At a time when electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, charging equipment is at the heart of driving electric mobility. From J1772 in North America and IEC 62196 in Europe to CHAdeMO in Asia to CCS and Tesla’s proprietary Supercharger, each charging standard carries unique design concepts and technical features. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of EV charging cables and charging plugs and the world’s leading EV charger manufacturer, Joint. Follow along as we dive into the full picture of electric vehicle chargers.
What is an electric vehicle charging cable?
EV charging cables are a core component of the EV charging system, performing the important task of transmitting power and data signals. Its design must take into account high voltage and current while safeguarding charging efficiency and safety. Typically, EV charging cables consist of an insulation layer, a conductor, and an outer jacket.
Typical EV charging cable lengths vary depending on the manufacturer and model of the EV charger. Typically, however, EV charging cables supplied with home chargers or public chargers are between 5 and 8 meters in length. This length is designed to provide enough flexibility to allow drivers to easily connect the charging plug without distance constraints. Some EVs may also be equipped with onboard charging cables, which also range from 3 to 7 meters in length, to provide additional options when using public charging posts. It is important to note that some electric car manufacturers, such as Tesla, may come with longer charging cables to provide greater flexibility.
What is an electric vehicle charging plug?
An electric vehicle charging plug is the interface that connects the electric vehicle to the charging equipment and is responsible for transferring power and data. The design of the plug is closely related to the cable, ensuring that different types of EVs are compatible with different charging standards. Charging plugs usually consist of a connector and a socket, and the charging connection is accomplished by plugging and unplugging.
Various types of EV charging plugs also exist, mainly based on different charging standards and EV manufacturers’ designs. Below are some of the major EV charging plug types:
Type 1 (J1772): Type 1 plugs, which are extremely common in North America, have a unique rectangular design with notches and bumps to ensure proper plugging and unplugging orientation and placement. It is primarily used for low-power charging posts, such as home charging posts. Due to the relatively low power and slow charging speeds, the Type 1 plug is an economical solution for EV charging. The Type 1 plug has been standardized through multiple EV charger sellers and manufacturers, making it one of the most prevalent charging standards in North America.
Type 2 (IEC 62196): The Type 2 plug is a widely used standard in Europe, featuring a rectangular design but without notches and bumps, providing a more flexible charging connection. Suitable for home and public charging posts, it supports charging at different power levels and therefore offers faster charging speeds for a wide range of application scenarios. The popularization of the standard provides a common charging solution for the European region, enabling different makes and models of electric vehicles to share the same charging infrastructure.
CHAdeMO: The CHAdeMO plug is designed to provide DC fast charging and is primarily used in Japan and Asia. Its circular design is significantly different from other standards and supports high-power DC charging for long-distance travel and emergency charging needs. While still popular in the Asian market, its use is declining in other regions due to the rise of standards such as CCS.
CCS (Combined Charging System): The CCS plug is a standard that integrates AC and DC charging capabilities and is widely used in Europe and the United States. Its design combines rectangular and round elements for home charging devices and DC fast charging stations, with higher-power DC charging capabilities for long-distance travel and emergencies. The rise of CCS signaled the quest for a versatile charging standard to accommodate the growing electric vehicle market.
Tesla Supercharger: The Tesla Supercharger plug is designed for Tesla-branded electric vehicles and can only be used at Tesla’s proprietary fast charging stations. The Tesla Supercharger plug enables Tesla owners to access large amounts of power in a very short period of time for long trips and quick replenishment scenarios. By adopting a unique charging standard, Tesla provides its owners with a faster, more convenient charging experience while reinforcing its brand uniqueness.
Joint choose the right electric vehicle charger for you.
As a leading ev charger manufacturer in the field of electric vehicle charging equipment, Joint is committed to providing users with efficient and reliable charging solutions. Joint’s products cover a wide range of electric vehicle chargers and their accessories, including electric vehicle charger bases, and electric vehicle charger adapters, to meet the needs of different regions and models. By utilizing advanced technology and strict quality control, Joint’s products ensure the efficiency and safety of the charging process. By choosing Joint, users can get professional and personalized charging equipment and a convenient and safe charging experience.
Also Read: 5 Best EV Charging App Features
