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Understanding EV charging connector types in the UK

An introduction to EV charger connector types

EV connectors vary by country and determine the type of charge point you can use to recharge your vehicle. Understanding the various EV charging connector types is essential for safe and efficient charging, as different vehicles require specific connectors to charge.

There are two main types of EV charging connectors; AC connectors for slower AC chargers and DC connectors for rapid DC chargers. Below we look at each type of EV charger connector in detail.

Slow and fast charging

AC charging

An AC charger receives an alternating current from the electricity grid and passes this to the vehicle, which converts it to direct current (DC) power to charge the EV’s battery. AC chargers typically range from 7kW to 22kW.

Where are they typically found?

  • Private homes

  • Workplaces

  • Supermarkets and retail centres

  • Leisure destinations

  • Other public car parks

AC charging connector types

Type 1

Type 1 charging ports are typically found on older models of electric vehicles in the UK and Europe. They have five pins and can support up to 7kW of AC charging. Unlike the newer Type 2 connections, these don’t come with a locking mechanism which means the charger can be tampered with or removed without your permission.

Type 2

Type 2 sockets are found in most modern EV models in the UK. They consist of seven pins and can support up to 22kW of AC charging. This connector includes a locking mechanism, preventing tampering or unauthorised removal of your charging cable. Home and workplace charge points often use Type 2 connectors.

Rapid charging

DC charging

DC chargers have the AC converter built into them, so the power is converted to DC before it reaches the EV’s battery. This results in faster charge times, as more power can be delivered at once. DC chargers usually range from 50kW to 350kW.

Where are they typically found?

  • Motorway service stations

  • Dedicated EV charging forecourts

  • Some larger retail locations

DC charging connector types

CCS connector – Type 2

The Combined Charging System (CCS) is widely adopted for rapid and ultra-rapid charging and integrates a Type 2 connector with additional power pins for DC fast charging. These connectors support up to 350kW of DC charging. Rapid chargers found at car parks, motorway services and shopping centres often use a CCS Type 2 connector.

CHAdeMO

Released before CCS, CHAdeMO connectors were the first rapid charging connectors, originating from Japan. They are used for DC fast charging and can support up to 400kW of power. However, CHAdeMO is slowly being phased out as more connectors are being replaced with a CSS Type 2.

Charging your EV with a standard household plug

You can charge your EV using a household 3-pin plug, but this method is significantly slower than using a dedicated EV charge point. There are also safety risks to consider, as standard household plugs are not designed for prolonged, high-power usage and can overheat, leading to potential fire hazards. You should therefore only use a household socket as a last resort. 

For safe and efficient charging, it's recommended to use a dedicated home charger with a Type 2 connector.

EV charging cables

In addition to the EV charging connector types, it’s also useful to understand the different types of cables that connect your EV to the charger.

Tethered

These cables are permanently connected to the charger in a similar way to how a fuel hose is connected to the fuel pump. Tethered cables are common with rapid and ultra-rapid chargers. They can also be found on some slow and fast chargers.

Untethered

Some chargers don’t have cables attached; these require you to plug your own cable in to the unit. This is more common with slow and fast chargers, It’s handy to keep a cable in your boot for when the need to use an untethered charger arises.

Frequently asked questions

Can’t find an answer to your question? Talk to the Radius customer support team on 0330 828 8555. We’re here to help you with any questions or concerns you may have.

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