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    EV charging connector types

    plugging a ev charger in

    If you’re new to the electric car world, welcome. There’s an awful lot of jargon to simplify, as well as frequent questions like: Should you charge your EV every night? What are the best public chargers? And, of course, What’s the difference between types of charging connectors?

    Knowledge is power, and in this instance, knowledge gives you the power to charge your car, fast!

    The classification of EV charging speeds and their connectors

    an EV charging plug
    Your vehicle’s inlet port will determine what connector you can use.

    Electric car chargers are classified under three main brackets. They can be Level 1, Level 2 or DC Fast Charging. Each of these different levels corresponds with different connector types and charging speeds. 

    🪫Name 🔌 Connector type ⚡Speed
    Level 1: AC ChargingTypically uses a standard household socket (Type G in the UK).Slow, and suitable for overnight charging.
    Level 2: AC ChargingOften a Type 2 connector.Faster than Level 1, ideal for home and public charging points.
    DC Fast ChargingEither CCS (Combined Charging System) or CHAdeMO.Rapid charging, suited for longer journeys and quick top-ups.

    More on connector types

    Electric vehicles can use several different types of connectors in the UK, and each one meets a specific charging need. 

    If you understand the different charging options available to you, you can pick the one that most meets your needs/charge timeframe. 

    💡 Name/type ⚡Useage 🤝Compatibility 
    Type 2 (Mennekes)The standard for AC charging in Europe.Widely supported by home and public charging points.
    CSS (Combined Charging System)Combines AC and DC charging capabilities.Common for rapid DC charging.
    CHAdeMoPrimarily used by Japanese and some European manufacturers.Found at dedicated DC fast charging stations.

    The evolution of Tesla’s superchargers

    Tesla isn’t only a leader in EV manufacturing; it also leads from the front in charging infrastructure. Their mission’s always been to make EVs a practical and accessible option for drivers, and their dedication to charging networks sets them apart from other EV makes. Their ‘Supercharger’ network launched in 2012 and was designed for rapid DC charging so that Tesla drivers could recharge quickly on long-distance journeys. 

    The network is spread out along major roads. It’s convenient and has played a big part in reducing range anxiety. Beyond the Supercharger system, Teslas can also be charged AC through Type 2 connectors, so they’re compatible with other charging networks across Europe. 

    Charging cables: Tethered vs untethered explained

    a charging unit on a wall
    You can have a tethered or untethered unit attached to your outside wall or in your garage.

    In short, tethered cables are permanently attached to a charging unit and untethered cables aren’t. Untethered cables require you to provide your own charging cable and connector, which tend to be stored in your vehicle. 

    A tethered cable can be found attached to your at-home wall box, for example, whereas your EV will probably come with an untethered cable that you can store in the bonnet or the boot.

    Tethered charge cables Untethered charge cables 
    Convenience Great for home chargers where the cable is always ready to use.Compatible with various connectors depending on the charging point.
    Compatibility Always compatible with your vehicle.Requires storage space in the vehicle when not in use.
    Cable lengthLimited flexibility in cable length. Typically longer, and compatible with different EVs and adaptors.

    Evaluating compatibility: How to determine which connector fits your EV

    Working out which connector is right for your EV involves understanding its charging capabilities and the infrastructure available. There are several things you will need to check before you plug in, including: 

    Vehicle compatibility

    1. Check your EV’s manual to see what connector types it’s compatible with. 

    2. Most EVs in the UK use Type 2 connectors for AC charging, while DC fast charging compatibility varies (CCS or CHAdeMO).

    Charging network

    1. Research the charging stations in your area or along your regular routes. 

    2. Make sure they support the connector type your EV requires, whether it’s for home charging, workplace facilities, or public charging points.

    Future-proofing

    1. Keep tabs on infrastructure developments to make sure your EV is compatible in the long run and you have a host of charging options available to you. 

    Practical considerations for EV owners

    There is no denying that EVs are the future. As soon as 2035 rolls around, they’ll be the only type of car you can buy new off the forecourt. They’re great for the environment – but what are the benefits for you?

    It’s key to work out the charging infrastructure available to you. You can install a home charge unit (wall box) that makes overnight charging convenient and reduces your reliance on public charge points. 

    When you do use public chargers, planning ahead will save you a lot of time and frustration. Research the apps that help you map out affordable and convenient charging points along your route. 

    Remember, understanding charging speeds is key: 

    🦥 Level 1 = slow overnight charging 

    🏃 Level 2 = faster home or public charging 

    🏎️ DC Fast Charging = super speedy top-ups 

    Safety measures and best practices for EV charging

    There are a few precautions you can take to make sure your car fills up safely:

    1. Certified equipment: Use only chargers and cables approved for your model, to prevent damage and ensure compatibility.

    2. Proper installation: Have chargers installed by qualified electricians to avoid electrical hazards and ensure compliance with local regulations.

    3. Monitoring: Regularly inspect cables and connectors for wear or damage, replacing any faulty components promptly.

    4. Weather awareness: Avoid charging in extreme weather conditions to prevent overheating or exposure to elements.

    Selling your EV with tethered or untethered cables

    When you’re selling any car, having a full suite of accessories helps to keep the value as high as possible. Many EVs will come with an untethered cable, even if you opt to install a wallbox with a tethered cable attached. You may be tempted to give your spare cable to a friend or sell it online, but, as with any of your car’s extras, your future buyer may require them.

    If you don’t store your untethered cable in your car, it’s worth storing it somewhere dry and safe so it remains useable in the future, and the same goes for any adaptors or other charging extras that come with your car or wallbox. 

    How to sell your EV, easily

    EV adoption in the UK is still relatively low, largely due to misinformation about battery safety, and the public’s range anxiety compared to high-MPG diesel vehicles that have become the norm.

    However, it doesn’t have to be hard or costly to sell your EV once you’re ready to upgrade. First, you can take out an instant, free valuation on Motorway by entering your reg and mileage. Then, you use the app to take photos of your car and select the answers to some questions about the car’s condition and your ownership. 

    If you have a company electric car, a financed EV, or any scheme other than owning your car outright, Motorway will indicate whether you’re eligible to sell. 

    Once your car is in Motorway’s online daily sale, you can have a deal agreed with a verified dealer within 24 hours. 84% of customers get more money when they sell on Motorway, so it’s key to look after your car’s ongoing value even before you’re ready to sell. 

    To learn more about maintaining your EV’s value, read our guide on electric car servicing. 

    FAQs

    What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 EV connectors?

    Type 1 connectors are commonly used in North America and Japan, with five pins for AC charging. 

    Type 2 connectors, prevalent in Europe including the UK, offer compatibility with both AC and DC charging through additional pins.

    What cars use a Type 1 charger in the UK?

    Type 1 chargers are typically found in older electric vehicles and hybrids imported from regions like Japan. Models such as the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV initially introduced with Type 1 connectors may still use this standard in the UK.

    Why does a 22kW charger only charge at 11kW?

    A 22kW charger may only charge at 11kW due to the single-phase power supply available. In the UK, many residential properties and some public charging points provide single-phase electricity, limiting the charger’s capacity despite its higher potential output.

    Is it time to sell your car?

    Ready to learn more about valuing, maintaining, and selling your car? Check out more of our guides here, covering everything from hybrid and electric car depreciation to converting your car to dual-LPG fuel. 

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