As electric vehicles become more popular around the world, many new EV owners want to know what the difference is between a Type 1 and Type 2 EV charger.
It’s very important to know the differences between these charging connectors, especially if you want to buy an electric car, install a home charging station, or utilise public charging stations. If you use the wrong connector, your car may charge more slowly, you may face compatibility issues, or you may not charge your car at all.
Therefore, here I will explain all you need to know about Type 1 vs Type 2 EV chargers, such as how they differ in design, their charging speed, compatibility by region, and which one is ideal for you.
Type 1 vs Type 2 EV Charger? A Comparative Discussion
So, what Is the Difference Between a Type 1 And a Type 2 EV Charger? Before getting into the details, I would like to give a short overview showcasing the differences between a Type 1 EV charger and a Type 2 EV charger. These are the two main types of EV chargers.
Quick comparison table of Type 1 and Type 2 EV chargers
| Feature | Type 1 Charger | Type 2 Charger |
| Connector Type | 5-pin | 7-pin |
| Phase | Single-phase only | Single-phase and three-phase |
| Charging Speed | Up to ~7.4 kW | Up to ~22 kW (AC) |
| Cable Locking | Latch on plug | Locking mechanism in a vehicle |
| Compatibility | Older EVs (Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi Outlander) | Modern EVs (Tesla, BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Kia, Hyundai, etc.) |
| Regional Popularity | North America, Japan | Europe, UK, Asia-Pacific |
| Standardisation | Less common now | EU standard (most widely used globally) |
What is a Type 1 EV Charger?
A Type 1 electric car charger, or SAE J1772, is a 5-pin connector that is ubiquitous in North America and Japan. It only works with single-phase charging, thus it’s good for charging at home.
Key features of Type 1 Charging cable:
Design: A 5-pin connector with a latch to keep the plug in place.
Power Output: Typically, between 3.7kW and 7.4kW.
Locking System: A physical latch keeps the cable linked, but you can disconnect it manually.
What Cars Use Type 1 Charger?
Type 1 is used in many common EV models, such as older models of the Nissan Leaf and Kia Soul EV, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and the Chevy Volt.
Type 1 EV connectors are becoming less widespread around the world because most European and UK electric vehicles now utilise Type 2 chargers.
What is a Type 2 EV Charger?
The Type 2 electric car charger, which is also called the Mennekes connector, is the standard for charging electric vehicles in Europe. It has seven pins and can charge in either single-phase or three-phase mode, which makes it considerably more versatile among the EV charging cable types.
Key features of Type 2 EV Chargers:
Design: A circular layout with a 7-pin connector.
Power Output: Up to 7.4 kW (one phase), Up to 22 kW (charging in three phases using AC)
Compatibility: Works with CCS (Combined Charging System) for quick DC charging.
Locking System: Integrated lock in the vehicle ensures safety.
What Cars Use a Type 2 Charger?
Type 2 is used by a lot of EV models like Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X from Tesla, BMW i3, i4, and iX, Audi e-tron, the EQ series from Mercedes, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6, etc.
The EU has designated Type 2 as the official standard in Europe and the UK. This implies that almost all new electric cars sold here utilise Type 2 connectors.
What are the Key Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2 EV Chargers?
Here, I am presenting a comparative discussion on Type 1 vs Type 2 EV chargers, depending on various parameters.
- Availability and Use Cases
Type 1 EV charger, or J1772 or SAE J1772, is mostly used in Japan and North America. In some areas, they are used for charging at home and at some public charging stations.
On the contrary, Type 2 chargers are the most prevalent type in the UK and Europe, and they are becoming more common in other parts of the world as well. You will find them in Pod Point and other public charging stations.
The Combined Charging System (CCS), which is based on the Type 2 connector for DC fast charging, is used by many fast chargers and rapid chargers, as those in the Tesla Supercharger network.
Type 2 chargers are easy to locate in Europe for electric vehicle (EV) drivers, although Type 1 EV chargers may be easier to find in North America for their automobiles.
2. EV Charger Connector Types and Cables
A Type 1 EV charger is a single-phase connection, while a Type 2 charger, or Mennekes, can charge both single-phase and three-phase batteries. Compared to Type 1, it charges faster.
There are varying lengths and amperage ratings for EV charging cables so that they can work with different cars and charging needs.
A lot of new electric vehicles can use both types of connectors, which makes it easier to charge at home or in public places.
3. Physical Differences
The Type 1 connector is round and has five pins. It is widespread in electric cars in North America and Japan, notably the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Mennekes, or type 2 connections, are round and have seven pins. Companies like BMW, Jaguar, and Tesla utilise them for their European vehicles.
Type 2 connectors have extra pins that let them charge three phases at once, which you can’t get in a Type 1 charging cable.
4. Charging Speed and Power Capacity
Type 1 EV chargers usually work with single-phase AC power and can charge at a maximum rate of 7.4 kW. This means that Type 1 chargers take longer to charge than Type 2 ones.
A Type 2 charging cable can charge devices with either single-phase or three-phase AC electricity at speeds of up to 22 kW. Because of this larger power capacity, the compatible vehicles charge faster.
For instance, a Kia Soul EV with a Type 2 EV charger can charge up to three times faster than a vehicle with a Type 1 connector when it is plugged into the right charging station.
5. Locking
You can’t lock a Type 1 EV charging cable in place like you can with Type 2 EV charging plugs that contain locking pins. This gives you an extra layer of protection.
Now, let’s see which one is better for home charging between these two types of electric car chargers.
Type 1 vs Type 2 for Home Charging
When you put in a home EV charger, the type you choose depends on your electric car.
- You will need a Type 1-compatible wallbox if you have an older EV with Type 1 EV charging ports.
- If you have a newer electric vehicle with Type 2, you should install a Type 2 wallbox. This will make sure your house setup is ready for the future.
In Europe and the UK, it is strongly suggested that you install a Type 2 charger at home.
Can You Get a Type 1 To Type 2 Charging Cable Adapter for Your EV?
You can separately buy EV charging cable adapters. You may believe it or not, you can get an EV Charger Type 1 to Type 2 adapter that goes from Type 1 to Type 2. And an EV charging cable adapter Type 2 to 1 that converts from Type 2 to Type 1.
If you are living in the UK and your electric car has a Type 1 plug, we suggest starting with a Type 1 compatible EV charger or a universal home charger.
That being said, you should know that you won’t be able to lock your Type 1 to Type 2 adaptor in place. Besides, they don’t increase charging speed, so you will still be limited by your EV’s onboard charger. You also need to know that adapters can be bulky and sometimes inconvenient, too.
Therefore, upgrading to a Type 2-compatible EV is the smarter choice for the long term.
Is a Type 1 to Type 2 Adapter Safe?
A Type 1 to Type 2 adapter is safe if it’s certified, used for AC charging only, and if you buy from a reputable supplier. It’s an excellent short-term or backup solution, but it’s not a replacement for a dedicated charging setup.
Which is Better: Type 1 or Type 2 EV Charger?
In a word, you can only choose a Type 1 electric car charger if you already have an older EV that needs it.
If you are getting a new EV, putting in a home charger, or making plans for the future, choose a Type 2 EV charger.
Type 2 connector is the standard around the world and works with the widest range of electric vehicles and chargers.
Final Thoughts
So, what is the difference between a Type 1 and Type 2 EV charger? You can see that the discussion comes down to pins and design (5-pin vs 7-pin), charging speed (up to 7.4 kW vs up to 22 kW), region of use (North America vs Europe/UK), and compatibility (older EVs vs modern EVs).
If you are living in the UK or Europe, your choice needs to be clear, and it’s a Type 2 EV charger. It’s faster, safer, and the universal standard for public charging stations and home charging.
For North America and Japan, the Type 1 EV charger is still common, but as EV adoption grows, Type 2 and CCS are becoming more widespread.
So, if you are asking, “Which EV charger should I install or use?”, my answer will always be Type 2.
FAQ
What is EV charging level 1, 2, 3?
A Level 1 EV charger is a standard household socket (120V US / ~230V UK), but it offers the slowest charging, adding up to 3 to 5 miles of range per hour.
Level 2 is common for home wallboxes and public chargers with a dedicated 240V/230V supply. They charge faster, around 20 to 30 miles of range per hour.
Level 3 (DC Fast Charging) uses direct current, offers ultra-fast charging, which is up to 80% in 20–40 minutes. You can find it at motorways and rapid charging stations.
Can I use a Type 2 charger on a Type 1 car?
Yes, you can use a Type 2 charger on a Type 1 car, but only with an adaptor, and the charging speed won’t go any faster than what your car can handle.
Is Type 1 charging being phased out?
Yes. Type 1 is becoming less common in Europe, while Type 2 and CCS are slowly taking its place around the world.
Do all Teslas use Type 2?
Yes, Teslas use Type 2 in Europe and the UK. In North America, Teslas have their own connector, but they can utilise Type 2 with adapters.
Which one is faster, Type 1 or Type 2?
Type 2 is faster because it supports three-phase charging (up to 22 kW AC).
Should I install a Type 1 or Type 2 charger at home?
You should always choose Type 2 unless your current EV only supports Type 1. It’s more future-proof.