What Is the Difference between CCS Type 1 and Type 2

Introduction

In the realm of electric vehicles (EVs), an often-discussed topic is the difference between CCS Type 1 and Type 2 charging standards. Both are widely used in different parts of the world, but understanding their dissimilarities is crucial for EV owners and enthusiasts. This article aims to provide an in-depth technical analysis of the disparities between these two charging standards.

CCS Type 1

CCS stands for "Combined Charging System." CCS Type 1, also known as SAE J1772, is primarily used in North America and Japan. It was developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to provide a unified standard for AC and DC charging. One significant advantage of CCS Type 1 is its compatibility with both home AC charging stations and public DC fast chargers.

CCS Type 1 utilizes a five-pin connector that allows for simultaneous charging of both AC and DC power. This type supports single-phase AC charging up to 7.2 kW and three-phase charging up to 43 kW. When it comes to DC charging, CCS Type 1 supports power levels ranging from 50 kW up to 350 kW, making it suitable for a wide range of electric vehicles.

CCS Type 2

On the other hand, CCS Type 2, also known as IEC 62196 or Mennekes, is predominantly utilized in Europe. The European car manufacturers collectively developed this standard to provide a harmonized solution for EV charging across the continent. CCS Type 2 offers compatibility with both AC charging stations and DC fast chargers, similar to CCS Type 1.

The CCS Type 2 connector has seven pins and enables a higher power output compared to CCS Type 1. It supports single-phase charging at up to 43 kW, three-phase charging at up to 22 kW, and DC charging at power levels ranging from 50 kW to 350 kW. This flexibility allows electric vehicles equipped with CCS Type 2 to charge efficiently at home, workplaces, and public charging stations.

The Key Differences

While both CCS Type 1 and Type 2 offer compatibility with AC and DC charging, they differ in terms of physical connectors and power output capabilities. The primary distinction lies in the number of pins on each connector – CCS Type 1 has five pins, whereas CCS Type 2 has seven.

Moreover, CCS Type 2 is capable of delivering power at a higher rate compared to CCS Type 1, especially in terms of single-phase and three-phase AC charging. This allows for faster charging times for compatible electric vehicles. Additionally, CCS Type 2 is more commonly found in Europe, while CCS Type 1 prevails in North America and Japan.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between CCS Type 1 and Type 2 charging standards is vital for EV owners, manufacturers, and charging infrastructure providers. While both standards offer significant compatibility with AC and DC charging, they have varying connector designs and power output capabilities. Being aware of these dissimilarities ensures efficient charging capabilities and facilitates the widespread adoption of electric vehicles around the world.