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What kind of charger does Chevy use?

Chevrolet’s electric vehicles in North America primarily rely on two connector standards: SAE J1772 for regular AC charging and CCS Combo 1 for DC fast charging. The exact capabilities depend on the model, but these two standards cover most Chevy EV charging needs today.

Charging standards Chevrolet uses

Understanding the two core charging standards helps explain how Chevy EVs connect to power sources at home and on the road.

SAE J1772 (Type 1) for AC charging: This is the standard plug used for most Level 1 and Level 2 charging, including home charging with a 120V or 240V supply.

CCS Combo 1 for DC fast charging: Chevrolet EVs in North America use the CCS Combo 1 connector for rapid DC charging at public stations, enabling higher charging speeds than AC charging.

Onboard charger capabilities: Most Chevy EVs feature a Level 2 onboard charger in the roughly 7.2 kW range, with some models offering higher-amperage setups that push toward 11 kW. Actual available power depends on the vehicle and the installed home electrical system.

Charging speed on public DC fast charging: With CCS, Chevy vehicles can draw power from compatible DC fast chargers, but the maximum speed varies by model, battery state of charge, and the charger’s capability.

In short, Chevrolet aligns with common industry standards for both home and public charging to maximize compatibility and network access.

Home charging and practical tips

For daily use, most Chevy owners install a Level 2 charging setup at home and rely on public DC fast chargers when needed. Here are practical considerations.

Home charging: A dedicated 240V circuit with a Level 2 charger typically offers faster charging than a standard outlet, often delivering overnight full charges.

Portable charging options: Chevy includes a portable Level 1/Level 2 charger with the vehicle in many trims, which can be convenient for emergencies or on-the-go charging with a standard outlet.

Public charging networks: When using CCS DC fast charging, look for networks that support CCS Combo 1, such as Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint, to ensure compatibility with Chevy EVs.

Port location and access: Chevy EVs typically place the charging port on the front of the vehicle for AC and DC connections; consult your owner’s manual for exact port location and plug-in procedures.

Understanding these options helps Chevy owners plan charging around daily routines and road trips, balancing home charging convenience with the fast-charging opportunities on longer drives.

What this means for current Chevy models

New Chevrolet electric models in the U.S. and Canada generally use CCS Combo 1 for DC fast charging and SAE J1772 for Level 2 AC charging. Battery sizing, onboard charger rating, and vehicle software can influence actual charging speeds, but the two-standard approach remains the industry standard in Chevy’s lineup.

Summary

Chevrolet’s electric vehicles rely on SAE J1772 for regular AC charging and CCS Combo 1 for DC fast charging in North America. The onboard AC charging rate is typically around 7.2 kW, with some models offering higher rates, while DC fast charging speeds vary by model and charger capability. For best results, use Level 2 home charging where available and public CCS DC fast charging networks when rapid charging is needed. Understanding these standards helps Chevy EV owners plan charging around daily life and longer trips.

What type of charger does Chevy use?

Home chargers
Available Level 2* Wall Chargers require a 240-volt appliance-like outlet or can be directly hardwired into your home. The GM PowerUp 2 charger can also be paired with your myChevrolet mobile app* for smart charging capabilities.

Are CCS and J1772 the same?

No, CCS and J1772 are not the same, but they are related: J1772 is the standard for AC charging, while CCS is a combination of J1772 for AC charging plus additional pins for faster DC fast charging. J1772 is used for standard AC charging at home or public stations, while CCS is a larger, more versatile connector designed for both AC and high-speed DC charging on long trips.

J1772

What it is: A standard connector for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging.
Function: Transmits AC power to the vehicle's onboard charger.
Appearance: A 5-pin connector.
Speed: Up to 19.2 kW.
Use: Ideal for overnight or slower charging, commonly found in homes and public AC charging stations.

CCS (Combined Charging System)

What it is: An extension of J1772 that adds DC fast charging capabilities.
Function: Supports both AC and DC charging through a single connector.
Appearance: A J1772 connector with two large DC pins added below it, for a total of seven pins.
Speed: Supports much faster DC charging, with speeds up to 350 kW or more.
Use: Designed for fast charging at public stations, which is crucial for long-distance travel.

Key takeaway
A vehicle with a CCS port can still use a standard J1772 plug for AC charging, because the J1772 connector is integrated into the CCS design. However, a vehicle with only a J1772 port cannot use a CCS DC fast charger without an adapter.

Can Chevy EV use a Tesla charger?

Yes, Chevrolet EVs can use Tesla Superchargers with an adapter, but it requires purchasing a GM-approved NACS DC adapter and activating the service through the myChevrolet app. Starting with 2025 models, new Chevrolet EVs will have the necessary native Supercharger-compatible charging ports.

For current owners

Purchase an adapter: Buy a GM-approved NACS DC adapter. www.sun-chevy.com notes that adapters can cost around $225.
Set up in the app: Activate your Tesla Supercharger access through the myChevrolet app.
Find a station: Use the app to locate a Tesla Supercharger station with a Magic Dock or another compatible adapter.
Plug in: Attach the adapter to your car's charging port and then plug in the Tesla charger.

For 2025 and newer models

No adapter needed: Newer Chevrolet EVs will have the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port built in, so no adapter is necessary for Supercharger access.
Use the app: You will still need to activate your Supercharger access through the myChevrolet app to start a charge session.

Is CCS or CHAdeMO better?

Speed and Power. CHAdeMO typically delivers up to 50 kW, although newer versions can go higher (up to 400 kW in rare cases). It's a good option for older EVs or those that don't need ultra-fast charging. CCS supports much faster charging, often exceeding 350 kW, which is ideal for newer EVs with larger batteries.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.