Is CCS a type 2 charger?
CCS is not exclusively a Type 2 charger; it is the Combined Charging System, implemented as two regional variants: CCS Type 1 for North America and CCS Type 2 for Europe. In Europe, the CCS2 variant uses the Type 2 (Mennekes) AC connector with two additional DC pins for fast charging.
What is the Combined Charging System?
The Combined Charging System (CCS) standard was developed to unify AC and DC charging around a common connector. It builds on the existing Type 1 or Type 2 AC plugs by adding two DC pins (the “Combo” pins) to enable high-power DC charging without requiring a separate DC connector. This design allows an EV to use the same physical port for both AC charging and DC fast charging, depending on the charger and the vehicle’s capabilities.
CCS Type 1 vs CCS Type 2
To cover different regions, CCS exists as two regional variants that share the same concept but differ in the base AC plug they modify.
- CCS Type 1 (North America): Base is the SAE J1772 Type 1 connector; two extra DC pins are added on the bottom for DC fast charging.
- CCS Type 2 (Europe): Base is the IEC Type 2 (Mennekes) connector; two extra DC pins are added on the bottom for DC fast charging.
In practice, the CCS name covers both variants; vehicles and charging networks in different regions support the appropriate variant. The two DC pins carry the high-power DC current, while the AC contacts remain for mode 1/2 charging as applicable and for backward compatibility with slower charging.
Power levels and practical use
Public CCS charging stations are capable of a wide range of power. In Europe with CCS2, many chargers provide 50 kW to 350 kW, with some sites and vehicles capable of higher power. In North America with CCS1, chargers similarly range from tens of kilowatts to around 350 kW, depending on the network and vehicle compatibility. Vehicle manufacturers must support the corresponding CCS variant to take full advantage of DC fast charging at these stations.
Two DC pins: how they deliver power
The two additional DC pins inside a CCS connector are dedicated to high-power direct current delivery. While the standard AC pins handle slower charging or vehicle control, the DC pins supply the bulk of the energy during DC fast charging. The charger and vehicle communicate to negotiate voltage, current, and safety parameters before the session begins.
Regional adoption and compatibility
Europe predominantly uses CCS2 for DC fast charging, with widespread support across automakers and networks. North America uses CCS1, though some markets also support CHAdeMO or other standards depending on the region and vehicle. Many newer models are designed to support CCS in their respective regions and, in some cases, offer multi-region compatibility via different ports or adapters. Always check the vehicle’s charging port specification and the charger’s capabilities when planning charging in a new region.
Summary
CCS stands for Combined Charging System. It is not simply a Type 2 charger; it comprises two regional variants—CCS Type 1 for North America and CCS Type 2 for Europe—built on the base AC plug (SAE J1772 Type 1 or IEC Type 2) with two added DC pins for fast charging. This regional differentiation means CCS chargers deliver high-power DC charging across regions, with Europe widely deploying CCS2 and North America relying on CCS1.
Conclusion
For EV owners and travelers, understanding CCS means recognizing that “Type 2” refers to the European AC plug standard, while CCS refers to the combined AC/DC charging system that extends that plug with two DC pins for fast charging. The practical takeaway: CCS is a family of connectors, with CCS Type 1 and CCS Type 2 serving different regions, enabling broad access to rapid charging worldwide.
What type of charger is a CCS?
The Combined Charging System (CCS) Combo connector has had prominence as a versatile solution for EV charging. Combining the standard J1772 connector with two additional DC fast charging pins, the CCS Combo port supports both AC and DC charging.
Are Type 2 and CCS the same?
When you see a CCS connector, it will look just like a Type 2 set-up with an additional two connector holes. When using a standard Type 2 charger, the bottom two holes on the connector will be free. These are only used by the CCS plug.
Are CCS and CCS2 the same?
Voltage and Current: Both CCS1 and CCS2 connectors support similar voltage ranges for DC fast charging, typically up to 920 V. However, there are slight differences in the maximum current: CCS1 supports up to 200 amps, while CCS2 can handle up to 350 amps due to its robust design, facilitating faster charging times.
Can Type 2 use CCS charging station?
CCS – Combined Charging System Standard
The term “combined” refers to the fact the CCS essentially adds rapid DC charging through an extension of Type 1 and Type 2 AC connectors, resulting in Combo 1 (CCS1) and Combo 2 (CCS2) connectors respectively, which can provide up to 350 kW of power.
