Charging connectors for Electric Vehicles

In EV industry, there is no universal charger that can be used for all types of vehicles rather different types of chargers are available & used for different levels of charging.

Let’s understand it. Following types of charging cables/connectors are used for charging purpose –

1. Type 1
2. Type 2
3. CHAdeMO
4. Type 2 CCS

Type 1 &2 are mostly used for charging a vehicle through AC supply / Socket – typically for house charging as well as for public charging. These types of charging cables fall under slow / moderate chargers. While CHAdeMO & Type 2 CCS charging connectors are used for public charging system & fall under fast charging category.

Type-1 Charging cable/connector- 

Type 1 charging cable/connector needs single phase supply to charge the vehicle where one end of cable is connected with 1-ph AC socket/supply & other end is connected with vehicle socket. This cable has a 5-pin plug with no latch/lock pin arrangement to hold it while charging, therefore it can be unlocked by anyone. Normally, this cable comes with the vehicle for charging at home.

Type-2 Charging cable/connector- 

While Type 2 charging cable/connector requires 3-ph supply to charge a vehicle. Therefore, Type 2 charging system provides moderate charging due to provision of 3-ph supply. This cable has a 7 pin plug with no latch arrangement but the vehicle that use this cable has latch/lock- in facility which provides safety during charging of vehicles.

This cable is normally bought by the owner of the vehicle for fast charging. Type 2 cable is not only used at home but also used at charging stations also when we are on road & needs charging. Because same cable could be used at charging station for AC fast charging, if not available at charging station.

CHAdeMO & Type 2 CCS – 

CHAdeMO & Type 2 CCS are DC chargers & used for fast charging. The full form of CCS is Combined Charging System. The design of these two chargers is different & an electric vehicle can’t be charged with both DC chargers, therefore, one has to be very careful before going to charging station that charging station must have charger suitable for his vehicle’s charging socket. But, some charging station may have both types of charging arrangement.

Note: An electric car comes with both home charging & fast charging arrangement (Type 1 & Type 2).

Details of different types of chargers are given below (as per India EV guidelines).