EV connector types in Europe explained

For ordinary EV charging in the EU, remember two names first: Type 2 for AC and Combo 2, also called CCS2, for DC. Type 1 and CHAdeMO still matter for some vehicles. NACS is a North American interface and needs special attention on an imported car.

What is a Type 2 connector?

Type 2 is a standardized AC connector configuration in IEC 62196-2. EU infrastructure law uses it for relevant public Mode 3 AC points installed or renovated within the rule’s scope. The requirement does not turn every Mode 2 socket, legacy point or imported vehicle into Type 2.

Mode 3 is controlled AC charging from dedicated EV supply equipment under IEC 61851-1. Mode 2 uses an in-cable control and protection device with another suitable supply connection.

An untethered charging post has a Type 2 socket. You bring a Mode 3 cable that matches the post and car. A tethered wallbox has the vehicle connector fixed to its own cable.

Type 2 describes the interface, not one charging power. The connection can carry single-phase or three-phase AC within the ratings of the cable and equipment. The station, cable and vehicle negotiate a safe current, and the car’s onboard charger converts AC to battery DC.

What is Combo 2 or CCS2?

Combo 2 combines an AC connector area based on Type 2 with two large DC contacts below it. This lets one vehicle inlet accept a compatible Type 2 AC connector or the larger Combo 2 DC connector. “CCS2” and “Combo 2” are commonly used for this European combined interface.

IEC 62196-3 covers standardized DC and combined AC/DC vehicle couplers. AFIR Annex II identifies Combo 2 as the interoperability interface for relevant publicly accessible DC charging points in the EU.

AFIR requires publicly accessible DC points in the EU to have a fixed cable. The station converts grid electricity to controlled DC and supplies the vehicle battery system. Your loose Type 2 AC cable does not connect to the DC portion.

What is Type 1?

Type 1 is another AC vehicle connector configuration covered by IEC 62196-2. It is designed for single-phase AC. You may meet it on an older vehicle or a car imported from a market that used Type 1.

A Type 1 car can use an untethered Type 2 AC post with a purpose-built Mode 3 cable. The post end is Type 2 and the car end is Type 1. This is a complete cable assembly, not an improvised adapter added to another cable.

Do not assume that every Type 1 vehicle accepts the same current. Check the onboard AC charger in the manual. Also check whether the car has a separate DC inlet and which DC system it uses.

What is CHAdeMO?

CHAdeMO is a DC charging system with its own connector and communication method. It is covered in recognized IEC and EN standards. A CHAdeMO vehicle needs a charger offering that specific cable and protocol.

CHAdeMO and Combo 2 are not mechanically interchangeable. An AC Type 1 or Type 2 cable does not change that. If your car needs CHAdeMO, filter route-planning results by connector and confirm the station’s current status before travel.

EU law requiring Combo 2 on relevant public DC infrastructure does not ban an operator from also providing CHAdeMO. It also does not guarantee CHAdeMO at a new site. That is why availability should be checked rather than described with a broad market claim.

What is NACS or SAE J3400?

SAE J3400 is the North American Charging System. The SAE specification covers a coupler that can transfer single-phase AC or DC using the same two power contacts. It is a different physical system from Type 2 and Combo 2.

For a car built for the European market, follow its European manual and inlet markings. For a North American import, do not buy an adapter based only on plug shape. Voltage, charging communication, vehicle configuration, approval and manufacturer support all need to match.

NACS should not be confused with the Tesla brand in general. Connector choice depends on the market version of the vehicle and infrastructure. Read the exact vehicle documentation.

How can one car have two charging inlets?

Some vehicles separate AC and DC. For example, a car can have a Type 1 AC inlet and a separate CHAdeMO DC inlet. Other vehicles use a combined inlet, such as Combo 2, where the AC and DC contact areas share one opening.

This means “what plug does the car use?” may need two answers. Record the AC connector and the DC connector separately. Route planners often let you filter each type.

The charging flap may display connector symbols. AFIR Article 19 provides for compatibility information on vehicles, in manuals and at charging points using applicable technical specifications. The manual remains the best place to check power and operating limits.

Does the connector decide charging speed?

No. The connector family tells you whether the physical and control interface can match. Actual power is limited by the station, cable where relevant, vehicle electronics, battery state and temperature.

Type 2 can serve different AC current and phase arrangements. Combo 2 chargers also have different power ratings, while a vehicle can request less than the station’s maximum. A large number printed on the station is not a promise to every car.

For AC, the onboard charger is a firm ceiling. For DC, the vehicle’s battery system requests current during the session. Charging power can fall as conditions change, especially as the battery approaches its target state of charge.

How should you check compatibility?

Use this order:

1. Read the vehicle manual for AC and DC inlet types.
2. Record the car’s maximum AC power, phase count and supported DC system.
3. Check the exact charging point’s connector list and availability.
4. For untethered AC, match both cable ends, current rating and phases.
5. For any imported vehicle or proposed adapter, obtain written model-specific guidance.

Avoid shopping from a connector photo alone. Listings should state the standard interface and electrical rating. If the documentation is unclear, ask the vehicle or equipment manufacturer before connecting it.

Which connector should a new buyer prefer?

For normal use in the EU, a vehicle with Type 2 AC and Combo 2 DC aligns with the reference interfaces in EU public-infrastructure rules. That gives a clear compatibility baseline. It does not mean every station is accessible, working or equally fast.

If you already own a vehicle with Type 1 or CHAdeMO, you do not need to treat it as unusable. You need the correct AC cable and a route plan filtered for its DC connector. Make the decision from current stations on your routes, not from a claim about an entire continent.