Guide to EV charger socket types
An introduction to some of the most common types of EV charging plugs
New to electric vehicle charging? It can be helpful to become familiar with some of the common types of EV charging plugs. Here, we provide an overview of all the different types of connectors you might come into contact with from Type 1 and Type 2 to the CHAdeMO and CCS sockets.
Type 1 socket
Known as J1772 this is an older slow AC charge connector and is being phased out in favour of Type 2.
Type 2 socket
A Mennekes socket. This socket is one of the most popular ones seen and used throughout the UK.
Type 2 CCS socket
This is a combination of slow AC and fast DC connector.
CHAdeMO socket
This is a fast DC charge connector.
Wall outlet
TA standard wall outlet either domestic or business BS1363 plug unit.
Quick charge CCS / SAE combination socket
The Combined Charging System (CCS) is a fast charging method for battery powered electric vehicles (EV) delivering direct current via a custom connector originally inherited from the SAE J1772 (IEC Type 1) or IEC Type 2 connector. It is also called Combo Coupler and the variant with Type 2 is abbreviated as Combo2.
Type 1 CCS socket
Type 1 Combined Charging System (CCS). The CCS Type 1 charging cables were developed for fast direct current (DC) charging in accordance with SAE J1772 and IEC 62196-3. A unit locking mechanism prevents the Vehicle Connector from being pulled out when in use.
Tesla supercharger socket
The Tesla Supercharger network is a system of DC fast-charging stations built by the Tesla company in the United States to allow fast charging of their car battery packs ultimately providing longer journeys for their EV vehicles Model S, Model 3 and Model X.
Blue commando
The most common range of heavy commercial and industrial plugs. These are often referred to in the UK as CEE industrial, CEEform or simply CEE plugs, or as “Commando connectors” after the MK Commando brand name for these connectors.
