Connectors and cables
There are two primary electric vehicle charging methods: AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current). All home EV chargers and the majority of public charging stations use AC, while DC is used for rapid charging.
AC connectors
- UK 3-pin (BS 1363)
- Industrial Commando (IEC 60309)
- American Type 1 (SAE J1772)
- European Type 2 (Mennekes, IEC 62196)
DC connectors
- Japanese JEVS (CHAdeMO)
- European Combined Charging System (CCS or ‘Combo’)
How do I choose a charging cable?
To charge your electric vehicle, you’ll need the correct charging connector. You need a charging cable with connectors that are compatible with both your car and the charging point you want to use.
If your vehicle does not come with the cable you need to charge it at home, at work, or in public, make sure that you understand the connector type that your vehicle is compatible with.
Most EVs will accept either a type 1 (typically older cars) or type 2 (the new European standard) connector and your manufacturer should be able to advise if you’re not sure which one you have.
While your car may also have a CHAdeMO or CCS compatible inlet for rapid charging, charging points with the corresponding connectors are usually only found at public fast charging stations. These connectors will usually be inbuilt, so it’s rare that you’d need to supply your own charging cable.
Can you charge an electric car from a three-pin plug?
Yes, but we’d advise against it. Three-pin domestic plugs are slow to charge, aren’t designed to handle high charging loads and aren’t designed to be a long-term charging solution (it wouldn’t be safe to use them all the time).
