Charging an electric vehicle is almost as simple as charging a cell phone, just plug the charger cable into your vehicle and start the process. Choosing a suitable electric vehicle (EV) requires a careful comparison of types of EV connectors.
There are different types of EV charging connectors used in electric vehicles and, like cables for charging electronics, charger cables tend to have two connectors: one to connect to the car and one to the charging station. They may vary by vehicle and charging speed.
Read on to learn more about EV charging connector types available in the UAE market.
Different Types of EV Connectors
Electric vehicles (EVs) or plug-in hybrids need an external power source to charge their batteries. For this reason, it is important to know which charging mode to choose to achieve the highest efficiency. There are currently 4 charging modes, which are explained below in more detail.
- Type 2 charging mode also known as slow charging charges a vehicle in less than 16A, up to 3.6 kW.
- Type 3 charging mode is recommended for almost all electric or hybrid cars. This semi-rapid charging normally uses between 16 and 32A (up to 22kW). To make the right choice here is all you need to know about the difference between hybrid and electric vehicles.
- Fast charging, also known as mode 4, is used at many charging points (commonly outdoors, in businesses and on public roads, from 44kW).
Besides onboard charger, you can find an overview of the different EV charging types:
SAE J1772 – Type 1 EV Connector
This connector is designed for single-phase charging with alternating current (AC). It allows charging at power up to 7.4 kW (230 V, 32 A), depending on the charger and the capacity of the network. Type 1 connector is considered both a slow-charging and AC connector, as it allows charging at a power of 3.7 kW, and a fast-charging AC connector with power up to 7.4 kW.
The Type 1 connector has phase, neutral and ground pins. It also has two more pins for communication with the vehicle and protection to lock the plug-in to avoid disconnection – CP and PP, respectively.
For fast charging in direct current (DC), the Type 1 socket gains two large pins making the connector a combined charging system – CCS.
Manufacturers compatible with this standard include Toyota, Nissan, Kia, Mitsubishi and Ford.
Mennekes – Type 2 EV Connector
This connector is designed for charging on a three-phase alternating current (AC) network and is often referred to as a ‘MENNEKES’ connector. It has additional wires and supports charging up to 22 KW (400 V, 32 A). The pin distribution is similar to the Type 1 connector. However, two pins are added and they correspond to the extra phases needed for three-phase charging.
Due to the three-phase network and the Type 2 connector allowing greater energy capacity, this connector recharges the vehicle faster compared to Type 1. It can also be considered both a trickle charge AC connector – up to 3.7 kW, and AC fast charging – up to 22 kW.
Manufacturers that are compatible with this standard are BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Renault and Volvo.
GB / T Standard EV Connector
Similar to Type 2, this connector offers power up to 22 kW (400 V, 32 A) from a three-phase network. The format is also very similar to the Type 2 connector; however, they are not physically compatible.
The GB/T 20234 DC connector is the Chinese standard for direct current fast charging that supports power up to 250 kW. An interesting particularity of this connector is the ability to charge the low-voltage auxiliary battery and the high-voltage battery for the traction of the electric car.
The GB/T standard for direct current charging comprises 5 power supply pins, 2 of which supply the main battery with direct current, 2 for the low voltage auxiliary battery and 1 ground, in addition to 4 signal contacts: 2 for proximity control (PP) and 2 for communication (CP).
Manufacturers that are compatible with these electric vehicle charging connectors include BYID, JAC, CHERY etc.
CHAdeMO EV Connector
CHAdeMO is the abbreviation of “Charge de Move” and this direct current fast charging system was developed in Japan. It supports very high charging capabilities as well as bi-directional charging. Typically, this connector supplies power at a power rating of up to 100kW, however, revised specifications allow for up to 400kW (1000V, 400A).
The CHAdeMO standard has 3 power pins and another 6 communication contacts. It is also the only connector with a standardized charging protocol that enables V2X – technology that allows the vehicle to communicate via WLAN with other vehicles (V2V), infrastructure (V2I), power grid (V2G), devices (V2D), communication network (V2N) and pedestrians (V2P).
Manufacturers with this type of pattern such as Honda, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Subaru, Tesla (with adapter), Toyota and BD Automotive.
Tesla EV Connector
Tesla has its charging connector standard, which is designed to charge vehicles on both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) using the same connector.
Some Tesla car models use the Type 2 connector with built-in DC charging for ultra-fasting charging. Tesla charging stations even offer an adapter allowing the connector to be used in CHAdeMO and CCS charging stations.
The Tesla connector has 2 signal connectors and 3 power pins and supports loads of up to 150 kW, but for “Tesla Superchargers” only Tesla vehicles can recharge.
Make sure your electric car battery won’t run out of charge to extend its battery life. You must keep the daily maintenance checklist to avoid any issues while driving.
This is all about EV connectors types. The choice of connector depends on the type of plug available on both the charger and the car, hence it is essential to understand the types of connectors before purchasing an electric vehicle. If you are a new electric car owner, then make sure you follow these tips.
If you are planning to buy electric or other used cars in the UAE check out these options. Some of them include:
If you find this guide informative, stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blog.
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