Switching to electric driving is exciting and full of benefits. But once you have your new electric car, you're faced with a crucial question: which charging cable do I need for my electric car? Don't worry, you're certainly not the only one getting a little lost! Choosing the right charging cable starts with understanding the different connectors. These are the "plugs" that go into both your car and the charging station. Let's take a closer look at them so you know exactly which cable fits your EV.
The universal standard in Europe: Type 2 (Mennekes)
If you drive a modern electric car in Europe, chances are high that your car has a Type 2 connector . This connector, also known as the Mennekes plug, has become the de facto standard for alternating current (AC) charging throughout Europe. You'll find the Type 2 connector both on the car's side and on the charging station's side at most public charging stations and home charging stations .
Why is Type 2 so dominant? The Type 2 connector is designed to be flexible. It supports both single-phase and three-phase charging, making it suitable for a wide range of charging speeds, from slow charging at home to faster charging at public AC charging stations. This makes it a versatile and future-proof choice for the European market. If you're looking for a new electric car charging cable for everyday use, a Type 2 to Type 2 cable is almost always what you're looking for.
The American/Asian Connection: Type 1 (J1772)
Although less common in new European models, the Type 1 connector (also known as J1772) is still relevant, especially if you own an older electric car or plug-in hybrid of Asian or American make. Think of models like the first-generation Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, or the Chevrolet Volt.
What if my car has a Type 1 connection and the charging station has a Type 2? No problem! Special adapter cables are available for this situation. These cables have a Type 2 connector on the charging station and a Type 1 connector on the car. This way, you can easily charge your Type 1 EV at the common Type 2 charging stations in Europe.
For the Fast Chargers: CCS and CHAdeMO (DC Charging)
When you talk about truly fast charging, such as along the highway, we're talking about direct current (DC) charging. Different connectors are used for this, which are often already attached to the charging station:
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CCS (Combined Charging System) : This is the most widely used fast-charging standard in Europe and North America. As the name suggests, CCS combines the familiar Type 2 connection with two additional pins for powerful DC charging. The vast majority of new electric cars support CCS for fast charging. You'll often see this connection as an "extension" below your regular Type 2 port on the car.
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CHAdeMO : This fast-charging standard was primarily developed in Japan and is still found in some Japanese car brands, such as the older Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV models. Although the number of CHAdeMO chargers is increasing, CCS often prevails in new installations.
Remember: For fast chargers at public stations, you usually don't need your own fast charger cable . These cables are robust and attached to the charging station itself. All you have to do is plug it in!
How do I know which type I have?
Checking the connector type for your electric car is easy. Consult your car's manual or simply look at your vehicle's charging port. The shape of the connector will quickly tell you whether you have a Type 2, Type 1, or a CCS/CHAdeMO-compatible port.
Now that you have a clear understanding of the different connector types, you're well on your way. In the next section, we'll delve deeper into specifications like phases and amperes, which determine how quickly your car can actually charge.
Next step: In the second part of this series, we'll discuss the power of your charging cable: how many phases and amps do you need for optimal charging speed? Watch part 2 here .
