EV Charging Cable and Electric Car Plugs Explained 2022

A driver’s experience with an internal combustion engine (ICE), or an electric vehicle (EV), will be the most significant. Filling up a vehicle with petrol or diesel can be done quickly, but if you use the wrong fuel), EVs will require drivers to modify their behavior. You may use different EV charging cable and electric car plugs to charge you electric cars. Like any new technology, converting to electric mobility requires learning new terms and rules.

It can sometimes be confusing for new EV drivers. What is the distinction between AC and DC charging? Or maybe which are the three levels of EV charging. It’s easy to get lost with so many terms being used and industry leaders and newcomers adopting technology and terms that work for them.

Charging cables and plugs are the most confusing topic for electric cars drivers. There isn’t yet a universal connector that can use to charge EVs. Charging stations, cables, and plugs come in many sizes and shapes. These vary depending on where you live, what vehicle you drive, and which type of charging station you intend to use.

Choosing a suitable charging cable with so many options can be overwhelming. Let’s get to the bottom of what makes a suitable EV charging cable and which plugs are best for you to charge your electric cars.

What is an EV charging cable cord?

Some charging stations have cables already attached, while others will require you to bring your own. However, charging cables are essential for charging an electric car. There are four types of charging cables, each designed for a specific type of charging. That can be confusing as the charging level does not always correspond to the mode. This section will explain the differences between Mode 1, Mode 2, and Mode 3 charging cables and which one is best for what type.

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Types of EV charging cable and plugs in electric cars

Mode 1 EV charging cable

A Mode 1 cable allows you to connect your EV to an AC socket outlet using an extension cord or standard plug. The vehicle cannot communicate with the charging point, and there is no shock protection or safety system. This charging method is suitable for lighter electric vehicles such as e-bikes or scooters but is not recommended for electric cars.

Mode 2 EV charging cable

A Mode 2 charging cable is usually included with an EV purchase. The cables are designed to plug into the EV’s battery and a standard domestic outlet. They also come with an In-Cable Control and Protection Device (IC-CPD), which controls and protects the standard wall plug and the EV. This charging method is convenient, but it can be slow because most household outlets only provide 2.3 kW of power. If done wrongly, it can be dangerous. We recommend that you only use this charging cable in an emergency.

Mode 3 EV charging cable

Mode 3 cables are the most popular way to charge an EV worldwide. A Mode 3 charging cable connects your car to an EV charging station. These stations can be found at offices and homes, in commercial parking lots, and even in public places. These cables control the communication and protection of the charging process. They usually connect to Type 1 and Type 2 charging plugs.

Mode 4 EV charging cable

The first three modes provide AC power to the vehicle, and that power is converted using an onboard AC/DC converter. They are distinct from Mode 4. The Mode 4 charging cables are for DC charging. They convert the power before it is transferred to the vehicle. You can use DC charging to decrease the charging time for electric cars. This charging type transfers more power directly to the electric vehicle’s battery. The cables should also be liquid-cooled to withstand heat.

What’s an EV charging plug?

The plug used to charge your electric vehicle’s battery is called a charging plug. Similar to how appliances plugs differ depending on where they’re located, EV charging sockets and plugs can also vary depending upon the brand of the vehicle, level, or country they were made in. The good news is that most countries adhere to the following standards.

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Types of EV charging plugs

AC charging plugs

Electric vehicles will replace the automobiles we drive today. We use Type 1 and 2 charging cables to recharge our batteries.

So, what is the difference between Type 1 or Type 2 charging cables for EVs and PHEVs, respectively? It’s straightforward. You’ll find Type 1 and Type 2 plugs on your cable to charge at home or recharge the battery from public charging stations.

The Type 2 outlet is the European standard for charging cables. Type 1 plugs have 5-pin connectors, and a latch to the plugin its place. Level 2 models with 7-pin connectors don’t need these latches. Type 2 plugs, on the other hand, have a Locking Pin that secures the plug and locates it.

EV, PHEV cables

Both Type 1 and Type 2 plugs include pins that transmit the power load and an earthing mechanism for safety.

The Type 2 cables are equipped with resistors to communicate with the EV/PHEV. It ensures that the charging process goes smoothly. The vehicle knows that it is connected to power, and the resistors maintain a consistent power supply. They detect the strength of the cable and draw power accordingly. The Type 1 cable’s resistors detect whether the cable has been plugged in and will turn off the charger if the lever is pressed to release the plug.

Type 1 is a single-phase charging cable, while Type 2 charging cords are available in either single or triple-phase.

You can use these charger sockets to charge EVs or hybrids on the current market. Type 2 connectors are being used by many newer vehicles that have been introduced from Asia.

These numbers are the maximum power output a plug can produce. Actual power outputs are dependent on the charging station, charging cables, and the receptive device.

Type 1 charging plug

Type 1 plugs, also known as SAE J1772, are most commonly used for vehicles made in Japan or North America. They can produce power outputs up to 7.4 kW and are single-phase.

Following vehicles use Type 1 charging plug.

Citroen C-Zero. Ford Focus Electric. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Kia Soul EV. Nissan Leaf 2012 – 2017. Peugeot (uses both), Toyota Prius. Vauxhall.

Type 2 charging plug

For high-capacity EVs, type 2 charging cables are the best. It would be best if you chose a longer cable to charge EVs.

Type 2 plugs, also known as “Mennekes,” in honor of the German company that designed them, are the official plug standard for Europe. These plugs are three-phase and have a greater power transfer capacity than Type 1 plugs. They can deliver up to 22 kW private charging and up to 43kW public charging.

The cables are high-performance and built to last. They also come with a 5-year guarantee. They are thin and lightweight, which allows for easy handling and connection.

A tethered cable that connects to your property’s charger can be used for charging, but it may not reach your vehicle. Most people mistakenly think that a charging cord will work as an extension cable. The Charge Point requires that the vehicle have a data connection. That will not work.

GB/T charging plug

China created its charging system, referred to in China’s Guobiao national standards by the GB/T. There are two types of GB/T plugs available: one for fast charging DC and one for AC charging. Single-phase GB/T AC charging connections can produce up to 7.4 kW. Although it may look the same as the Type 2 plugs, its pins and receptors have been reversed.

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DC charging plugs

These numbers are the maximum power output a plug can produce. Actual power outputs are dependent on the charging station, charging cables, and the receptive device.

CCS charging plug

CCS, or the Combined Charging System, is short for fast charging plug standards in North America (CCS1) and Europe (CCS2). Because it supports both AC/DC charging, it’s known as a combined charging system.

CCS1 Charging Plug

The CCS1 plug, an improved version of the Type 1 AC connector, has two additional power contacts that enable DC fast charging. The CCS1 plug is the most popular fast charging plugin in North America, other than Tesla’s Supercharger technology. It can charge at speeds up to 350 kW.

CCS2 Charging Plug

The CCS2 is an upgraded version of the Type 2 AC Plug with two additional power contacts that enable DC fast charging. CCS plugs can deliver between 50 kW to 350 kW DC power. AC charging can also be supported by plugging in Type 1 (for the CCS1) or Type 2 plug (for the CCS2) into the upper half of a plug while leaving the lower DC power contacts empty.

CHAdeMO Charging Plug

CHAdeMO plugs are made in Japan and allow fast-charging up to 200 kW. Asia is currently leading the charge in making CHAdeMO compatible EVs. CHAdeMO has announced that its technology can charge between 200kW and 400kW. These speeds are not available in North America and Europe, where CHAdeMO typically only charges 63 kW. However, they will be more widespread in Asia. CHAdeMo plugs may still be available in Europe. However, CCS2 has surpassed these charging speeds to become the standard across the continent.

GB/T charging plug

The current GB/T AC charging plug can produce up to 237.5kW. China’s Electricity Council is currently working with the CHAdeMO Association to develop a new version that can deliver up to 900 kW. Chao Ji, the latest version of this connector, allows DC charging at over 500 kW and is lighter due to liquid-cooling technology. The locking mechanism has been removed from the connector to the vehicle side. Chao Ji could be the standard for future EV charging, with two of the largest markets, India and South Korea, already signed up.

Tesla charging plug

Tesla has the world’s largest fast-charging network with over 30,000 Superchargers. This network was previously only for Tesla drivers. However, Elon Musk announced in 2021 that the Supercharger network would be open to all other vehicles. Although the Supercharger plug looks similar to a regular AC Type 2 socket, it does not charge Teslas. Although Tesla’s Supercharger network is the dominant North American charging market, they made concessions in Europe and began building vehicles with CCS2. Tesla also announced the arrival of their proprietary CCS-to-Tesla plug adapter, which will allow Tesla drivers to charge at non-Tesla DC stations.

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What is the difference between type1 and type 2 charging cables?

Are you ready to begin charging?

There are many charging cables and plugs available, so choosing the right one for you can be challenging. We hope you find this article helpful in helping you understand the most popular types of charging cables and plugs so that you can get started charging quickly.

All AC charging stations are compatible with Type 1 and Type 2 connectors. These connectors are standard in most countries so that you can use charging stations for your EV. You can use these fast chargers with any EV with CCS1, CCS2, or CHAdeMO connectors.

Find out more about electric vehicle charging.

Many things are different when it comes to EV adoption, particularly the experience of charging a car. That goes beyond the many different types of available plugs and cables. How about the average battery life and the range of EVs available today? You can also consider the range of charging locations, cheaper than buying gas, and the many charging stations, locations, and speeds.

Electric Cars Tech always tries to provide the best information to the people who are looking for it. This article will also provide you with information about electric cars charging plugs and cables.