If you are thinking of buying an electric car, or currently own a vehicle and want to learn more about the differences between type 1 and type 2 chargers, we explain more below.
Type 1 EV chargers are known as the ‘slower’ charging cables and feature a 5-pin design. They feature a distinct latch that helps to keep the plug in the charging socket so it is more difficult to dislodge. However, they do not have the locking mechanism that is standard on type 2 chargers. Type 1 chargers are also referred to as a single-phase charging cable.
The main difference between type 1 and type 2 chargers can be seen in charging times. Type 1 chargers typically have a typical power rating of 0.37kW or 7kW. They have an approximate range per hour of charging of 12.5 miles (3.7kW) to 25 miles (7kW) which is based on a 60kWh full battery car that has a range of 200 miles.
Type 2 chargers are available in single or three phase, which allows them to offer a much faster rate of charging. For newly built cars, type 2 chargers are the most common type of connector provided by the manufacturer.
They feature 7-pins instead of 5 and come with a locking pin that securely keeps the plug in place while in use, making for a much safer system.
In terms of charging capacity, power ratings for type 2 chargers will either be 3.7kW (with an approximate range per hour of charging of 12.5 miles), 7kW (25 miles) or 22kW (75 miles). As above, this is based on a 60kWh full battery car that has a range of 200 miles.
It is important to note that three-phase infrastructure is still rare in the UK, although you may find it in some large commercial buildings. In most cases, single-phase 7kW devices will be installed in public charge points.
Direct Current (DC) chargers provide the fastest charging speeds. There are three types available, with CHAdeMO connectors offering a range of up to 150 miles per 30 minutes of charging. Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors can deliver as much as 525 miles per half-an-hour of charging and type 2 chargers up to 375 miles per 30 minutes (Tesla superchargers only).
AAC are experienced installers of electric car chargers for homes and businesses. To find out more about our range of electric car charger services and to organise a free survey and quote, email carchargers@aac.uk.net or call 01707 32 55 66.
There are dozens of different electric vehicles (EVs) on the market. While most people are familiar with Teslas, other automakers like Nissan, Volvo and Honda have released their own EVs. EVs are powered by a battery. Like all batteries, however, they have a finite storage capacity. You’ll need to charge the battery on a regular basis if you’re planning to invest in an EV.
Most EVs use either a Type 1 or Type 2 charger. The charger is the device that plugs into an EV. It’s used to supply electricity from a power outlet — or a charging station — to an EV. What’s the difference between a Type 1 and Type 2 charger exactly?
A Type 1 charger is a type of EV charger that uses the IEC 62196 Type 1 specification. It was pioneered in 2009. Also known as a J plug charger, it’s characterized by its connector type. All Type 1 chargers feature a 5-pin connector.
The 5-pin connector in Type 1 chargers contain the following pins:
A Type 2 charger is a type of EV charger that uses the IEC 60309 specification. Type 2 chargers feature a 5-pin connector. They were originally designed by Mennekes around the same time as the Type 1 charger. Since then, Type 2 chargers have become increasingly common. More and more EVs now support a Type 2 charger.
The 7-pin connector in Type 2 chargers contain the following pins:
Type 1 and Type 2 chargers aren’t the same. They are two different types of EV chargers, each of which uses its own unique specification. In Europe, Type 2 has become the universal charger type for EVs. In North America, on the other hand, most EVs use a Type 1 charger.
Type 2 chargers are also single phase. Type 2 chargers, in comparison, support single phase and three-phase power.
You can easily distinguish between Type 1 and Type 2 chargers by inspecting the pins. As previously mentioned, Type 1 chargers feature a 5-pin connector, whereas Type 2 chargers feature a 7-pin connector.
If you buy a new EV, chances are it will come with a Type 1 charger. Most EVs sold in North America use a Type 1 charger. EVs sold in Europe, conversely, typically use a Type 2 charger. They serve the same purpose of charging the EV’s battery; Type 1 and Type 2 chargers simply feature different design specifications.