Type 2 (also known as the Mennekes connector, named after its German manufacturer) is a widely used standard for AC charging connectors in electric vehicles (EVs). It is the standard charging connector in Europe and many other regions, mainly used for alternating current (AC) charging.
Type 2 is an AC charging connector that supports both single-phase and three-phase AC charging. It is part of the European IEC 62196-2 standard and has been designated by the European Union as the standard charging connector for electric vehicles.
- Single-phase Charging: Suitable for low-power charging (usually 3.7 kW or 7.4 kW), ideal for home charging or charging at night.
- Three-phase Charging: Supports higher power (usually 11 kW or 22 kW), suitable for public charging stations or quick replenishment of electricity.
The Type 2 connector features a 7-pin design with the following characteristics:
- Pin Functions:
- 3 phase pins (L1, L2, L3): Used for three-phase alternating current.
- 1 neutral wire (N): Used for the current loop.
- 1 ground wire (PE): Used for safety grounding.
- 2 communication pins (CP, PP): Used for communication between the vehicle and the charging station.
- Round Design: The connector has a round shape, making it easy to plug and unplug, and it has an anti-misplug design.
- Power Range: Supports AC charging power from 3.7 kW to 43 kW (the specific power depends on the capabilities of the vehicle and the charging station).
- Communication Protocol: Uses the IEC 61851 standard, supporting basic communication between the vehicle and the charging station, such as charging status and power adjustment.
- Safety: Equipped with multiple safety protection mechanisms, including overcurrent protection, leakage protection, and temperature monitoring.
- Compatibility: The upper part of the Type 2 connector is compatible with the CCS2 DC fast charging connector. Therefore, CCS2 vehicles can use Type 2 charging stations for AC charging.
Type 2 is the standard charging connector in Europe and is widely used in the following regions:
- EU countries (such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, etc.).
- Oceania countries such as Australia and New Zealand.
- Some Asian countries (such as India, Singapore, etc.).
- Type 1: Mainly used in North America and Japan, only supports single-phase AC charging.
- GB/T: The Chinese national standard, with a different connector shape and protocol from Type 2.
- CHAdeMO: Mainly used for DC fast charging, and the connector is not compatible with Type 2.
- Type 2 is the basis of CCS2: The upper part of the CCS2 connector is exactly the same as Type 2. Therefore, CCS2 vehicles can use Type 2 charging stations for AC charging.
- Function Expansion: CCS2 adds two DC pins on the basis of Type 2 to support DC fast charging.
CCS2 (Combined Charging System 2) is a widely used DC fast charging standard for electric vehicles (EVs). It is one of the mainstream charging standards globally, especially in Europe, Oceania, and some parts of Asia.
CCS2 is the second-generation standard of the Combined Charging System, supporting both alternating current (AC) charging and direct current (DC) fast charging. Its design objective is to provide a unified charging interface for electric vehicles, which is compatible with various charging powers and modes.
- Alternating Current (AC) Charging: Used for low-power charging, typically in home or public slow charging piles.
- Direct Current (DC) Fast Charging: Used for high-power charging, suitable for quick replenishment of electricity, commonly found in highway service areas or commercial charging stations.
The charging interface of CCS2 is based on the Type 2 (Mennekes) AC charging interface and adds two additional DC pins to support DC fast charging. Its interface features include:
- Upper Part: The same as the Type 2 interface, used for AC charging.
- Lower Part: Two large-current DC pins are added, used for DC fast charging.
This design enables the CCS2 interface to support both AC charging and DC fast charging simultaneously without the need for additional adapters.
- High Power Support: CCS2 supports a DC fast charging power of up to 350 kW, which can significantly reduce the charging time.
- Compatibility: The CCS2 interface is compatible with the Type 2 AC charging standard and is suitable for various charging scenarios.
- Communication Protocols: CCS2 uses the ISO 15118 and DIN 70121 standards, supporting intelligent communication between the vehicle and the charging pile to achieve functions such as Plug & Charge and load balancing.
- Safety: CCS2 has multiple safety protection mechanisms, including overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, and temperature monitoring.
CCS2 is the standard charging interface in regions such as Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, and it is also adopted by some Asian countries (such as South Korea). Its wide promotion benefits from its high power support and compatibility.
- CCS1: Mainly used in North America, based on the Type 1 AC interface.
- CHAdeMO: A DC fast charging standard led by Japan, and its interface is not compatible with CCS2.
- GB/T: The Chinese national standard, with an interface and protocol different from CCS2.
Comparison Summary Table
| Feature |
Type 2 |
CCS2 |
| Charging Type |
AC only |
AC + DC fast charging |
| Interface Design |
7-pin round connector |
Type 2 connector + 2 additional DC pins |
| Compatibility |
AC charging only |
Compatible with Type 2 AC + DC fast charging |
| Application |
Home charging, public slow chargers |
Highway service stations, commercial fast chargers |
| Communication Protocol |
IEC 61851 |
ISO 15118, DIN 70121 |
| Power Range |
3.7 kW to 43 kW (AC) |
50 kW to 350 kW (DC) |
| Regional Distribution |
Europe, Australia, New Zealand, etc. |
Europe, Australia, New Zealand, etc. |
Summary
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Type 2: A connector designed exclusively for AC charging, suitable for low-power charging scenarios.
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CCS2: A combined charging system that builds on Type 2 by adding DC fast charging capabilities, making it ideal for high-power fast charging scenarios.
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Both are widely used in Europe and other regions. CCS2 is an extension of Type 2, offering greater charging flexibility and efficiency.
