In the development of electromobility in recent years, standards have appeared which define the requirements of cables and charging sockets according to geographical area and the requirements of the respective power grids. More specifically, the types of sockets (charging sockets) can be divided into the following 4 main categories:
Type 1 - Single-phase connector (based on SAE standard J1772/2009), which is common in the markets of North America and Asia.
Type 2 - Single-phase or Three-phase connector (based on standard VDE-AR-E 2623-2-2) which covers the European market and South American countries.
Type 3 - Single-phase or Three-phase connector similar to Type 2, which is accompanied by protective safety clasps.
Type 4 - Connectors used for ultra fast DC charging, and depending on the origin of the electric vehicle, there is a CHAdeMO connector or even CCS (Combined Charging System).
In the European Union, as of January 2013, Type 2 connectors are mainly used in alternating/AC charging and CCS 2 for direct/ DC charging (a combination of Type 2 with DC terminals).
The Type 2 connector has a circular shape consisting of a total of seven contacts. These contacts contain all of the electrical phases (L1, L2, L3), the neutral (N) and earthing (PE) wires, and two contacts (PP, CP) through which communication with the car by the station is achieved.
The charging stations feature a female Type 2 connector (either in the form of a socket or with an integrated cable) while the cars are equipped with a standard input Type 2 male plug. Thus, if the station does not have its own integrated cable, the driver must connect a separate cable (Type 2 Female-Type 2 Male) to the socket in order to start charging.
The charging process is also the same for high-speed direct current (DC) charging, the only difference being the charging plugs used.
In total, there are three plugs for DC charging. CCS 1 which is found mainly in America. CHAdeMO is used mainly in Asia, but also exists in Europe. And the CCS 2 plug (combination of Type 2 with two additional contacts).
Indeed, the CCS 2 is expected to prevail in the coming years since, as of 2014, there is a relevant EU directive for it to fully replace the CHAdeMO, which was found until now in many vehicles.
Selection of charging cable
The majority of electric vehicles available in the EU are equipped with a household Level 1 / Mode 2 charging cable. This cable is a 16A single-phase cable, on the one end it has a Type 2 plug, and on the other it is connected through a Schuko socket and is the simplest method of charging. However, due to its comparatively low charging speed, it may be unsuitable for everyday use.
There are Type 2 three-phase (3PH) and one-phase (1PH) wires in 16A and 32A versions where, depending on the converter (on-board charger) that your car has, you will need to also select the charging cable. If your car can handle more than 11kW, you will need to have a 32A charging cable, otherwise, you will use the 16A version, which is also more economical.
Blink at the forefront
Blink chargers, based on EU standards, are equipped with Type 2 ports for AC (alternating current) charging and the maximum current they can provide is the 32A per port. Thus, they provide the maximum power that an electric car can handle in AC charging.
Blink is a pioneer and is always one step ahead in order to provide you with the best service, easily and quickly!
Charging the future, we unite the world!