Charging cables have connectors you plug into the electric car and/or the charge point. What type of charging connector you use depends on your car and the power rating of the charge point. Here are five charging plugs used in the UK, Type 2 now being the most common:
UK three pin plug
Power rating of 2.3-3kW AC, Single Phase (Standard Charge):
- Approx 5 miles range per 30 mins of charging
- Standard UK domestic electricity outlet
- Not designed for prolonged use needed to fully charge an electric car
- Very slow charging with a maximum power output of 3 kW
Type 1 plug
Power rating of 3-7kW AC, Single Phase (Slow/Fast Charge):
- Approx 12 miles range per 30 mins of charging
- Only available in single phase
- Less common in modern electric cars
- Has no locking mechanism when the car is connected to supply
Type 2 plug (Also known as ‘Mennekes’ connector)
Power rating of 3-42kW AC, Single Phase/Three Phase (Fast Charge):
- Approx 75 miles range per 30 mins of charging
- Becoming the standard European charging cable connector type
- Compatible with both single and three-phase electricity supply
- In-built locking mechanism when connected to the power supply
- Tesla has a 120 kW DC version of type 2
CHAdeMO plug
Power rating of 50kW DC, Three Phase (Rapid Charge):
- Approx 85 miles range per 30 mins of charging
- Older type of charging cable connector for rapid charging
- Compatible with Japanese vehicle manufacturers
- Most common rapid connector type due to the popularity of the Nissan Leaf
Combined Charging System (CCS) plug
Power rating of 50-350kW DC, Rapid Charge:
- Approx 85-200 miles range per 30 mins of charging
- The most versatile rapid charging connector
- Likely to become the most popular DC connector standard
- Enables a higher power rating to support larger ultra rapids chargers