Guide Contents
- What Are the Main EV Charger Types?
- Understanding EV Charging Plugs and Connector Types
- Tethered vs Untethered Car Chargers
- Vehicle Compatibility with EV Charger Types
- Practical Tips & Best Practices
- UK & European Standards
- Summary – Choosing the Right EV Charger
- Why Choose DRW for Your EV Charger Setup
Choosing the right EV charger types and types of EV charging plugs can feel like navigating a maze, but once you know the differences, it’s all fairly straightforward.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know to charge your EV – whether you’re charging at home or at public chargers.
What Are the Main EV Charger Types?
Level 1 – Slow Charging (AC, 2–3 kW)
- Called “slow charging”, it uses a standard household socket with a Type G plug.
- Output is roughly 2–3 kW – typical electric car charging takes 24 – 38 hours.
- Not recommended for regular use, risk of tripped circuits, safety issues. It’s best kept for emergencies.
Level 2 – Fast Charging (AC, 7–22 kW)
- This is where most home EV charger types sit: using a Type 2 connector.
- Home wall charging units supply 7 kW, while public fast chargers go up to 22 kW.
- A 60 kWh EV can gain 100+ miles in a few hours on a 7 kW charger, perfect to charge your electric car overnight.
- Type 2 (Mennekes) is the most common plug in the UK and EU.
Level 3 – DC Fast / Ultra‑Rapid (50 kW to 350 kW)
- Utilises CCS connector (Combined Charging System) or CHAdeMO plugs.
- CCS – also called CCS Charger or Combo 2 in the UK – is now the standard for fast charging.
- CHAdeMO is older but still used by some vehicles (like earlier Nissan Leafs).
- Rapid charging brings EVs to 80% in ~20 minutes; ultra-rapid is even faster.
Understanding EV Charging Plugs and Connector Types
Different types of charging connectors serve AC and DC charging, and you must use the right pin plug.
- Type 2 (Mennekes) is the standard for AC charging in the UK and Europe – this is your go-to plug for Level 2 chargers.
- The CCS charger, or Combined Charging System, builds on Type 2 with additional pins to support fast DC charging, offering both plug types in a single unit.
- Earlier models like the Nissan Leaf once popularized CHAdeMO, but the UK is phasing it out.
- Some older or imported EVs use Type 1, which requires an adapter for Type 2 charge points.
Designers create these EV charging connector types to match your vehicle’s inlet, and knowing which one you have ensures you pick the right charging solution.
Tethered vs Untethered Chargers
When deciding between a tethered or untethered EV charger types, consider your lifestyle:
Tethered EV Chargers
The tethered EV charger types come with a permanently attached cable – perfect for home use as it’s always ready and easy to plug in.
- The charger unit permanently attaches the cable.
- Great for convenience: you simply plug the cable into the car.
- Common on public and rapid chargers.
- Handy, but not universal – works best if your vehicle has a Type 2 inlet.
Untethered EV Chargers
An untethered EV charger requires you to carry your own cable, usually Type 2. This option is more flexible – it allows you to adjust cable length and use your charger across multiple vehicles.
- Requires the user to provide their own cable (usually Type 2).
- Offers flexibility – your cable works across different chargers.
- Common in domestic installations and some public charge points.
Vehicle Compatibility with EV Charger Types
Your EV must support the charger types and EV charging plugs you’re planning to use:
- Most new UK EVs support both Type 2 (for AC charging) and CCS (for DC fast charging).
- Older models, like early Nissan Leafs, might only support CHAdeMO or Type 1—adapters are sometimes necessary.
- Tesla vehicles in the UK often come Type 2 or CCS-compatible, but can also use proprietary connectors or adapters for rapid charging.
Ensuring your vehicle matches your charger type is essential – without the correct connector, fast charging just isn’t possible.
Practical Tips & Best Practices
To get the best out of your EV charger types:
- Always carry your Type 2 cable if you use an untethered EV charger.
- Keep track of your charger type to avoid arriving at an incompatible station, especially on longer trips.
- Check the cable’s amp rating (16 A, 32 A, etc.) to make sure it matches your charger’s output capacity.
- Avoid overusing rapid chargers – they’re great for convenience, but repeated frequent use can accelerate battery wear.
UK & European Standards
The UK and Europe share EV charging plugs like Type 2 and CCS to guarantee compatibility and reliability. This standardisation means you can drive your EV abroad without worrying about connectors – it all plugs in!
Summary – Choosing the Right EV Charger
- Slow (Level 1) chargers are only advisable for emergencies.
- Type 2 fast chargers strike a balance for home installations – powerful, efficient, and future-proof.
- CCS (Level 3) chargers are best for road trips, delivering rapid power in a short time.
If you’re deciding whether you need a tethered EV charger or prefer to carry your own cable, DRW Electrical Group can help weigh up the pros and go through the options to suit your parking setup and vehicle.
Why Choose DRW for Your EV Charger Setup
At DRW Electrical Group, we understand that navigating EV charger types and EV charging connector types can be confusing. With friendly local domestic electricians, specialising in EV charging installation, we’ll help you:
- Choose between a tethered or untethered EV charger.
- Install your EV charger Type 2 at home or on your driveway.
- Ensure your system is CCS-ready for future fast charging.
- Integrate your charger into your solar panel setup – or just get the unit working perfectly.
Still unsure on EV charger types? Give us a call, we’re more than happy to talk you through it.
