If you’re buying an electric vehicle or installing a home charging station, you need to know the different EV charger and plug types. Choosing an EV with the right plug type is vital for a seamless, efficient charging experience.
We’ve already covered the difference between AC and DC chargers, so this guide will explain EV plugs.
Key Summary
- Understanding the different EV plug types in Australia is vital for ensuring you choose a compatible plug type
- Newer cars are shifting toward CCS2 and Type 2 plug types in Australia
- Type 2 plugs improved upon Type 1 plug connectors by enabling three-phase charging rather than just single-phase
- If you are researching EV charging cables or getting a residential EV charging station in Australia, you will most likely want a Type 2 plug
- As of 2020, all new electric vehicles sold in Australia must have both AC and DC plugs
- Certain older electric vehicles may still have Type 1 and CCS1 ports
- Tesla supercharging stations used to be exclusive to Tesla vehicles but are now allowing some EVs with CCS2 plug types to use these stations for a fee
- Certain older Tesla models may have a modified Type 2 port that requires an adaptor
AC EV Charger Plug Types
Type 2
Type 2 connectors are the standard AC plug type for EVs in Australia. You’ll find Type 2 plug types on all electric vehicles manufactured for the New Zealand and Australian markets since 2019.
Also called Mennekes, this plug type improves on Type 1 connectors. Type 2 plug types enable three-phase and single-phase AC charging rather than being limited to single-phase. This popular plug type features 5 large pins for earthing and power transfer. It also has two smaller pins that function as vehicle communication.
If you are researching EV charging cables or getting a residential EV charging station, you will most likely want a Type 2 plug. Make sure to pay attention to the cable and choose one that matches your electric vehicle.
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Type 1
Type 1 plugs are less common in Australia now that Type 2 is available. You may find Type 1 plugs in older or imported EVs. Type 1 plugs are only effective for single-phase charging, which is why Type 2 plugs are considered superior.
DC EV Charger Plug Types
CCS2
CCS2 stands for Combined Charging System (CCS2). This plug type is the most common DC charging plug in New Zealand and Australia.
The CCS2 plug type expands on Type 2 plugs by adding two additional pins on the lower part. These extra pins enable the CCS2 to be used for both AC or DC charging.
This versatile EV plug allows owners to ignore the two lower pins and use a Type 2 connector for AC charging. Or, remove the rubber flap and the CCS2 can be used at a DC fast charging station.
Learn More: What Is DC Fast Charging? A Simple Guide
CCS1
CCS1 plugs appear similar to CCS2 plugs, but their AC charging connectors are different. Although you won’t find CCS1 plugs at public charging stations in New Zealand or Australia, this type of plug is common in the US.
Both CCS1 and CCS2 plug types support DC fast charging. However, their AC connectors are not compatible.
For older EVs with CCS2 plug types, an adaptor may enable usage at a CCS2 charging station.
Other EV Charger Plug Types
Tesla
Current Tesla models, such as the Tesla Model 3 sedan and Tesla Model Y SUV, can use Type 2 plugs for AC charging and CCS2 plugs for DC charging.
Tesla Supercharger stations were formerly only available to Tesla owners. However, Tesla’s public charging networks are beginning to open up to EVs with CCS2 plug types. Still, you’ll need to pay more to use Superchargers if you aren’t a Tesla owner.
CHAdeMO
CHAdeMO was a popular EV charging plug type in Australia early on. However, CCS2 plug types have surpassed the CHAdeMO types in terms of effectiveness and popularity.
You may still find some older public charging stations that support CHAdeMO plug types, but they are becoming less common.
EVs that feature a CHAdeMO port usually also come with a Type 2 connector for AC or home charging.
Comparing Each EV Plug Type
| Type 1 | Type 2 | CCS1 | CCS2 | CHAdeMO | |
| AC or DC | AC | AC | DC | DC | DC |
| Application | Single-phase AC charging | Can be used for home charging stations | Fast charging | Fast charging; public charging stations | Fast charging |
| Popularity | Not common; only found in some older EVs | Most popular AC charging plug type in Australia | Not common in Australia | Most popular DC fast charging plug in Australia | No longer common in Australia |
| Area of Popularity | United States and Japan | Australia | United States | Australia | Japan |
Custom EV Charging Stations in Perth
It is important to understand the types of EV plugs to ensure you use a compatible plug type.
CCS2 and Type 2 plugs are the most common plug types in new electric vehicles in Australia. Vehicles with Type 1 or CHAdeMO plugs may make it harder to find public EV chargers.
Need personalised advice or assistance finding the right charging plug or EV charging station for your vehicle model and needs? Our WA-based team of in-house electricians is here to help with all your EV supply, installation, and servicing needs. Contact us with questions or for your free quote.
