
As electric vehicles become more popular, charging equipment types attract car owners’ attention. The Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 EV Charging is a topic of interest. Type 1 and Type 2 chargers are common AC charging methods, and they have many differences. These differences affect charging efficiency and user convenience. This article will explore the differences between these two chargers in design, charging speed, and usage regions.
1. What Are Type 1 and Type 2 EV Chargers?
The term “type” refers to different generations of plugs for AC EV charging.
Type 1 EV chargers are early AC chargers. Their plug design has specific specifications. They are widely used in the early EV market, especially in vehicles made in Asia and North America. They offer a relatively convenient charging method for daily use.
Type 2 EV chargers are later-developed AC charging devices. Their plug design has been improved and upgraded. Vehicles delivered in Europe since 2018 mainly use Type 2 charging connectors. These chargers have better performance and compatibility. They can meet the needs of modern EV development. Their design focuses on safety and efficiency. As EV technology develops, Type 2 chargers are becoming more and more popular in Europe.
2. Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2 EV Chargers
2.1 Exterior Design
The most obvious difference between Type 1 and Type 2 EV chargers is the connector design. Type 1 chargers have a round five-pin design. Type 2 chargers have a seven-pin design. The extra pin in Type 2 connectors allows three-phase charging. Type 1 cannot achieve this.
2.2 Charging Speed
Type 1 EV chargers are limited to single-phase power. Their charging speed ranges from 3.6kW to 7.4kW. Due to the nature of single-phase power, the charging speed is relatively slow. It usually cannot reach a higher charging speed.
In contrast, Type 2 EV chargers can handle both single-phase and three-phase charging. They are more flexible. In residential settings, they can reach a high charging speed of 22kW AC. On some public chargers, the charging speed can even be as high as 43kW. Their higher power capacity can speed up charging for compatible vehicles.
However, you should use CCS or CHAdeMO connectors to achieve the highest charging speed. Type 1 or Type 2 connectors are not suitable.
2.3 Usage Regions
People mainly install Type 1 EV chargers in North America and Japan. They use these chargers for home charging and some public charging stations. Meanwhile, people distribute Type 1 EVs more widely in North America and Asia than in Europe. As a result, Type 1 chargers are less common in European public charging stations.
Type 2 connectors are the standard in Europe and are gaining popularity in other regions. In 2017, EU legislation required all public charging stations to have Type 2 chargers, leading European car makers to mostly produce Type 2 EVs. As a result, Type 2 chargers are widespread in the UK and Europe. Many fast-charging stations, including those in the Tesla Supercharger network, use a combination charging system based on Type 2 connectors for DC fast charging, promoting the wide application of Type 2 chargers.
As the usage rate and popularity of Type 2 EV chargers increase, they are becoming the new norm in the industry. People in Asia and North America used to use Type 1 EV chargers more, but now they are gradually accepting Type 2 chargers in these markets. In the next few years, Type 1 EV chargers may gradually fade out of history.
3. Summary
The differences between Type 1 and Type 2 EV chargers mainly lie in charging speed, compatibility, and application range. Type 1 chargers are still used in some areas, but their limitations are becoming more and more obvious. In contrast, Type 2 chargers, with their higher charging speed and wider compatibility, are becoming the mainstream choice in the EV charging field. This trend not only reflects technological progress but also indicates the future development direction of EV charging infrastructure.
Common Questions
1. Can a Type 1 EV use a Type 2 charging cable?
A Type 1 EV usually cannot directly use a Type 2 charging cable. This is because the charging interface of a Type 1 EV is the SAE J1772 standard, while a Type 2 charging cable is a Mennekes connector. They have different designs and pin definitions. However, a Type 1 to Type 2 adapter can solve the compatibility issue.
2. Should I invest in a Type 1 or Type 2 EV charger?
If you are investing for home use and there are more Type 1 EVs in your area, you may consider a Type 1 charger. It is low-cost and easy to install. However, considering the market growth trend, Type 2 chargers have faster charging speeds and stronger compatibility. Their market demand is growing faster. Investing in a Type 2 charger is more forward-looking.