Type 1 Vs Type 2 Charging Connectors
There are several EV charging connector types and charging speeds to be aware of, with different connectors designed for different vehicle models and charging uses. Some are better suited to home charging, while others support faster charging and are commonly found at motorway services and public charging stations.
At Pro EV, we specialise in installing EV chargers matched to the correct connector type and your specific electric vehicle model. That means we are well placed to guide you through the different EV charging connectors used in the UK and how their charging speeds compare.
Understanding the differences in connector types, charging speeds and compatibility is important when it comes to the day-to-day charging needs of your vehicle, whether at home, at work or when planning a long journey.
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 everyday 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. It is commonly used with AC chargers rated at 7kW, 11kW and 22kW, depending on the charger installation and the vehicle’s onboard charging capability.
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
In most cases, if you are installing a home charger today, a Type 2 setup is almost always the recommended option. Home charger brands such as Ohme can also be an excellent choice for convenient and efficient home EV charging.
CCS Charging Connectors Explained
CCS (Combined Charging System) connectors are used for rapid and ultra-rapid EV charging. They combine a standard AC charging plug with two additional DC power pins, allowing electric vehicles to use both regular charging points and high-speed public chargers through one socket. CCS is now the most common rapid-charging standard in the UK and Europe, making it ideal for modern EVs and long-distance travel.
These types of chargers are not typically used for home charging, as they are classed as rapid chargers and require a power supply that is generally not suitable for most domestic properties in the UK. They are also less practical for everyday home use, as most vehicles can be fully recharged overnight using lower-powered AC chargers. Frequent reliance on rapid DC charging may contribute to increased battery wear over time on some EVs, although modern battery management systems are designed to help reduce this effect.
Key characteristics of a CCS connector:
- Supports much faster charging speeds than standard AC chargers
- Uses the same upper Type 2 connector for AC charging on many UK and European EVs
- Widely available at motorway services, retail parks and public rapid charging hubs
- Standard rapid charging connector for most modern EVs across the UK and Europe
- Ideal for long journeys and quick top-up charging stops
If you regularly travel longer distances or want access to the widest public rapid charging network, CCS is almost always the recommended option.
CHAdeMO Charging Connector Explained
CHAdeMO connectors are a DC rapid charging standard originally developed in Japan for electric vehicles. They were widely used on earlier EV models and are designed for rapid charging at public charging stations.
CHAdeMO chargers remain widely used in Japan and can still be found at some rapid charging locations across the UK and Europe. However, they are becoming less common on new installations as CCS has become the main rapid charging standard for most newer EVs sold in the UK and Europe. As a result, CHAdeMO support is gradually reducing across parts of the public charging network, although many existing chargers still continue to offer it.
Key characteristics of a CHAdeMO connector:
- DC rapid charging capability
- Designed for high-speed public charging
- Separate connector dedicated to DC charging
- Common on older Japanese EV models
- Still available at some UK and European rapid chargers
CHAdeMO is primarily relevant for drivers who already own a compatible vehicle, such as older Nissan or Mitsubishi models. For anyone purchasing a newer EV, CCS is now the most widely supported rapid-charging standard across the UK and Europe, with greater availability on modern public charging networks.
Side-by-Side Comparison
|
Feature |
Type 1 |
Type 2 |
CCS |
CHAdeMO |
|
Standard / Region |
SAE J1772 – North America/Asia |
IEC 62196-2 – Europe/UK |
CCS Combo 1/2 – Europe, UK, North America |
Japanese DC fast-charging standard |
|
Pins |
5 |
7 |
Type 1 or Type 2 pins + 2 DC pins |
10 |
|
Charging Type |
AC |
AC |
AC + DC rapid charging |
DC rapid charging |
|
Charging Power |
Up to ~7.4 kW AC |
Up to ~22 kW AC at home/work |
Typically 50–350 kW DC |
Typically 50 kW, up to ~100–400 kW depending on charger/vehicle |
|
Charging Speed |
Slow to fast AC charging |
Fast AC charging |
Rapid to ultra-rapid charging |
Rapid charging |
|
Locking |
No |
Yes, locking pins |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Common Vehicles |
Older/imported EVs |
Most new EVs in UK & Europe |
Most modern EVs in UK, Europe and North America |
Older Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, some Japanese EVs |
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.
- CCS connectors: Combine AC charging with high-power DC rapid charging, making them ideal for motorway services and fast public charging stops.
- CHAdeMO connectors: Are designed for DC rapid charging and are commonly found on older Japanese EVs, though they are now less common on newer vehicles in the UK and Europe.
For everyday use, a Type 2 EV charger offers noticeably quicker top-ups and greater flexibility across public charging networks, while CCS is best for long-distance rapid charging.
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, with rapid networks increasingly centred on CCS connectors. This means:
- Type 2 vehicles can charge almost anywhere using AC public chargers and home/workplace charge points.
- Type 1 vehicles may need a compatible cable or adapter, and access can be more limited on newer networks.
- CCS-equipped vehicles can use most modern rapid and ultra-rapid chargers across the UK, making them ideal for longer journeys.
- CHAdeMO vehicles can still use many rapid chargers, but connector availability is gradually decreasing as networks prioritise CCS.
Public charging providers focus on Type 2 AC and CCS DC rapid-charging infrastructure, making Type 2 and CCS 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. CCS and CHAdeMO are designed mainly for public rapid charging rather than home installations, as they require more power, larger electrical infrastructure, and more expensive equipment than most homes can support. For that reason, they are rarely used for home charging and are generally impractical for residential installations.
Choosing a Type 2 home charging setup helps ensure broad compatibility with UK public charging infrastructure, supports reliable everyday charging, and provides the most practical long-term convenience for most drivers.
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. So for more information contact our team.
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.
How fast are plug-in EV chargers?
Plug-in EV chargers vary in speed depending on the type of charger and the vehicle. A standard household plug is the slowest and can take 8-24 hours for a full charge, while a dedicated home wall charger usually takes 4-10 hours.
What charges faster, 1.0 A or 2.4 A?
A 2.4 A charger will usually charge a device faster than a 1.0 A charger because it can supply more current. This means compatible phones, tablets, and other devices can draw more power and recharge in less time. However, the actual charging speed also depends on the device’s battery size and how much current it is designed to accept.
How fast is EV connect charging?
EV Connect charging speed depends on the charger type. Level 2 chargers usually take several hours for a full or partial charge, while DC fast chargers can add significant range in about 20-30 minutes. Actual speed depends on your vehicle and battery conditions.
