Types of electric vehicle charging: How many are there?

Have you ever wondered how many types of charging systems there are for charging your electric vehicle? Today we’ll explain the most common ones and their differences.

Every day, millions of people use a wall or post charger to power the battery of their electric vehicle, and this is continuing to gain ground as an alternative means of mobility among the population. Thus, this gesture, which until very recently was a rare bird, is fortunately beginning to become more common and everyday in our environment. Everyone has noticed the existence of electric vehicle chargers in a public parking lot, at a gas station, at a public charging point in the heart of the city, or in their local garage. But how many times have you stopped to think about how many types of charging systems there are and what their technology is? And the fact is that, like so many other everyday things, electric vehicle charging involves a complex task of research and technology that we want to explain today. Let’s go for it!

Today there are four charging modes, although one of them is practically disappearing. Let’s take a look at each of the modes and what characterizes them.

Types of charging for electric vehicles

Mode 1. This is a type of charging that, due to its risk of overheating, is practically disappearing. So much so that in countries like the United States this mode is prohibited. Basically, it is the oldest and most “analog” system, since there is no direct communication between the socket and the vehicle, as there is in the rest of the modes that we will see later. In addition, the charge is slow, using alternating current and with a maximum charging power that reaches a peak of 3.7 kW.

Mode 2. This mode is quite similar to the previous one in its operating base, since it can also have a maximum power of 3.7 kW and slow recharging occurs in alternating current. Despite this, it is a common mode – the vast majority of 100% electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles are equipped with this charging cable – which differs from Mode 1 in the intercommunication between vehicle and charger. Basically, if the electrical network experiences any type of unforeseen alteration or error, our charger cuts off the recharge and protects our vehicle from possible power surges, for example.

It is recognizable because it is still a “box” that is connected to a power outlet and that has the protection systems to ensure correct charging without scares. This box allows slow charging in single-phase type and with a voltage of 230V.

Types of electric vehicle charging

Mode 3. The popular kid at school. This is the most recognizable type of charging that we can see installed in the typical wall charger in our community garage, in the public parking lot where we park to visit a city, or in the parking lot at our workplace. This is a charging mode, also alternate, that improves on the previous ones thanks to having even more preventive systems against network disturbances and greater intercommunication between the network, charger and vehicle. It can be differentiated from the previous ones by a device called a wallbox that is fixed to the wall of the installation. This is responsible for performing the functions of protection and communication between the network and the vehicle.

According to Spanish legislation, this charging mode is mandatory for public charging points, complemented by Mode 4, which we will see later. Its charging is single-phase or three-phase, thus allowing, if our car is prepared for it, to recharge it at 32 amps (at more than 7.2 kW and 400V, reaching 43 kW in some cases). It is, of the types of charging, the safest, most reliable and fastest.

Mode 4. The type of charging most present in electric charging stations and public outdoor spaces. To make ourselves understood, it is easily recognized because it is, visually, the most similar to the traditional gasoline pump that we all know perfectly well. So much so that the cable is incorporated into the charging point itself.

Its main characteristic, perhaps due to its location, is its speed. It is a direct current charging system, unlike the previous ones, which ranges in power between 50 kW (super fast) and 350 kW (ultra fast), which allows us to recharge our vehicle’s battery by at least 70% in the first half hour. Therefore, this type of system requires a more complex electrical infrastructure than we can afford to install in our home; which is why we will always find it in shared public spaces.

Okay, now we know the four main types of charging, although there is another big unknown to clear up before we can be satisfied with our new dose of technological knowledge: the type of connector (plug) we use. So, once again, we find four different types of connectors. Shall we take a look at them?

What types of connectors are there for charging electric vehicles?

1. Schuko connector. This is basically our domestic plug, the one we all have in our homes and which we use to connect everything from the microwave to our computer. Obviously, and as we can understand given its versatility, it is not the most recommended type of connection for quickly charging an electric vehicle; its intensity and power are rather limited. This is the typical connector that can be useful for alternative electric mobility solutions with limited battery capacity, such as motorcycles or scooters; although it can also be used for our plug-in hybrid.

2. Type 1 or Yazaki connector. This is a very common type of connector in Japan (predictable, right?) and in the United States; although it is not the most common in Europe, where our next protagonist abounds.

Types of connectors for electric vehicle charging

3. Type 2 or Mennekes connector. The most common in Europe and the one we usually use in mode 3 of electric vehicle charging. This is a type of connector used for vehicles that do not support fast charging above 43 kW.

4. CCS or Combo 2. This type of connector is very similar to the Mennekes or Type 2, but it has a feature that makes it suitable for much faster direct current charging; basically, for use in mode 4 charging. The Combo 2 uses a small cover with two extra terminals to the Mennekes-type connector, which many electric vehicles have as standard. This guarantees complementary connectivity. This is the standard connector in Europe and comes in various types and features depending on the service, allowing the connection of powers of 43 and 50 kW, as well as ultra-fast charges of up to 350 kW.

5. CHAdeMO. A “fossil” within the world of electric vehicle chargers. It was the old fast charger (equivalent to the Combo 2 or CCS), but of Japanese origin. We’ll basically find this type of charging in non-European markets, since in EU territory both the Mennekes-type connector and the CCS have been adopted by all manufacturers, banishing the CHAdeMO to the Japanese market, mainly. It’s that easy. We already know what types of charging exist and which one is best for our vehicle. But do you know how electric vehicle charging stations work? Don’t worry, you don’t need to read on; you can find out by watching this video, which explains it perfectly in just two minutes. It’s worth it: