Type 1 Vs Type 2 Charging Connectors
The charging connector determines which charging stations you can use, what charging speeds you’ll achieve, and which EV charging cable or home charger is right for you.
In the UK, most electric cars now use a Type 2 connector, but Type 1 connectors still appear on some older models and imported vehicles. This guide clearly explains the differences, covering AC and DC charging, compatibility, public charging, and how connector choice affects every day charging.
What Are EV Charging Connectors?
EV charging connectors are the physical links between your car and its power source. They sit between the vehicle and the charger and are the part that plugs into your car at the end of the cable.
These connectors are designed to support either AC (alternating current) charging, typically used for home and workplace charging, or DC (direct current) charging, which powers rapid and ultra-rapid public networks. Each connector type is designed to support different power levels, electrical phases (single- or three-phase), and specific locking mechanisms, all of which influence charging speed, convenience, and ease of use.
Type 1 Charging Connector Explained
A Type 1 charging connector, also known as SAE J1772, is an older standard most commonly found on early electric vehicles and certain imports from North America and Asia. It has a rounded, oval shape with five visible pins arranged in a compact layout. It’s smaller than a Type 2 plug and includes a top latch clip that locks the cable into the vehicle while charging. These connectors support only AC charging and are limited to single-phase power, typically resulting in slower charging speeds compared with more modern alternatives. As a result, they’re generally less suited to higher-power home or public charging environments. You’re most likely to find Type 1 connectors on earlier EV models, including early versions of the Nissan LEAF and some Mitsubishi or Kia electric vehicles.
Key characteristics of Type 1 connectors:
- AC charging only
- Single-phase power
- Lower charging speeds
- Less common across UK charging stations
While Type 1 vehicles can still be charged in the UK, they usually require a specific EV charging cable or adapter to connect to modern infrastructure.
Type 2 Charging Connector Explained
The Type 2 connector is the UK and European standard and is now used by the vast majority of electric cars.
Type 2 supports both single- and three-phase AC charging, enabling faster charging at home and at public charging stations. It also features a locking mechanism that improves safety and prevents accidental disconnection during charging.
Most Type 2 EV chargers in the UK are compatible with both tethered and untethered setups, making them ideal for long-term use and future-proofing.
Key characteristics of the Type 2 connector:
- AC charging (single phase and three-phase)
- Faster charging speeds than Type 1
- Secure locking during charging
- Widely supported at public charging stations
- Standard across UK and Europe
If you’re installing a home charger today, a Type 2 setup is almost always the recommended option.
Side-by-Side Comparison
|
Feature |
Type 1 |
Type 2 |
|
Standard / Region |
SAE J1772 – North America/Asia |
IEC 62196-2 – Europe/UK |
|
Pins |
5 |
7 |
|
Charging Power |
Up to ~7.4 kW AC |
Up to ~22 kW AC (home) |
|
Locking |
No |
Yes (locking pins) |
|
Common Vehicles |
Older/Imported EVs |
Most new EVs in UK & Europe |
Type 1 vs Type 2: Charging Speed Comparison
Charging speed depends on the connector, the charger, and the vehicle’s onboard charger. In general:
- Type 1 connectors are limited by single-phase AC, resulting in slower charging
- Type 2 connectors support higher AC power levels and faster charging
For everyday use, a Type 2 EV charger offers noticeably quicker top-ups and greater flexibility across public charging networks.
AC and DC Charging: How Connectors Fit In
Most home and workplace charging relies on AC power, in which the vehicle converts electricity internally via its onboard charger. DC charging works differently, bypassing the car’s onboard charger and delivering power directly to the battery, allowing for rapid and ultra-rapid charging sessions commonly found at motorway services and major charging hubs. Because of this, DC charging uses different connector standards, although many vehicles combine solutions by using Type 2 connectors for AC charging alongside separate DC pins or interfaces for high-power charging.
DC charging connectors are typically larger and heavier than AC plugs because they deliver high-power electricity directly to the vehicle’s battery. Instead of the rounded, compact look of Type 1 or Type 2 AC connectors, they usually have thicker cables, more robust insulation, and additional power pins designed to handle rapid-charging loads.
In the UK and Europe, the most common DC connector you’ll see is CCS (Combined Charging System). It looks like a Type 2 connector with two additional large pins beneath it, used during rapid charging. Older vehicles may use CHAdeMO, which has a more rounded, industrial-style plug with multiple internal pins and a locking mechanism.
Public Charging and Compatibility
Most UK charging stations are designed around the Type 2 standard. This means:
- Type 2 vehicles can charge almost anywhere
- Type 1 vehicles may need a compatible cable or adapter
Public charging providers focus on Type 2 and DC rapid-charging infrastructure, making Type 2 vehicles easier to live with day-to-day.
EV Charging Cables and Home Charging
Your EV charging cable needs to match both your vehicle’s charging connector and the charger socket you’re plugging into. For home charging, most drivers opt for a Type 2 charger paired with either a tethered cable or a removable Type 2 lead. Type 2 cables are widely available, easy to replace if needed, and compatible with the vast majority of modern electric vehicles, making them the most practical and flexible choice for everyday use.
Which Charging Connector Should You Choose?
If you’re buying or charging an EV in the UK, Type 2 is the standard for modern electric vehicles, while Type 1 connectors are generally only relevant for older or imported models. Choosing a Type 2 setup helps ensure broader compatibility with public charging infrastructure, supports faster charging, and provides greater long-term convenience. If you’re unsure which option is right for your vehicle or property, the Pro EV team can guide you through the best charger choices to suit both your car and your charging needs.
Still have questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Type 2 plug look like?
A Type 2 plug has a rounded shape with seven pins arranged in a flattened circular layout. It’s designed for AC charging and supports both single-phase and three-phase power, allowing faster charging than older connector types. You’ll find Type 2 connectors on most modern electric vehicles and at the majority of home, workplace, and public AC charging points.
Is Tesla Type 1 or Type 2?
In the UK and Europe, Tesla vehicles use Type 2-based connectors for AC charging. This means they are compatible with standard Type 2 home and public chargers. For rapid charging, Tesla vehicles access high-power DC charging through the Supercharger network, which uses the same vehicle port but delivers direct current for faster charging.
Can you change a Type 1 to a Type 2 charger?
You can’t change the charging inlet on the vehicle itself, as this is built into the car’s design. However, you can install a Type 2 home charger and use a compatible Type 1-to-Type 2 cable to connect older vehicles. Many drivers choose this approach to maintain compatibility with future EV upgrades. If you’re unsure what setup suits your vehicle or property, the Pro EV team can help recommend the most practical charger options.
