At Blink, charging your electric vehicle (EV) is as simple as plugging in. There are primarily three EV charger types: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3/DC Fast Chargers (DCFC). Each charging level corresponds to different EV plug types, including connectors like SAE J1772 for AC and CCS, CHAdeMO, and NACS for DC fast charging.
Understanding these connectors is essential for efficient EV charging. Our goal is to help simplify your EV experience by providing versatile solutions compatible with all major connector types.
To better understand how EV plug types have evolved and what’s available today, let’s take a close look at the history and development of charging connectors.
What Are EV Charging Port Types?
EV charging port types are the connectors used to link an electric vehicle to a charging station. Connector types vary by region, charging speed, and vehicle manufacturer. In North America, NACS (North American Charging Standard) is becoming the dominant charging connector, while CCS and Type 2 connectors are widely used in other regions. Adapters are available for many vehicles, allowing drivers to use different charging networks and connector types.
AC Charging Connectors
AC (Alternating Current) charging is commonly used for home charging, workplace charging, and many public Level 1 and Level 2 charging stations.
Type 1 (J1772)
Type 1, also known as SAE J1772, is one of the most common AC charging connectors in North America. It is widely used for Level 1 and Level 2 charging and is compatible with many non-Tesla electric vehicles.
Type 2
Type 2 connectors are the standard AC charging plug throughout most of Europe and many international markets. They support both residential and public charging applications and can deliver higher charging power than Type 1 connectors.
NACS (North American Charging Standard)
Developed by Tesla, NACS supports both AC and DC charging through a single connector. As more automakers adopt NACS, it is becoming the primary charging standard in North America.
DC Fast Charging Connectors
DC (Direct Current) fast charging provides significantly faster charging speeds and is commonly used along highways and major travel routes.
CCS (Combined Charging System)
CCS is one of the most widely used DC fast charging connectors in North America and Europe. It supports high-power charging and is compatible with many modern electric vehicles.
CHAdeMO
CHAdeMO is a DC fast charging connector primarily used by some Japanese automakers. While its adoption has declined in many markets, it remains available at certain charging stations.
Why Charging Port Types Matter
Understanding EV charging port types helps drivers identify compatible charging stations, choose the right charging equipment, and plan longer trips with confidence. Because charging standards vary by region and vehicle manufacturer, knowing your vehicle's connector type can help ensure access to the widest possible charging network.
Many EV drivers also use adapters, which allow certain vehicles to connect to charging stations that use a different connector standard. This flexibility makes charging more convenient as charging infrastructure continues to evolve.
Level 1 & 2 Chargers
In North America, all-electric vehicles use the J1772 plug for Level 1 and 2 charging, except Tesla, which has its own plug. The J1772 has been adopted by the Society of Automotive Engineers as the standard plug for Level 2 AC charging. The connector has several types of shock-prevention standards for use in rain and the elements.
Level 2 plugs differ in various parts of the world. When visiting Europe or Asia,. if If you rent an electric vehicle internationally, rental car companies will supply you with the proper cables to fit their EVs.
Level 1
NEMA 5-15, the standard 15 amp and& 125V plugs most likely found in your home, are for large appliances, such as refrigerators and clothes dryersdrivers. These plugs work well with Level 1 chargers and charge at the slowest rate. NEMA 5-20, the 20 amp, 125-volt plug is similar, but more often found in office buildings than residences.
The cord which comes with your EV is a good choice for use with a Level 1 charger. Level 1 chargers are easy to find and use, inexpensive, and reliable. For a single-family home with a plug-in hybrid EV, a Level 1 charger may meet drivers’ needs. Level 1 chargers charge at a rate of 4-5 miles per hour. They work best if a driver is able to plug in and let the vehicle charge overnight on a regular basis. The equipment that comes with your new car will fit any Level 1 charger.
| Level 1 | |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 120 AC |
| Power output | 1kW to 1.8kW |
| Range added per hour | 4 to 5 miles |
| Connector type | SAE J1772 |
| Usage type | Home |
Level 2
Since Level 1 chargers are slow, many consumers want a Level 2 charger, which can charge at a rate of 20-65 miles per hour. EV owners who live in a single-family home who want to upgrade to a Level 2 home charger can plug into the NEMA 14-50 plug or have an electrician hardwire the station. If you don't have access to a home garage or are unable to install your own station, you can also use one of the thousands of Level 2 commercial charging stations available at workplaces, multifamily homes, retail, and other properties.
| Level 2 | |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 208 to 240V (North America), 230 to 400V (Europe) |
| Power output range | 3 kW to 19.2 kW (USA), up to 22 kW (Europe) |
| Charging speed | 10 to 75 miles |
| Charge time | 4 to 10 hours for BEVs; 1 to 2 hours for PHEVs |
| Connector types | Type 1 (SAE J1772), Type 2 (Mennekes), GB/T AC |
| Typical locations | Home and workplace |
DC Fast Charging
Although not all EVs come with DC fast charging as a standard feature, it’s well worth the investment. DC fast charging stations can charge a fully electric EV up to 80% in 30 minutes, making it ideal for highway and interstate applications. However, DCFC plugs are not standardized. There are currently three types of DC fast charger plugs: CHAdeMO, SAE Combo (CCS), and Tesla/NACS. The good news for EV drivers is many DC fast chargers have both the CHAdeMO and CCS plugs available for use, ensuring you can charge and be on your way at a DC fast charging station.
CHAdeMO
The CHAdeMO plug is for use at DC fast chargers and isare compatible with Nissan, Mitsubishi, Kia, Fuji, and Toyota. However, this electric vehicle plug type is being phased out to be replaced by CCS.
| Power output | 62.5 kW to 500 kW |
|---|---|
| Voltage rating | Up to 500V |
| Current rating | 25A to 125A |
| EV charging level | Level 3 |
| Primary regions | Japan and Europe |
SAE Combo (CCS)
Quickly becoming the industry standard, the SAE Combo (CCS) is to be used at DC fast chargers for all upcoming U.S. and European EVs, BMW, Volkswagoen, Chevy, and some Asian electric vehicles.
| Maximum power output | Up to 350kW |
|---|---|
| Voltage range | Up to 1000v |
| Current range | Up to 500A |
| Compatibility | AC and DC charging |
| Region | Europe, Asia Pacific |
Tesla (now North American Charging Standard)
Tesla created a proprietary plug for the charging of their electric vehicles. The Tesla plug was initially only available at Tesla charging stations, which meant that drivers with any EV other than Tesla needed to charge at another company’s Level 2 or DC fast charging station.
However, in 2022, Tesla opened its proprietary connector to other manufacturers, which has been renamed North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug. Here are the latest updates on Tesla and NACS standardization:
In 2023, several automakers including Ford and General Motors announced that they would offer NACS plugs on upcoming vehicles.
In May 2023, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published requirements that allowed for all NEVI chargers with CCS connectors to also have NACS adapters.
In October 2024, the Society of Automotive Engineers announced that the standardized version of the Tesla/NACS plug would be called the SAE J3400.
In December 2024, the FHWA teased another announcement for federal standardization of the new SAE J3400 plug.
| Max DC power output | Up to 1 MW |
|---|---|
| Output current type | AC and DC |
| Max output current | 48Amps AC, 400Amps DC |
| EV charging levels | Level 2 and Level 3 |
| Regions | U.S. and Canada |
How to Determine the Right Type of Charging Plug
Although there are different EV charging plugs, choosing the right one doesn't have to be complicated. You can first check your EV charging port to find a compatible connector. You should also consider the following to get the right EV charger plug type:
Region: EV Plug types vary by region. In North America, you'll mostly find Type 1 (AC), CCS1 (DC), and Tesla NACS. In Europe, you'll find Type 2 (AC) and CCS2 (DC), and in Japan, you'll find CHAdeMO (DC).
Vehicle manufacturer preferences: Japanese brands often use CHAdeMO for DC charging. European brands prefer Type 2 for AC and CCS for DC charging, while Tesla uses NACS in North America and CCS2 in Europe.
Charging station compatibility: Public charging stations display supported electric vehicle charging plug types. Match your vehicle’s port to the station’s connector options.
Identifying the correct electric vehicle charging plug ensures compatibility with charging stations and optimizes your charging experience. Understand the EV charging plug types and their characteristics to determine which connector your vehicle uses and plan your charging sessions.
Power Your EV with Blink
Blink utilizes the most advanced technology available to ensure cars using our charging stations can charge quickly and safely. Blink chargers can be used with all EVs. Depending on the market and type of charger, Blink's solutions include J1772 chargers, NACS chargers, CCS chargers, and more.
Learn more about Blink's charging solutions or contact us for your quote today!