EV Charging Connector Types 2026: A Simple UK Guide for CCS, CHAdeMO & Type 2

As electric vehicles become increasingly common across the UK, many drivers are discovering that charging an EV is not always as simple as plugging in and powering up. Different vehicles use different charging connectors, charging speeds vary between home and public charging stations, and understanding compatibility is important before choosing a charger for your property.

If you have recently bought an electric or hybrid vehicle, or you are planning to, understanding EV charging connector types can help you make more informed decisions about your home charging setup and public charging options.

For advice tailored to your vehicle and property, contact EVC Installations by calling 01322 761101 to discuss the right EV charging solution for your home or business.

Quick Answer: What Are the Main EV Charging Connector Types?

In the UK, the three main EV charging connector types are Type 2, CCS and CHAdeMO. Type 2 is used for most AC charging, CCS is the dominant rapid charging standard, and CHAdeMO is mainly found on older Japanese electric vehicles.

Each connector serves a different purpose and supports different charging methods. Understanding the difference between AC and DC charging is also essential because connector compatibility often depends on the type of power being delivered.

The Two Types of EV Charging: AC vs DC

Before we dive into the different plug shapes, it helps to understand the two types of electricity used to charge your car: AC and DC.

Feature	AC Charging (Alternating Current)	DC Charging (Direct Current)
How it works	Your car’s built‑in converter changes AC from the grid into DC for the battery.	The charger converts AC to DC before it reaches your car – the battery gets DC directly.
Typical charging speed	Slow to fast: 3.7kW – 22kW (home units usually 7.4kW)	Rapid to ultra‑rapid: 50kW – 350kW+
Time to add ~100 miles of range	4–6 hours (7.4kW home charger)	15–30 minutes (depending on charger power)
Where you’ll find it	• Home wall boxes • Workplace chargers • On‑street lamp post chargers • Many public AC posts	• Motorway service stations • Dedicated rapid charging hubs • Petrol forecourts with EV bays
Common connector types in the UK	Type 2 (standard)	CCS (most common), CHAdeMO (older Nissan Leaf / Japanese EVs)
Best for	Overnight charging, daily top‑ups, lower cost per mile	Long journeys, quick en‑route top‑ups, emergency range boosts
Impact on battery	Gentle, minimal long‑term degradation	Occasional use is fine; frequent rapid charging may increase wear over many years

So, in a nutshell: AC is your everyday, overnight, home charging solution. DC is for rapid top-ups when you’re out and about.

The Main EV Charging Connector Types in the UK

Now let’s look at the physical plugs you’ll actually encounter at charging points across the country.

Type 2 – The UK’s Standard AC Connector

The Type 2 connector, sometimes called a Mennekes plug, is the standard AC charging connector for the UK and Europe. It has seven pins and can support power levels from 3.7kW all the way up to 22kW on a three-phase supply, though most home installations deliver a comfortable 7.4kW.

You’ll find the Type 2 connector everywhere: at home on your own wall box, at workplace car parks, and on the majority of public AC charging posts. Most modern electric vehicles, including popular models from BMW, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Tesla, and Jaguar, come with a Type 2 inlet for AC charging.

If you’re having a home charger installed, the Type 2 plug is almost certainly what you’ll be using day in, day out. It’s reliable, secure (with a built-in locking mechanism), and perfectly suited to overnight charging.

CCS (Combined Charging System) – The Rapid Charging Hero

CCS stands for Combined Charging System, and the name tells you exactly what it does. It takes the familiar Type 2 connector and adds two hefty DC power pins just below it, creating a single port that can handle both AC and DC charging. On a CCS connector, you’ll notice the two extra holes at the bottom, those are the DC pins that do the fast-charging magic.

CCS is the standard for rapid and ultra-rapid DC charging in the UK and Europe. These chargers typically range from 50kW to 350kW or even higher, meaning you can add hundreds of miles of range in the time it takes to grab a coffee. For a 150kW CCS charger, you could get around 225 miles of charge in just 30 minutes.

Most new electric vehicles sold in the UK today use a CCS port for DC fast charging. It’s become the dominant standard, and the number of CCS connectors available across the UK is growing rapidly.

CHAdeMO – The Veteran You Might Still See

CHAdeMO (short for “Charge de Move”, and also a playful Japanese phrase meaning “How about a cup of tea?”) was one of the first DC fast-charging standards to hit the market. It was the go-to rapid charging solution for early Japanese EVs, particularly the Nissan Leaf, as well as models from Mitsubishi and Kia.

The CHAdeMO connector is a separate, chunky plug used exclusively for DC fast charging. You won’t find it at home chargers, but you’ll still see it on some older rapid chargers, especially at motorway services.

However, CHAdeMO is slowly being phased out as car manufacturers and charging networks increasingly standardise around CCS. While many CHAdeMO-equipped vehicles remain perfectly usable on the public network today, most new EVs no longer come with it. If you’re buying a second-hand older Leaf or an early Kia Soul EV, you’ll need to check for CHAdeMO compatibility.

What About Type 1?

You might also come across references to a Type 1 connector. This was an older AC plug used on some early electric vehicles, but it has largely been phased out in the UK and Europe in favour of Type 2. Unless you’re driving a vintage EV, you probably won’t need to worry about Type 1.

Which Charger Should I Choose for Home?

For most UK homeowners, the answer is straightforward: a dedicated home EV charger with a Type 2 connector. Here’s why. Home chargers use AC power, typically delivering between 3.7kW and 7.4kW. A 7kW home charger will add roughly 25 to 30 miles of range per hour of charging. That means a full overnight charge is more than enough for most people’s daily driving needs.

A dedicated home charger is also much faster, safer, and more reliable than using a standard three-pin plug socket (sometimes called “granny charging”), which can take over 24 hours to fully charge many modern EVs and carries a risk of overheating over prolonged use. At EVC Installations, we specialise in bespoke, high-quality domestic charging solutions tailored to your home and your driving habits. We’ll take the time to understand your setup, recommend the right charger, and carry out the installation with minimal disruption and maximum tidiness.

Home Charging vs Public Rapid Charging

It’s worth understanding the difference between home and public charging, because they serve different purposes.

• Home charging (AC, Type 2): Slow, gentle on your battery, and perfect for overnight top-ups. You plug in when you get home, and you wake up to a full battery. It’s the most convenient and cost-effective way to charge your EV.

• Public rapid charging (DC, CCS or CHAdeMO): Fast and powerful, designed for long journeys. You use it when you’re on a road trip and need a quick boost to reach your destination. Rapid charging is more expensive than home charging and can put slightly more wear on your battery over time, so it’s best reserved for when you really need it.

For a more detailed look at the differences, you might find our blog on AC vs DC EV charger installation helpful.

Choosing the Right EV Charger: What Really Matters

When you’re choosing an EV charger for your home, the connector type is just one piece of the puzzle. Here are a few other things worth considering:

• Your daily mileage: How many miles do you drive on a typical day? For most people, a 7kW home charger offers more than enough overnight top-up power.

• Your home’s electrical supply: Most UK homes have a single-phase supply, which is perfectly suited to a 7kW charger. If your home has a three-phase supply, you could potentially install a 22kW charger, though not all cars can accept that much power.

• Smart features: Many modern chargers come with smart features like scheduling, energy monitoring, and integration with solar panels. These can help you charge more efficiently and save money.

• Installation quality: This is where we come in. A high-quality installation from an experienced, accredited team makes all the difference. We’re NIC-EIC accredited and offer a 2-year workmanship guarantee, so you can have complete peace of mind.

Making EV Charging Simple

Choosing the right EV charging connector doesn’t have to be complicated. For almost all UK drivers, the story is simple: Type 2 for home, CCS for rapid public charging, and CHAdeMO only if you drive an older Japanese model.

At EVC Installations, we believe that getting an EV charger installed should be a straightforward, positive experience. No hard sell, no confusing jargon, just friendly, professional advice and a high-quality installation you can trust. Our team has over six years of specialist experience, and we’re proud to have won the SME UK Transport Awards 2024 for Most Innovative EV Charger Installation Services.

The best way to find out exactly what you need is to have a chat with us. We’ll listen, answer your questions, and help you make the right choice for your home and your driving habits. Get in touch today by calling 01322 761101, we’d love to hear from you.

Frequently Asked Questions About EV Charging Connectors

What connector does my EV use?

Most modern EVs in the UK use a Type 2 connector for AC charging and a CCS charging connector for rapid DC charging. Some older Japanese models, such as the Nissan Leaf, may use a CHAdeMO connector. Check your vehicle handbook if you’re unsure.

Can I Use a CCS Charger at Home?

CCS-equipped vehicles can be charged at home, but domestic chargers typically use a Type 2 EV charger plug and AC power. CCS is primarily used for rapid DC charging at public charging stations.

Is CHAdeMO Being Phased Out?

CHAdeMO is still supported, but it is becoming less common as most manufacturers and charging networks adopt CCS as the standard rapid charging connector. Existing CHAdeMO vehicles can still access many public chargers.

Do All Public Chargers Use Type 2?

No. Public AC chargers usually use Type 2 connectors, while rapid and ultra-rapid chargers typically offer CCS, and sometimes CHAdeMO, connections. Many charging hubs provide multiple options.

What Is the Fastest EV Charging Connector?

The CCS charging connector is currently the fastest widely used charging standard in the UK. Some ultra-rapid chargers can deliver speeds of up to 350kW, although actual charging speeds depend on the vehicle.