly affects utilization and charging station profitability.
Common AC Connector Types
AC connectors are typically used for destination charging (hours-long dwell times):
Type 2 (IEC 62196-2)
– Most common AC connector standard across Europe
– Supports single-phase and three-phase charging
– Often used with socketed chargers (user brings cable) or tethered cables in some markets
– Strong fit for workplace, hospitality, retail, and public destination sites
Type 1 / J1772 (SAE J1772)
– Common AC connector in North America and parts of Asia
– Typically single-phase AC in most implementations
– Often used for home and light commercial charging
AC Socket vs Tethered Cable
AC charging may be delivered through:
– Socketed chargers: Type 2 socket on the station; user connects their own cable
– Tethered chargers: fixed cable attached to the station with a connector at the end
Socketed designs are common in many European public and workplace deployments due to reduced cable wear and vandalism risk.
Common DC Connector Types
DC connectors are used for faster charging and higher power delivery:
CCS (Combined Charging System)
CCS combines AC and DC charging capability in one inlet standard by adding DC pins to an AC base connector.
– CCS2: common in Europe (based on Type 2 geometry)
– CCS1: common in North America (based on Type 1 geometry)
CCS is widely adopted for public fast charging and is often the default connector for modern EVs in many regions.
CHAdeMO
– A DC fast charging standard widely used on some older Japanese EVs
– Still present in many markets but less common in new vehicle models in regions where CCS dominates
– Some networks are reducing CHAdeMO availability as vehicle fleets change
NACS (North American Charging Standard)
– A connector design widely used in North America
– Increasingly adopted beyond one brand ecosystem in that region
– Primarily relevant for North American charging deployments and compatibility planning
High-Power and Specialty DC Interfaces
Some high-power charging ecosystems may include:
– Liquid-cooled CCS cables for high current delivery
– Pantograph systems for electric buses (opportunity charging)
– Industrial charging interfaces for heavy-duty or off-road vehicles
These are typically used in specialized fleet or transit contexts rather than standard public charging.
Connector Types and Power Capability
Connector type influences maximum potential power, but actual charging power also depends on:
– Vehicle battery and onboard charging capability
– Cable current rating and thermal limits
– Charger power module capacity
– Site power constraints and load balancing settings
For AC, vehicle onboard charger limits often cap power below the station rating.
Connector Types and Interoperability
Beyond the physical plug, interoperability depends on:
– Backend communication (OCPP)
– Authorization method (RFID, app, Plug & Charge)
– Metering and tariff configuration
Connector type alone does not guarantee a seamless user experience, but it strongly affects compatibility.
Common Pitfalls
– Selecting connector types that don’t match the local vehicle fleet mix
– Over-investing in legacy connector types with declining vehicle support
– Choosing tethered cables in vandalism-prone public sites without strong cable management
– Ignoring connector life cycle rating and maintenance implications
– Confusing “socket type” with “vehicle compatibility” without considering regional standards
Related Glossary Terms
Type 2 Connector
Socket vs Tethered Cable
AC Charging
Direct Current (DC)
CCS
CHAdeMO
Plug & Charge
OCPP
Charging Roaming