Connector types
EV chargers are classed as rapid or ultra-rapid, fast and slow or standard, depending on their speed. This section will explain the different electric car plug types, EV connector types and charging cables, helping you identify which one you need.
Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers
Rapid chargers
- 50kW - 350kW DC charging with CHAdeMO or CCS
- All rapid units have tethered cables
| Type | Design |
|---|---|
| CHAdeMO 50 kW DC |  |
| CCS 50 kW DC |  |
DC Rapid chargers are the fastest way to charge an EV and are often found in motorway services or as part of a public network. DC Rapid chargers currently range from 50kW up to 350kW, with the capability to deliver between 180 and 1,200 miles of charge each hour. It is important to remember that most vehicles will start charging at a lower rate when the battery reaches around 80%, to protect the battery and extend its life. All rapid devices have the charging cable tethered to the unit.
Rapid charging can only be used on vehicles with rapid-charging capability.
Currently available rapid DC chargers provide power at between 50kW and 150kW and use either the CHAdeMO or CCS charging standards.
Ultra-rapid DC chargers can charge an EV battery even faster. Typically rated at 100kW upwards, 350kW chargers are starting to appear in the UK. Ultra-rapid chargers can refill an EV battery to 80% in around 20 minutes.
Fast chargers
- 7kW fast charging on one of three connector types
- 22kW fast charging on one of three connector types
- Units are either untethered or have tethered cables
| Type | Design |
|---|---|
| Type 2 – 7-22 kW AC |  |
| Type 1 - 7 kW AC |  |
| Commando – 7-22 kW AC |  |
Fast chargers, all of which are AC, are typically rated at either 7 kW (32A, single-phase) or 22 kW (32A, three-phase). Charging times vary depending on the vehicle, but a 7 kW charger will recharge a compatible EV with a 30 kWh battery in 3-5 hours, and 1-2 hours for a 22 kW charger.
Charging rates when using a fast charger will depend on the car’s on-board charger, with not all models able to accept 7 kW or more. These models can still be plugged in to the charge point, but will only draw the maximum power accepted by the on-board charger. For example, a Nissan Leaf with standard 3.3 kW on-board charger will only draw a maximum of 3.3 kW, even if the fast charger is 7 kW or 22 kW.
The majority of fast chargers are 7 kW and untethered, though some home and workplace based units have cables attached. The latter units mean only those vehicles that can use that connector will be able to charge on them; in contrast to the more common use of a driver’s own connector cable. Untethered units are therefore more flexible and can be used by any EV with their own cable.
Slow chargers
- 3kW slow charging on one of four connector types
- Charging units are either untethered or have tethered cables
- Includes mains charging and from specialist chargers
- Often covers home charging
| Type | Design |
|---|---|
| 3-Pin - 3kW AC |  |
| Type 1 - 3 kW AC |  |
| Type 2 - 3 kW AC |  |
| Commando – 3 kW AC |  |
Most slow charging units are rated up to 3kW with some lamp-post chargers being rated at 6kW. Charging times vary depending on the charging unit and EV being charged, but a full charge on a 3 kW unit will typically take 6-12 hours. Most slow charging units are usually untethered, meaning that a cable is required to connect the EV with the charge point.
Slow charging is a very common method of charging electric vehicles, used by many owners to charge at home overnight. Slow units can also be found at workplaces and on public networks where the available electrical supply is not sufficient to accommodate fast units.
While slow charging can be carried out using a domestic 3-pin socket, because of the higher current demands of EVs and the duration spent charging, it is strongly recommended that those who need to charge regularly at home or the workplace get a dedicated EV charging unit installed by an accredited installer.
All plug-in EVs can charge using at least one of the above slow connectors using the appropriate cable. Most home units have the same Type 2 cable as found on public chargers, however some may require a Type 1 connector.
