1/6/2026
In the field of electric vehicle (EV) charging, Type 2 and CCS (Combined Charging System) are two commonly mentioned terms. They frequently appear at charging stations, in user manuals, and in technical discussions. Although they may look similar, their functions and use cases are different. A clear understanding of these differences helps EV owners and operators choose the appropriate charging equipment and connection methods more effectively.
The Type 2 connector, also known as the Mennekes connector, is currently the primary standard for AC charging in Europe and many other regions. It supports both single-phase and three-phase power input, which makes it widely used in home charging, commercial parking facilities, and public AC charging stations.
The Type 2 interface features seven pins and supports charging power of up to 22 kW, offering a stable and reliable solution for daily EV charging needs.
Designed with broad compatibility in mind, the Type 2 standard has been actively promoted by regulatory and standardization bodies such as the European Commission. As a result, it has been widely adopted by EV manufacturers and charging infrastructure providers.
Unlike Type 2, CCS is a charging standard that supports DC fast charging. It is based on the Type 2 interface but adds two dedicated DC pins at the bottom, allowing a single vehicle inlet to support both AC charging and high-power DC fast charging (DCFC).
This combined design enables CCS to offer the flexibility of slow AC charging for everyday use while also supporting rapid DC charging when fast energy replenishment is required.
DC fast charging can deliver power at hundreds of kilowatts, making it ideal for highway charging stations and long-distance travel, significantly improving the overall convenience of electric vehicle use.
Although Type 2 and CCS appear similar—especially in the upper portion of the connector—they are designed for different charging scenarios:
1. Type 2 (AC only): Suitable for home charging, workplace parking, and other slow or medium-speed charging environments.
2. CCS (AC + DC): Supports AC charging and enables high-speed DC fast charging through additional DC pins.
As a result, CCS charging stations typically accommodate both AC charging via the Type 2 section and DC fast charging via the lower DC pins.
Because the upper part of a CCS inlet closely resembles a Type 2 connector, users often wonder whether the two are interchangeable. In practice:
1. Yes: If the charging station supports backward compatibility, a Type 2 plug can be inserted into a CCS inlet for AC charging.
2. No: A CCS plug cannot be used with a Type 2-only inlet, as Type 2 inlets do not include DC fast charging pins.
This means that vehicles equipped with CCS can still use Type 2 AC charging when DC fast charging is not available, while vehicles with only Type 2 inlets cannot access DC fast charging.
As EV driving ranges increase and users demand shorter charging times, DC fast charging has become a critical requirement. CCS was developed specifically to overcome the limitations of Type 2 in providing efficient DC fast charging.
By supporting both AC and DC charging within a single interface and allowing scalability for higher power levels, CCS has gradually become the dominant fast-charging standard, particularly in Europe and North America.
In addition to Type 2 and CCS, several other EV charging standards are used globally:
1. Type 1 (SAE J1772): An AC charging standard primarily used in North America; it can connect to Type 2 systems via adapters.
2. Tesla NACS: Tesla's proprietary fast-charging standard in North America, widely deployed across Supercharger networks in certain regions.
3. GB/T: China's national standard for both AC and DC charging, mainly used within the domestic charging infrastructure.
Compatibility between these standards varies, but charging cables and adapters can enable limited cross-standard charging in some cases.
When selecting charging equipment or infrastructure, vehicle owners and operators should consider several key factors:
1. Vehicle compatibility: Ensure the connector standard matches the vehicle’s charging inlet.
2. Charging speed requirements: Decide whether DC fast charging is necessary based on daily driving distance and usage frequency.
3. Deployment scenarios: Home charging, public fast charging, and commercial fleet operations each require different charging solutions.
Although Type 2 and CCS may appear similar in name and physical design, they differ significantly in functionality and application scenarios. Correctly understanding and selecting the appropriate EV charging interface helps improve charging efficiency and prevents inconvenience caused by incompatibility.
As a solution provider specializing in EV chargers and EV charging connectors, nexwayEv closely follows the evolution of global charging standards and is committed to delivering stable, reliable, and highly compatible charging solutions for different markets and application scenarios—supporting a more efficient and seamless electric mobility experience.
The following are our popular EV charging products that you may be interested in. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, and our specialists will answer within 24 hours.
